Thompson Rivers University awarded close to half a million dollars to students at its Annual Foundation Award Ceremony today.

The $448,178 was given out on Nov. 25, as part of an expected $1,593,000 that TRU students will receive throughout the year in the form of scholarships, bursaries, and awards from the TRU Foundation and internal university funding.

The floor of the TRU Gymnasium was crowded with 530 student recipients meeting with the representatives of the 280 donor sponsored awards.

Speaking as chair of the TRU Foundation, John O’Fee addressed the donors and students saying, “For 28 years the TRU Foundation has been supporting students and the university. During this time, the Foundation through the generosity of our donors has built an endowment portfolio for student assistance of $10.2 million dollars. Last year the Foundation raised $2.7 million dollars for students, buildings and programs at TRU. This is accomplished through the continued support of our donors and the hard work and efforts of the volunteers and staff team.”

For the first time, a TRU Culinary Arts student was awarded the Lt. Governor’s Silver Medal at TRU. Lillie Turner, now admitted in the Apprenticeship Cook program, was selected by the Senate Awards and Honours Committee as the 2010 certificate graduate who best embodies the criteria for both her high marks and community service.

After receiving the medal and a bouquet from President and Vice-Chancellor Roger Barnsley, Turner said, “On behalf of each student who is receiving an award today, I would like to thank all the donors for their generosity and support. Many of the students in this room work hard to make ends meet, in order to be able to realize their dream of obtaining a quality education and to pursue the career of their choice.

“What an amazing feeling to open that envelope, and know that members of our community are investing in my future, and rooting for my success…. I know the students present today feel the same” – Lillie Turner, Lt. Governor Silver Medalist

“What an amazing feeling to open that envelope, and know that members of our community are investing in my future, and rooting for my success…. I know the students present today feel the same,” she added, reflecting on receiving last year’s $2500 Chef’s in the City award given by the Kamloops Rotary Club through the Foundation.

“Every year I am amazed at the generosity of our donors. Whether they are establishing an endowment that will create a legacy, making an annual donation to an award, or attending one of our fundraising events; they continually rise to the task of addressing the growing financial challenges our students face,” said Christopher Seguin, TRU VP Advancement.