The Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation Scholarship in Honour of Tony Williams

Description 

Tony Williams was a devoted supporter, director, treasurer, and board chair of The Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation for many years. Prior to his retirement, Tony provided actuarial and investment consultation for First Nation Settlement Trusts and other trust funds. During his retirement, in addition to his work directly for the Kirkness Foundation, he established several bursaries to support Indigenous students, and was a member of the University of Manitoba Alumni Council, the Dean of Science’s External Advisory Board, and the Wawatay Advisory Board (a program supporting Indigenous students), As a youth and young student, Tony was faced with steep obstacles, but he preserved and overcame them.

In memory and recognition of Tony and his perseverance, the Board of Directors of the VJKF is honoured to create the VJKF Scholarship in honour of Tony Williams, with the following terms of reference.

1. An annual scholarship valued at $2,000 per year, awarded to an Indigenous student enrolled full-time in a university or college degree program in pure and applied science, engineering or mathematics, who has completed the annual VJKF program.
2. The scholarship’s primary criterion will be the demonstration of perseverance, determination and the overcoming of obstacles and challenges.