Expanding educational options

Help allow for more time in the classroom on Giving Day, Nov. 29

In 2021, Mount Royal University held its inaugural Giving Day, a 24-hour campaign focusing efforts on raising critical funds for current and future students, providing support in and out of the classroom.

This year’s Giving Day will take place on Nov. 29, and will offer several fun challenges in which to take part.

“Giving Day is when we shine a light on philanthropy within our own community and how any gift — large or small — can make a difference,” says MRU president and vice-chancellor Tim Rahilly, PhD. “Last year, 671 donors raised $262,646.86, of which $107,000 went towards student awards. Those are funds that provide immediate relief to students.”

Sixty years of graduates gave on Giving Day 2021, representing every decade from the 1950s to the 2020s. Cougar Athletics, the MRU Conservatory and everything in between received support from generous donors. 

The impact of a gift

Primmy Tizora
Recipient of the Dr. George W. Kerby Memorial Bursary

 

Between the cost of tuition and balancing motherhood, Primmy Tizora wasn’t sure if she would be able to finish her degree.

Initially, Tizora had begun working on her Social Work Diploma, however, upon receiving financial support through the Dr. George W. Kerby Memorial Bursary she decided to continue her academic career and is now in her third year of her Bachelor of Social Work.

A sense of relief comes from being financially supported, she says.

"As a mom and student, the awards helped me cope because I did not have to worry about finances due to the support I have been receiving.”

Tizora was planning to take a semester off to work and save money, but the bursary allowed her to continue studying and also expand her family. She welcomed her second baby in September.

A motivated Tizora has been on the Dean's Honour Roll for the last two years.

For Giving Day 2022, students have identified mental health and wellness and student awards and bursaries as their priority areas of need. A major goal for this year is to grow MRU’s scholarship endowment to $50 million from its current status of $47.5 million. In addition, as part of MRU’s drive to meet the growing and evolving needs of students and to align with the post-secondary sector on scholarship supports, donors and alumni have contributed more than  $5,000 to go towards work being done by MRU as guided by the Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework.

There are a million reasons to give. What’s yours?