I attended Memorial University of Newfoundland from 1984 to 1992 as I worked towards two degrees: Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Business Administration. While enrolled in the engineering program, I received my share of scholarships. The pace at which I was awarded scholarships accelerated substantially when I entered the MBA program. In addition to the scholarships, as one of the top grad students at Memorial I was awarded a fellowship. At some point in time while I was working towards the MBA degree I decided that if I was fortunate enough in life to give back the money that was given to me I would do so.
Several years ago, I was at the final assembly for our local high school to make a presentation on behalf of our company when I asked the principal if I could make an announcement. Earlier I had decided that if I publicly stated that I was going to give to students that amount of money that was given to me while in university vis-a-vis scholarships and the fellowship then I would have to stick to that commitment. I told the students that I would personally fund an award of the school’s choice (the usual awards such as highest grade in math, etc. were already sponsored). The following September I met the principal at his office and he asked me if I would fund the student leadership program. The school (Exploits Valley High) had developed a student leadership course and each year several students attended either the provincial or national student leadership conference. I agreed to the request and the rest is history.
This year the students attended a national leadership conference in September hosted by Three Oaks High School in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
In addition to the Leadership Award, starting this past June I personally sponsor the Male Student of the Year award which is presented at the graduation. By the time I am in my mid-fifties I will have passed along all the money that was given to me while in university. So now you know – there is more to me than my passion for successful investing!
FJP
