Category: Give

Community Engagement

Freemason donation supports bursaries for BU Mini University program

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The Valley of Brandon Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in conjunction with the Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation of Canada have stepped up to support bursaries that will help children attend the summer Mini University camp programs at Brandon.

The local contribution is matching a donation made through the national organization: members of the Valley of Brandon Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry as well as the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of Canada through the Scottish Rite Foundation have each provided $1,000 for a total gift of $2,000.

“Freemasonry is about equity and about access, especially for children,” said Dr. Balfour Spence, a BU professor and Freemason member who spearheaded the application to the Scottish Rite Foundation through Gordon Greasley, Deputy Sovereign Grand Commander for Manitoba and Nunavut Territory.

Alumni

BU Co-op Program bucks youth unemployment trend with another landmark year

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Brandon University’s Co-operative Education Program is celebrating the largest cohort in program history, another year of exceptional student employment outcomes, and the launch of a new fund designed to help even more students access meaningful work-integrated learning experiences.

More than 60 students, alumni, employers, mentors, and community leaders gathered Tuesday evening for the BU Co-op Impact Event, which highlighted the program’s continued growth and success.

Alumni

Apex Award recognizes Dr. Bill Myers for service to Brandon University Foundation

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Longtime community leader, physician, and Brandon University supporter Dr. Bill Myers was honoured Wednesday with the Brandon University Foundation Honorary Trustee Apex Award, the Foundation’s highest recognition for meritorious service and outstanding leadership.

The award was presented during the Brandon University Foundation Annual Luncheon, held at the Victoria Inn.

“I think this award is primarily one for longevity,” Dr. Myers laughed, adding that he was proud to be in his fifth term serving the Foundation.

Alumni

Banner year of donor support lifts Brandon University Foundation over $100 million mark

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The Brandon University Foundation has reached a historic milestone, surpassing $100 million in total assets for the first time in its history. This follows a banner year of donor support in 2025, with new high-water marks for donations to the Annual Fund appeal and disbursements back to Brandon University for academic, institutional, and student support.

Community Engagement

Waves of Hope paddles toward $150K goal for Brandon University breast cancer research

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Westman and Parkland’s breast cancer survivor dragon boat team, Waves of Hope, is turning shared experience into action—bringing southwestern Manitoba together for learning, connection and a major new investment in local research.

On Saturday, April 11, more than 120 people gathered at Brandon University for A Day of Hope & Education, the first-ever, one-day conference in the Westman region dedicated to exploring breast cancer research, wellness, and survivorship through a patient-focused lens.

Community Engagement

Brandon University celebrates donors at President’s Circle Holiday Reception

Some of Brandon University’s most committed donors were celebrated at an evening reception this week. Members of the President’s Circle were welcomed to the annual Holiday Reception to meet with new BU President Dr. Christine Bovis-Cnossen.

Awards and Recognition

Million-dollar gift to Brandon University doubles Chernoff Family Award

A remarkable new gift of nearly $1.1 million from longtime supporter Michael N. Chernoff will significantly expand one of Brandon University’s most prestigious entrance awards, creating new opportunities for top incoming students across campus.

Dorine Chernoff

Chernoff, who lives in West Vancouver but has deep Prairie roots, made the gift of securities in October to the Chernoff Family Award, which he established in 2001 in honour of his late wife, Dorine Marjorie Chernoff (née Dennison) and her parents, Agnes and Roland Dennison, who encouraged and supported her pursuit of higher education at Brandon.

Community Engagement

Gulliver Astronomical Observatory receives $100,000 to replace protective dome

The Manitoba government is partnering with Brandon University to replace the Gulliver Astronomical Observatory’s telescope dome to ensure future generations can use Manitoba’s largest public telescope, Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable and Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced today.

“For over half a century, the telescope at the Gulliver Astronomical Observatory opened a window to the galaxy for Westman’s scientific community.