File photo taken outside of the University of Lethbridge, September 7, 2022. The U of L's Board of Governors is pledging $10 million in match funds to support new student scholarships. (Photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

U of L announces new initiative to support student scholarships

Oct 12, 2022 | 11:31 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The University of Lethbridge (U of L) Board of Governors is stepping up to ensure prospective students have access to post-secondary education.

The U of L announced on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 that the board is pledging $10 million in match funds for the establishment of new endowed student scholarships.

The funds will be used to “attract and inspire” philanthropic assistance from the community in support of student awards and scholarships. The U of L said this will “significantly increase” the sustainability of the ULethbridge awards program.

Board of Governors Chair Dean Gallimore said, “Our students are at the centre of everything we do here, and student support and the student experience has long been a hallmark of ULethbridge.”

“What is available to our students is an enriching experience across a breadth of programs and majors, and one that prepares them as critical thinkers and global citizens,” Gallimore stated.

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“We see this endowment of funds as a means to remove barriers and allow more students the opportunity to pursue their passions and realize success.”

The U of L is hoping to build up a strong base of support by offering $10 million in match contributions and attract students to the post-secondary for many years to come.

Dr. Mike Mahon, U of L president and vice-chancellor said, “I applaud the board for this substantial commitment, which will have both an immediate and everlasting impact on the university’s mission to educate students as adaptive learners and strong-minded community leaders.”

He said the pledge “is a vote of confidence in what we do, who we are as a university and the future that is before us.”

Mahon added that he has had the chance to speak with many U of L students who have received scholarships. He said, “So many speak of how scholarship support allows them to focus on their studies, pursue their passions and really embrace the full university experience.”

The U of L also announced a group of alumni and community leaders who will help build a plan for the scholarship initiative moving forward. Former chancellor Janice Varzari, along with Terry Whitehead, Bernadine Boulet, and Roland Labuhn have been selected as ambassadors for the university.

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