Amidst the splendor of the 17th annual TRU Foundation Gala a local Kamloops resident stepped forward to donate $1.5 million to create endowed scholarships for top students in each of the university’s Schools and Faculties.

Alvin Grunert, a retired Oakalla Farm Prison guard, made the largest gift by an individual to the university at the Foundation’s premier fund raising event at the Grand Hall on Saturday, Feb7.

“You probably haven’t heard of me. I don’t own any local businesses, I do not run a major company and I have never been in the newspaper.” Grunert told the 300 guests. “I am pledging $1.5 million to create scholarships here at Thompson Rivers University, money that will help our best and brightest students reach for their dreams while improving our world. Thousands of kids will be helped by what I do tonight and I am privileged and honoured to do it.”

Before he stepped away from the podium the 83-year old said, “I will leave you with this; if I can step up here and change the world tonight, what will you do tomorrow?”

“We are moved, excited and grateful that during these difficult economic times, an individual donor has realized that post-secondary education is transformative both for young lives and for British Columbia. Alvin Grunert has stepped up to the plate and created a legacy of learning and leadership at TRU,” said Dr. Kathleen Scherf, TRU President and Vice-Chancellor.

Grunert was motivated to make the large gift to TRU because he was unable to attend university himself after he left the family farm in Yorkton Saskatchewan in 1943. “Back in those days it was hard to get a job without an education, I can only imagine how it is now”, he said.

“Rarely do you find a person with the kindness and foresight to make such a large donation that will make such a huge impact in the lives of so many students; Alvin Grunert is one such man,” said Christopher Seguin, TRU Vice-President Advancement.

Contact: Christopher Seguin, TRU Vice-President Advancement, (c)250-852-6357