Thompson Rivers University awarded $409,000 to 470 students at its 27th annual Foundation Awards Ceremony Thursday evening.

Kathrin Arcari receives the Lieutenant Governor's silver medal from TRU Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Roger Barnsley.

It was standing room only on the floor of the TRU Gymnasium as student recipients’ met with donors to receive financial support from the 254 donor sponsored awards

Speaking as chair of the TRU Foundation John O’Fee said, as he looked over the crowd of students and donors, “This is the day that our group of 42 volunteer Foundation members works so hard all year for, and the reason donors contribute to the TRU Foundation – to be able to provide financial support to students in the form of scholarships and bursaries.”

‘The main reason I am back at school is to make a better life for my family and I hope Erin’s family knows this financial support will help me get the skills I need to make difference for my wife and children.’ – Ray Johnson, Recipient of the Erin Doyle Bursary

Thursday’s awards are a part of the expected $1,420,000 that students will receive throughout the year in the form of scholarships, bursaries and awards from the TRU Foundation and internal university funding. In addition to this many students take advantage of thousands of dollars available in government grant programs.

“We are tremendously grateful to many of our donors who stepped forward with generous contributions to top up their endowment funds to maximize award amounts to students during this difficult economy,” said Christopher Seguin, TRU Vice-President Advancement. “Through their support we have been able to partially cover the loses that so many other post-secondary foundations are facing during these challenging economic times.”

Students like Ray Johnson, the father of two toddlers, enrolled in TRU’s Commercial Transport Vehicle Mechanic/Technician program. Johnson is this the recipient of the Erin Doyle Bursary. Master Cpl Erin Doyle was killed in Afghanistan on August 11, 2008. In his memory, Doyle’s family and friends established the bursary.

“I am humbled that I receiving an award in memory of young soldier who died in Afghanistan,” Johnson said. “The main reason I am back at school is to make a better life for my family and I hope Erin’s family knows this financial support will help me get the skills I need to make difference for my wife and children.”

Warrant Officer Shawn Derrington knew Doyle during his service in the Canadian Armed Forces, represented the Rocky Mountain Rangers at the awards ceremony and presented the award to Johnson.

The 2009 Lieutenant Governor’s silver medal was also awarded to Kathrin Arcari during the ceremony on Nov. 26. This medal is awarded to a student in a one-year post-secondary program who demonstrates both high marks and community service. Now a full-time Bachelor of Arts student, Arcari was recently selected by the Senate Awards and Honours Committee as the 2009 certificate graduate who best embodies these criteria.

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 250-828-5264.