A joyful addition to life

“I feel great satisfaction.”

Ernie Zelinski, ’73 BSc(ElecEng), ’86 MBA, shares that his gifts to fund two student awards at the University of Alberta have had an incredibly positive impact on his life.

His awards are set up to fund students into perpetuity. And he feels fulfilled knowing that he is helping students succeed now and into the future.

A creative writer and successful author of 20 books published in 22 languages in 29 countries, Ernie was passionate about setting up student awards based on creative and innovative accomplishments.

He funds an engineering endowment and an MBA endowment. They both award students demonstrating a high level of individual creativity. One of the recipients he’s met so far went on to pursue a PhD. Another student shared with Ernie that the award helped him focus on his studies and achieve his highest marks ever.

It brings Ernie happiness to know that he’s making a difference.

He also enjoys the various opportunities he’s had at the U of A, including attending the annual Quaecumque Vera Honour Society luncheon, hosted by the president or the chancellor. It’s a special opportunity to meet with other alumni and legacy donors who are committed to world-changing research and the education of future generations. It’s also a great way to meet friends and connect with students. Ernie says that he really enjoyed hearing about research from graduate student finalists of the U of A’s Three Minute Thesis competitions at the past two luncheons.

Did you know there are many ways to support your passions at the U of A? Whether it’s through a bequest in your Will, a gift of Securities or through a Life Insurance Policy, your lawyer or financial advisor can help you explore the best ways to make a significant impact. And our professionals in the Office of Major Gifts & Planned Giving can help connect your interests with a program or project at the U of A.

Like Ernie, you probably have a special U of A area that is meaningful to you. If his act of kindness inspires you to want to do more, please contact the U of A’s Office of Major Gifts & Planned Giving team. They are here to help and answer any questions you might have on estate planning resources and tax-smart approaches for greater impact.