VIU receives $500,000 bequest for student bursaries

“If you are educated, you are free.” Stanislaw Radzik

Those were the sentiments of the late Stanislaw Radzik who made a bequest of more than $500,000 to create bursaries for VIU students.

A bequest is a common planned giving donation, where donors include instructions in their will for part or all of their estate to be left to an institution such as VIU.

Mr. Radzik placed a high value on post-secondary education and, realizing the financial worries of today’s students, indicated the funds should be used specifically for bursaries which are awarded to students who need the most financial support.

“Donations such as Mr. Radzik’s have a tremendous impact on students,” says VIU’s President, Ralph Nilson, “easing the financial burdens they face as they build for a prosperous future through the pursuit of a post-secondary education at VIU.”

Julie Keenan, Director of VIU’s Advancement & Alumni Office, recognized the importance of bursaries stating, “Bursaries are created to support students who are the most financially vulnerable. Many of these students would be unable to finish their studies without the support of bursaries.”

Post-secondary education can transform people’s lives but today’s students are shouldering an ever-increasing amount of debt – the average student owes $30,000 when they graduate. For some the burden is so great they can’t achieve their educational goals.

With the support of donors such as Mr. Radzik, VIU’s Advancement & Alumni Office and VIU’s Foundation are working to ensure everyone has the ability to pursue a post-secondary education at a university that boasts state-of-the-art learning environments and exceptional faculty.