Generations of deserving young Manitoba students, who have enrolled at Brandon University, have benefitted from major scholarships thanks to ongoing donations from Brian and Esther Pallister.
This year marks the 25th year that the couple has given to scholarships at the university, beginning with their gift in 1999 to BU’s Success in Mind Campaign, although Brian’s charitable giving to the BU Foundation actually began even earlier, in 1990. Then, over a period of 20 years, from 2001 to 2021, the Pallisters established four endowed awards to support a variety of students.
“Esther and I see these scholarships as a way to give something back to the university and province that we appreciate so much,” Brian said. A double alumnus of BU, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1975 and a Bachelor of Education in 1978, Brian was also a standout Bobcat basketball player and later provincial champion curler. After BU, he went on to careers in education, insurance, and politics, culminating in his election as Manitoba Premier in 2016 and re-election in 2019.
My time at BU helped me discover my potential and I believe lifelong learning is the key to achieving one’s goals,” he said.
Twelve students were awarded Pallister Scholarships this year, in multiple categories, with each scholarship worth between $780–1,000. Since the Pallister awards were first awarded, more than $60,000 has been disbursed to students.
Earlier this spring, Brian returned to the BU campus to meet many of the recipients.
“I am beyond grateful to have been selected as a recipient of one of Mr. and Mrs. Pallister’s scholarships. Their generosity will support me as I work toward a future career in nursing, and for that, I am immensely appreciative,” said Reese Bolack, a recipient of the Pallister Entrance Scholarship who is just completing her first year at BU in pre-nursing.
Established in 1980, the BU Foundation now stewards more than $70 million and last year disbursed a total more than $3 million to BU causes — including more than $2 million directly to deserving students in the form of scholarships and bursaries.
“Scholarships are one of the best ways to support the new generation of learners, helping ensure that everyone can reach their full potential,” said BU President David Docherty. “Our sincere thanks to the Pallister family for their support of the BU Foundation over the last quarter century. Their generous financial gifts have opened doors to a brighter future for many Brandon University students.”
Pallister scholarship recipients
Pallister ACC/BU Scholarship
- Sydni Belinski
- Sierra Hadway
Pallister Entrance Scholarship
- Caitlin Anderson
- Reese Bolack
- Sierra Fast
- Joshua Hillier
Pallister Men’s Athletic Award
- Riley Grusing – Volleyball
- Khari Ojeda-Harvey – Basketball
- Zachary Wood – Soccer
Pallister Women’s Athletic Award
- Kallie Ball – Volleyball
- Emilie Dornez – Soccer
- Beth Dueck – Basketball
Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca
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To receive any BU publication in an alternate format please contact Communications@BrandonU.ca
About BU
Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca.