Loyalist College receives $15k donation toward creation of the Al Purdy Memorial Bursary

Belleville, ON, December 16, 2021 – This week, Loyalist College received a $15,000 donation from Eurithe Purdy toward the creation of The Al Purdy Memorial Bursary, in honour of her late husband and beloved Canadian poet, Al Purdy.

“It is an honour to share in the legacy of Al Purdy, a defining voice in the landscape of Canadian poetry, whose words will continue to influence and inspire the next generation of Canadian writers,” said Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College President and CEO. “Poetry has the power to transform ordinary human experience into the extraordinary, creating beauty and meaning in the span of a few lines. On behalf of the entire Loyalist College community, I’d like to thank Eurithe Purdy for this generous donation, which will directly support artistic development for students in our local region.”

Funds from the Al Purdy Memorial Bursary will be used to cover the annual tuition of three graduating high school students from across Trenton High School, Prince Edward Collegiate Institute (PECI), and Eastside Secondary School. Eligible candidates must be pursuing postsecondary education in fields of Canadian Studies, Natural Resources, Health Sciences, Medical Sciences, Building Trades, or the Arts. In addition, candidates must demonstrate strong work ethic through paid work experience and community involvement. Applicants will also submit a 500-word essay describing their background and ambitions, while making reference to the work of Al Purdy.

“This bursary will be awarded to local high school students to allow them to attend this fine institution,” said Mrs. Purdy. “This will also provide students with the opportunity to start their careers of choice without the financial burden that many students face when graduating postsecondary education. We are extremely fortunate to have this College in our small but mighty community.”

About Loyalist College

Loyalist College is located on the territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, and the Haudenosaunee people. We acknowledge our shared obligation to respect, honour, and sustain these lands and the natural resources contained within. Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges and #1 in the country for industry research income as a percentage of total research income, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Of 2018-19 Loyalist graduates, 88.8 percent were employed within six months after graduation. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.7 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $382 million annually to the regional economy – based on a March 2020 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit loyalistcollege.com.

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Contact:
Braden Root-McCaig
Director of Marketing and Communications
Loyalist College
647-523-4300
brootmccaig@loyalistcollege.com