Celebrating 25 years of supporting students and programs at Thompson Rivers University, the TRU Foundation hosted its Annual Awards Ceremony, at 5:00 pm in the Grand Hall this evening.
The 250 donors met 293 TRU student award recipients at the ceremony, giving the students a chance to thank their benefactors for contributing the $391,000 that was handed out at the ceremony.
“Over the last 25 years donors and the Foundation’s members have helped students improve their life through the university experience,” said Daniel Dallaire, TRU Foundation Chair. “These recipients are now, and will be the leaders in our community.”
The 2007 Lieutenant Governor’s silver medal was also awarded to Teresa Parisone during the ceremony on Nov. 22. This medal is awarded to a student in a one-year post-secondary program who demonstrates both high marks and community service. Parisone, now a full-time Human Services Diploma program student, is an active volunteer with St. Ann’s Academy, Circle of Friends, The Boys and Girls club, Big Brothers Big Sisters and CFBX, TRU’s campus community radio.
Next week, on Nov. 29 Foundation Board and Society members will handout another $128,000 to 160 more students during the Foundation’s “unrestricted ceremony”. Earlier this year, the TRU Board of Governors awarded an additional $480,000 in bursaries and entrance scholarships.
These awards, plus other awards provided by Foundation donors that are given out in the winter and spring, will bring the grand total awarded to TRU students from all sources in the 2007/08 academic year to an estimated $1.3 million.
“When donors give to students who then graduate and contribute to their own communities, the benefits reaped by society by these small contributions are remarkable,” said Dallaire. “It is impressive what a difference a gift at this level can make. Thank you to all those who have contributed.”
Established in 1982, Foundation volunteers, mostly through the generosity of community donors, have raised just over $20M to support students, special projects and programs at TRU. The Foundation has 227 endowment funds totaling $7.6M, and another 201 annual funds, for a total of 428 student awards.
Foundation 25-year quick facts:
– 91 individuals have been Foundation board members
– An estimated 1000 volunteers have given of their time and talents
– $12,612,676 has been contributed to student awards, TRU programs and special projects.
– More than 7,600 students have received awards.
The TRU Foundation has a 15-member volunteer board and 64-member volunteer society. Last year the Foundation raised over $1.1 million to support student awards, program needs and special projects at TRU.
To make a donation to the TRU Foundation, to find out more about creating a student award fund or to establish a planned gift or legacy, please call 828-5264.
For more information please call:
Karen Gamracy
TRU Foundation Development Officer
(p)371-5715
(e)kgamracy@tru.ca
