Nipissing University receives $2 million gift

Nipissing University in North Bay has received $2 million to fund a bursary to help students who face economic barriers.

Nipissing University has received a $2 million donation from The Joyce Family Foundation to establish an endowed bursary fund aimed at supporting students facing socio-economic barriers to post-secondary education.

The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary Fund will provide annual bursaries of $5,000 to three qualifying students each year. The bursary is renewable for up to four years and will be awarded to full-time, undergraduate students entering their first year at Nipissing University. Eligible recipients must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, residents of northern Ontario, and graduates of a northern Ontario high school within the last three years. Applicants must also demonstrate significant financial need and perseverance in overcoming obstacles.

“We are deeply grateful to The Joyce Family Foundation for this generous gift and investment in the success of our students,” said Dr. Kevin Wamsley, the university’s president and vice-chancellor, in a news release.

“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.”

A unique aspect of the bursary program is its emphasis on mentorship. Recipients are required to participate in a mentorship program each year throughout their studies. Nipissing University will provide resources to connect students with mentorship opportunities, helping them build skills and networks to support their academic and professional development.

Joyce Family Foundation Board Trustee and former Ontario Premier Mike Harris was on campus last week to announce the donation.

“Education opens doors to new opportunities and is a catalyst for building strong leaders and strong communities,” Harris said.

“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 Joyce Family Foundation was established by Ronald V. Joyce (1930–2019), a Canadian entrepreneur best known for his role in building the Tim Hortons franchise. The Foundation focuses on improving the well-being of children and youth by providing opportunities to empower their success.

Nipissing University said it strives to emphasize accessibility and student success in the north and that this gift will complement the university’s existing scholarships, bursaries, and awards program, furthering its commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

The bursary program is expected to begin awarding funds in the 2024-2025 academic year.