$2 million donation creating new bursary at Nipissing
Bursary Description
A new annual bursary is ‘percolating’ at Nipissing University.
The Joyce Family Foundation, established by Tim Hortons co-founder Ron Joyce, has donated $2 million to Nipissing.
The money will create a bursary fund, providing financial support for students who face socio-economic barriers to pursuing post-secondary education.
“This transformative gift will have a lasting impact by ensuring more students from our region have access to a university education and opportunities to support their personal and professional growth,” says Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor, Nipissing University.
Annual bursaries of $5,000 will be awarded to three qualifying full-time, undergraduate students entering their first year at Nipissing University who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Along with demonstrating significant financial need as well as perseverance in overcoming obstacles, eligible recipients must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents that live in Northern Ontario and have graduated from a Northern Ontario high school within the last three years.
“Education opens doors to new opportunities and is a catalyst for building strong leaders and strong communities,” says Mike Harris, former Premier, Nipissing MPP and Board Trustee of the Joyce Family Foundation. “The Foundation is proud to be able to support the success of Nipissing students along their educational journeys and beyond by reducing financial barriers to achieving their goals and potential.”
The university says a distinctive feature of the bursary program is a mentorship program, helping students gain valuable skills and networks to support their academic and professional growth.
Officials say The Joyce Family Foundation is dedicated to improving the well-being of children and youth by providing opportunities that empower them to succeed.
Nipissing says this gift builds on the University’s existing scholarships, bursaries, and awards program while advancing its commitment to fostering an accessible, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive.