New leader for Malaspina Foundation

George Hrabowych, partner in the local firm of Herold Engineering, is the new Chair of the Malaspina University-College Foundation for 2008. Hrabowych assumes the Chair from lawyer Mike Brown of Geselbracht Brown who has served in the position for the last two years.

Hrabowych has been a Foundation Director for seven years and has been very active in the annual Festival of Trees and the Foundation’s Keys To Success campaign to raise funds for new scholarships, awards and bursaries for Malaspina students. He is also an active Rotarian and volunteers in the Nanaimo community.

“I am very proud to lead this group of great volunteers,” he said. “Malaspina is well recognized as a critical local institution that provides much-needed resources and opportunities to our community. It is our goal to support young people so they can study in their home town and start their careers here.”

There are now 24 Directors on the Foundation, with new Directors Wahid Ali of Scotia McLeod, Carol Smith of RBC Financial, Cathy Dyck of Tourism Nanaimo and Bruce Williams of A Channel also joining for 2008.

Now in its 14th year, the Foundation is the charitable arm of Malaspina University-College, and raises more than one million dollars annually to support students with scholarships and bursaries, and provide new teaching and learning equipment. The Foundation manages a $6.5 million endowment fund.

The main goal for 2008 will be to increase the number and value of scholarships, awards and bursaries for students. The Foundation raises funds through special events such as the annual Christmas Festival of Trees, an annual appeal, and promotion of planned gifts and legacies. For further information, contact Roger Prior, Executive Director, at 740-6217.