“It’s a continuation of what we’ve done our whole lives.”

Darwin with Betty (Spouse), Dr. Jen Leo (Steadward Centre Director), Bob Steadward, and Heidi (Daughter)

Shortly after graduating from the University of Alberta with a bachelor’s degree in physical education from the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation, Darwin Park, ’67 BPE, went on the trip of a lifetime. Along with a friend, he spent the next chapter of his life hitchhiking around the world.

That trip cemented Darwin’s passion for travel – and most importantly, broadened his horizons.

Later, Darwin and his wife Betty would go on many more trips with their children and into their retirement.

“One of the things that travel has done to me and our family is help us acknowledge how lucky we are in Canada. We are very fortunate,” shares Darwin.

Committed to using their good fortune to support others, Darwin and Betty became actively involved in their community of Spruce Grove and at the U of A, where they learned about the impact they can have through philanthropy.

And so, for years they’ve been committed to paying it forward, including helping students through two awards they’ve established at the U of A. Darwin says, “We think that education is the most important part of a person’s life. It’s served us and our kids well. And therefore, we felt that we could give back, and we had some resources to do so.”

When it came time to plan their estate, they decided to make a bequest in support of the U of A’s Steadward Centre for Personal & Physical Achievement. Darwin is a friend of the founder, Dr. Robert Steadward, and he and Betty are dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities have recreational programs available to them.

For Darwin and Betty, including the University of Alberta in their Wills is an extension of their lifelong values. “It’s a continuation of what we’ve done our whole lives,” shares Darwin as he reflects on his family’s good fortune and their hope to pay it forward.

He goes on to say that he encourages fellow alumni to get involved and learn more about the impact they can make on the lives of students and the community through philanthropy.

“I have been involved and volunteered my whole life. It has enriched my life! And this value has been passed on to our two families,” says Darwin.

Together, with admiration and support from their two children and five grandchildren, Darwin and Betty are creating a legacy at the U of A – committed to education and recreation for those who may not have these opportunities otherwise.