RR Smith Bursary in Education
R. R. Smith Memorial Fund Foundation University Endowment Awards by Barb Mikulec, Director
The R. R. Smith Memorial Fund Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the B. C. Retired Teachers Association. In 2006 a $150,000 donation from the BCTF was used to create endowment funds in each of the public universities that grant education degrees. Each of these universities use the endowment to create at least one R. R. Smith Bursary each year.
Simon Fraser University In 2011, SFU disbursed an award of $950. The student wrote ‘I am in my first semester of Le Programme de Formation Professionnelle; I am completing the one-year program to be a British Columbia certified teacher, with a specialization in French. After the completion of the program I hope to find a teaching position within British Columbia that will permit me to inspire and motivate students to learn French and cultivate a passion for the Francophone world. The bursary has been of great personal benefit. It has reduced my financial stress and I now feel less pressure to pick up shifts during the week, leaving me precious time during the evenings after a full day at school to re-work my lesson plans and assignments. Please accept my sincere thank you.’
University of British Columbia In 2011 two students received awards totalling $550. One student will attain her Bachelor of Education, with a concentration First Nations Education. The second student is studying for her Bachelor of Education, with a concentration in Kindergarten/Primary. The awards office stated, ‘Student awards not only provide much appreciated academic recognition and financial support to our students but also help the University recruit and retain outstanding scholars. On behalf of the students, faculty and administration of the university, I would like to convey our heart-felt appreciation for your financial support and for your interest in our students.’
Vancouver Island University A student in the Bachelor of Education program was awarded $250 in 2011, and the amount of $500. is available for 2012. The university awards office stated, ‘Scholarships and bursaries created by our donors touch so many students and assist them in pursuing their career goals. Many of our students could not complete their education without the help of donors.’ The student wrote, ‘The generous donation will assist me in completing my 5 year Bachelor of Education. I am the first in my family to go to university and I also grew up in a single parent family. This aided me in the realization that there is a huge value in university education. Through all of my volunteering and working with children I know that I am on the right path. With your generous support you are helping me achieve my dreams. Thank you so much!’
University of Northern British Columbia In 2011 a student studying Secondary Education received an award of $250. He said, ‘I truly appreciate you helping me fund my education and therefore make my future career goals possible. I am a native of Smithers, BC and I am about to proceed into my second year of the B Ed program at UNBC. I completed my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UNBC. I am thoroughly enjoying my teacher training and I am excited to get into the educational work force. After I finish the education program at UNBC I plan to seek a job in the north because I enjoy the lifestyle and have lived here all my life. Eventually, I would like to carry out my Masters degree in UNBC in either counselling or leadership.’