Trent University will create its largest-ever endowed bursary, to support local students with financial barriers to achieving their academic goals, thanks to a $2.5-million gift from the Joyce Family Foundation that was created by the co-founder of Tim Hortons.

The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary Endowment Fund will be available to any undergraduate student, in any field of study, with preference given to students who come from Peterborough (City or County), Durham Region, and Haliburton County, and who face socio-economic barriers to post-secondary education.

“This gift, which creates our largest fund for student aid, greatly enhances Trent University’s ability to support students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “We thank the Joyce Family Foundation for changing lives and believing in local students who need a helping hand to pursue their dreams.”

The fund will provide annual bursaries of up to $5,000 for four students per year and will require each successful applicant to work with a mentor in an extracurricular activity throughout their program. The bursary, renewable up to a maximum of four years, is to be applied against the cost of tuition/fees and educational expenses. The bursaries dovetail with Trent’s supportive environment that includes the recent hiring of an enrolment advisor focused on access and inclusion, who provides outreach and application support to potential students who may not consider post-secondary education to be an option. The University’s unique collegiate system will also anchor the bursary’s required mentorship, providing referrals and supports as needed.

The Joyce Family Foundation is a private family foundation created by the late Ronald V. Joyce (1930-2019), the legendary Canadian behind the success of the Tim Hortons franchise.

“Ron Joyce believed in hard work and the power of education to open doors and help meet potential,” said Maureen O’Neill, executive director of the Joyce Family Foundation. “This gift is part of the Board’s commitment to Ron Joyce’s legacy and genuine belief in youth to bring their talents and contributions into Canadian society.”

“Thanks to this generous gift, we can now offer even greater support for an accessible education for all,” adds Heather Crowley, acting University registrar at Trent University. “We thank the Joyce Family Foundation for supporting students who face barriers as Trent helps guide them to becoming the leaders of tomorrow.”