Major Donation to Nipissing University

Nipissing University receives $2M gift from The Joyce Family Foundation for Student Bursaries

Nipissing University has received a $2 million gift from The Joyce Family Foundation to establish an endowed bursary fund that will provide crucial financial support for students who face socio-economic barriers to pursuing post-secondary education.

"We are deeply grateful to The Joyce Family Foundation for this generous gift and investment in the success of our students,” said Dr. Kevin Wamsley, President and Vice-Chancellor, Nipissing University. "This transformative gift will have a lasting impact by ensuring more students from our region have access to a university education and opportunities to support their personal and professional growth."

The Joyce Family Foundation Bursary Fund will provide annual bursaries of $5,000 to three qualifying students each year. The bursary, renewable for up to four years, will be awarded to full-time, undergraduate students entering their first year at Nipissing University who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Eligible recipients must be residents of Northern Ontario who have graduated from a Northern Ontario high school within the last three years and demonstrate significant financial need as well as perseverance in overcoming obstacles.

“Education opens doors to new opportunities and is a catalyst for building strong leaders and strong communities,” said Mike Harris, Board Trustee of the Joyce Family Foundation, who was on campus to make the announcement. “The Foundation is proud to be able to support the success of Nipissing students along their educational journeys and beyond by reducing financial barriers to achieving their goals and potential.”

A distinctive feature of the bursary program is its focus on mentorship. As a condition of receiving the award, recipients must commit to participating in a mentorship program each year throughout their studies. Nipissing University will provide guidance and resources to connect students with meaningful mentorship opportunities, helping them gain valuable skills and networks to support their academic and professional growth.

The Joyce Family Foundation, established by renowned Canadian entrepreneur Ronald V. Joyce (1930-2019), is dedicated to improving the well-being of children and youth by providing opportunities that empower them to succeed. Best known for his role in building the Tim Hortons franchise, Joyce’s legacy of philanthropy continues to make an impact on education and communities across Canada.

As a small, northern institution, Nipissing University prioritizes accessibility and student success. This gift builds on the University’s existing scholarships, bursaries, and awards program while advancing its commitment to fostering an accessible, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive.

For more information about student bursaries and ways to support Nipissing University, visit giving.nipissingu.ca