Nipissing University has received a $2 million gift from The Joyce Family Foundation to establish an endowed bursary fund that will provide financial support for students who face socio-economic barriers to pursuing post-secondary education.
The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary Fund will provide annual bursaries of $5,000 to three qualifying students each year. The bursary, renewable for up to four years, will be awarded to full-time, undergraduate students entering their first year at Nipissing University who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Eligible recipients must be residents of northern Ontario who have graduated from a northern Ontario high school within the last three years and demonstrate significant financial need as well as perseverance in overcoming obstacles.
“Education opens doors to new opportunities and is a catalyst for building strong leaders and strong communities,” said Mike Harris, Board Trustee of the Joyce Family Foundation, who was on campus to make the announcement. “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.”
A distinctive feature of the bursary program is its focus on mentorship. As a condition of receiving the award, recipients must commit to participating in a mentorship program each year throughout their studies.
"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," said Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President of Nipissing University.
The Joyce Family Foundation, established by renowned Canadian entrepreneur Ronald V. Joyce (1930-2019), is dedicated to improving the well-being of children and youth by providing opportunities that empower them to succeed. Best known for his role in building the Tim Hortons franchise, Joyce’s legacy of philanthropy continues to make an impact on education and communities across Canada.