A class gift that keeps on giving

Pharmacy alumni often share fond memories of their time at the University of Alberta. Some classes even get together on a regular basis to catch up and reminisce.

One such class that continues to keep those connections is the Class of 1955.

Having had reunions in years 10, 25 and every five years thereafter, this class continues to not only stay in touch, but give back to the university.

Two individuals from the 42-member class are credited with keeping everyone connected-the late Bob Edgar (BSc Pharm '55) and Bob Dowling (BSc Pharm '55).

"They were both responsible for keeping every classmate informed, and organizing and leading the group," says Carl Sobolewski (BSc Pharm '55). "This resulted in us having outstanding reunions in various places around the province."

According to Lynn Holroyd (BSc Pharm '55), it was during the planning of their 50th year reunion in 2005 that discussions began about giving back to the faculty in the form of a bursary for students. After finding out the requirements to undertake this project, "the proposal for the bursary was presented to those attending and was unanimously approved."

"Letters were sent out to all classmates in the following weeks and within a month we had funds in excess of the amount required to start the bursary," says Holroyd.

The Class of 1955 Bursary became a reality in 2007, notes Lori Shockey, director of Advancement and Alumni Relations for the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. "The bursary provides $3,000 a year to worthy students."

But the Class of 1955 did not stop there.

Sobolewski notes that his class had reached the "amount required for a second bursary about five years later."

"Rather than starting another bursary, we decided to start a scholarship and so we sent an appeal letter," says Sobolewski. "In less than a year, we had the required amount."

Shockey notes the generosity of these donors. "Both of these awards are endowed so the funds generated enough to provide yearly support."

The $1,000 Class of 1955 scholarship is awarded to a student "with superior academic achievement who has completed a minimum of one year of a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. Selection is based on academic standing and demonstrated dedication to the pharmacy profession through community service."

For students facing the pressures of a competitive program and ever-increasing financial burdens, this type of financial support are most welcome.

Scott Wakeham, a fourth-year pharmacy student and winner of the most recent Class of 1955 Scholarship is grateful for the assistance.

"Having financial help during these stressful years as a student is something that I am immensely grateful for," says Wakeham. "It has allowed me to spend free time giving back to the university community." He shares his thoughts on what winning the scholarship means to him in more detail on the next page.

Clearly, the philanthropic spirit of this class is "very special", remarks Shockey.

"They saw the need of our students and collectively decided to makea difference in their lives; both those who need financial support through the bursary and those who excel academically," says Shockey. "This type of giving demonstrates to our students that our alumni truly do care about them and also shows how close a class can be even 60 years after graduation."

The impact of the Class of 1955 is sure to be felt for many, many years to come.

For Holroyd, "it is gratifying to be in our retirement years and reflect on the successes in the past and to know our legacy will go on forever to help future pharmacy students in financial need and reward those with outstanding achievements."

Interested in learning more about class giving? Contact Lori Shockey at (780) 492-8084 or email lori.shockey@ualberta.ca