Passing the philanthropic torch: Westbury Scholarship a nod to Edmonton couple's charitable endeavours

(Edmonton) Two new scholarships within the University of Alberta's Alberta School of Business bear a name familiar to Alberta business and charitable organizations alike. On Mar. 2, TELUS and the Alberta School of Business announced the Westbury Family Awards in Philanthropy.

"Dr. Bob and Dr. Marilyn Westbury have been champions to many charitable organizations across Canada and in Alberta, and so we are deeply honoured to be part of their legacy of giving back," said Mike Percy, dean of the Alberta School of Business. "Through the generous support of TELUS, we are pleased to receive funding to establish the Westbury Family Awards."

The scholarships will be awarded annually, one to a third- or fourth-year business student who demonstrates community engagement, the other to an individual from the non-profit sector who undertakes an MBA or EMBA program.

These awards are a legacy of the Westbury's history of charitable giving and humanitarian spirit, said Mike House, director of development for the school. He says the awards will inspire business students to carry on charitable work, either as donors or leaders in the non-profit sector. The scholarships will allow the students to apply their business skill-sets to lead charities and strengthen their sustainable capacities.

House says TELUS' gift to the Alberta School of Business recognizes the school's track record of social responsibility and helps mould the next generation of corporate philanthropists. Through initiatives such as the Canadian Centre for Corporate Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship or student-driven programs, such as Chillin' for Charity or the now-national Five Days for the Homeless, House says the school does an excellent job of creating the next wave of people like the Westburys.

"Partnering with the business school allows for Dr. Bob to fulfill his wish to make the world a better place," said House. "It demonstrates that there is a conscientious effort (at the school) to make society a better place."