Jason Shriner and Brenna Scott are both former presidents of the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union.Supplied
The organizers: Brenna Scott and Jason Shriner
The pitch: Raising $100,000
The cause: Scholarships at the University of Lethbridge
It’s been nearly 30 years since Jason Shriner was elected president of the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union, but the experience continues to shape him today.
“I can’t think of my experience at the university outside of my contributions and service in student government and the opportunities that it’s paved for me, it’s been extraordinary,” said Mr. Shriner, 52, who runs a property management and development company in Lethbridge, Alta.
Brenna Scott, who served as ULSU president in 2015, also credits her time on student government for opening up her career path. “I found from working in the students’ union that I really loved being in the non-profit world, so I’ve stayed with that since graduating,” said Ms. Scott, 31, who is a business development manager with Canadian Blood Services in Lethbridge.
The two former student leaders are now spearheading a unique fundraising drive that’s largely aimed at past ULSU presidents.
They’re hoping to raise $100,000 from all 57 former presidents to fund scholarships for current students. The money will be matched from a $10-million pool set up by the university’s board of governors three years ago to provide funds for scholarships.
The $200,000 endowment is expected to fund up to 10 ULSU President’s Awards, worth $1,000 each, annually. The scholarships will go to U of L students who make a measurable contribution to the community. “It’s open to any kind of student leaders, whether they’re in student government, campus clubs, university committees, athletic teams,” said Ms. Scott.
Mr. Shriner said the scholarships will recognize the important role experiential learning plays in students’ lives and he hopes other university alumni groups will create similar awards. “We want current and future students to have a robust educational experience where they know academic rigour is valued and rewarded, but so too is contribution to the scholastic community,” he said.
Those experiences gave him a sense of belonging, he added, “which for me, is the true source of joy.”