URAA President Richard Kies presents a $10,000 cheque for the 2011 Centennial Legacy Award to U of R President Dr. Vianne Timmons. -Photo: U of R Photography Dept.

The University of Regina Alumni Association (URAA) has given the University of Regina's Centennial 2011 Legacy Award a major boost with a $10,000 donation. The Legacy Award recognizes the University's roots which date back to the founding of Regina College in 1911.

The awards, supported by donations through the University's Matching Gift Program and ongoing donations, recognize successful, well-rounded undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate the values of the University. Awards of $5,000 each will be made to one undergraduate and one graduate student later this Fall.

"The Alumni Association provides financial support to the University so that it can offer students the best programs, facilities, scholarships and research opportunities," said URAA President Richard Kies. "This donation acknowledges the University's history and at the same time provides needed financial support to students into the future."

University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vianne Timmons accepted the donation at one of the events during the Alumni Homecoming Weekend. She noted that both the University and the Alumni Association have come a long way since Regina College opened in 1911 with just 27 students.

"We now have more than 59,000 alumni, all of whom should be very proud of their alma mater and the valuable contributions made by their Alumni Association," she observed.  "Through their continuing engagement with our University, our alumni are helping today's students realize their potential - and the Centennial 2011 Legacy Award is a perfect example of that."

To be eligible, students must have demonstrated leadership in University activities and community service, have completed a minimum number of credit hours, and be in financial need. Undergraduate students must have a 75 per cent grade point average, while graduate students require an 80 per cent grade point average to be eligible.

President Timmons noted that the value of the awards will increase to a maximum $10,000 each as the fund grows. For the undergraduate recipient, once the award reaches $10,000 it will become renewable for one additional year. The value of the renewable award will be based on the amount of funding available.

The Matching Gift Program began in November 2010 and will continue through to December 31, 2011 in celebration of the University's 100 Years of Excellence in Education. Scholarship donations will be matched one-to-one and are established to support students in their pursuit of a successful, stimulating academic experience.

For more information about the Centennial 2011 Legacy Award, visit: www.uregina.ca/awards/scholarships/.

For more information about the Matching Gift Program, visit: www.uregina.ca/campaign/.