by Carol Scarratt, vice-chair, Calgary Alumni Branch
 

Studying can be an expensive endeavour "If it wasn’t for the scholarship and bursary program at Royal Roads, many of us would have found program completion much more difficult," says Carol Scarratt, seen her at Homecoming 2008 with RRU president Allan Cahoon.

It’s been some time since many of us graduated from Royal Roads and we're back now focused on work and family - and perhaps enjoying our newfound dream job - or we are back in school.

Whichever it is, I’m confident we are all making a meaningful contribution to our chosen ventures.

As you know, studying can be an expensive endeavour. The cost of going back to school has often been a deterrent for many talented potential learners who desire quality education but do not have access to the necessary funds.

Some of us have seen the unfortunate withdrawal of fellow learners who could not afford to complete the program due to the costs. If it wasn’t for the scholarship and bursary program at Royal Roads, many of us who were recipients of student awards through Royal Roads or other organizations or individuals would have found program completion much more difficult. If this is the case, you may be further inspired to give back.

Award announced in May The Calgary Alumni Wild Rose Impact Award was announced May 1 at a lunch and learn session attended by Allan Cahoon, RRU president and Dan Spinner, vice president and chief development officer of the Royal Roads University Foundation.

The Calgary Alumni Branch is raising money for a Wild Rose Alberta Alumni Impact Award. This bursary, the first initiated by Royal Roads alumni since the university's inception, will be awarded to an Alberta resident who demonstrates a strong commitment to post-secondary education and can best describe how completion of a program at Royal Roads will make a difference in their lives and the lives of those around them.

The goal is to provide an opportunity for new learners to get the same quality education we received so that they can pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world.

We believe in providing opportunities for individuals who have not yet experienced Royal Roads and all that it has to offer.

Are you a member of the Royal Roads Alberta Alumni? Please consider making a donation so that we can raise enough for the first award - a bursary worth $1000 - to be presented this fall.

We plan to continue to build the fund through the development of some fun and creative events and establish an endowment so the award can be offered annually.

Want to double your donation? Ask your employer if they have a donation-matching program that will take your tax-deductible donation and match it. It’s a great way to turn a little into a lot. And don’t forget. Your donation is 100 per cent tax deductible!

I hope you’ll agree that this is an excellent opportunity to give back to a community that has helped us along our path. Why not join us? The Calgary branch challenges all other branches world-wide to establish an Alumni Award.

To request a pledge form and full information, contact Julie Barlow, RRU's development and communications coordinator or Carol Scarratt.

Carol Scarratt (MALT 2005-01) is a Chancellor’s Award recipient (2007) and can be reached by e-mailing carol.scarratt@community.royalroads.ca or calling 403-949-2238.