Capilano University is setting up a new scholarship following a generous donation from a retired logging company owner.
Bill Manson has donated $100,000 to the university in memory of his wife, who died Dec. 6 of last year.
The donation will be celebrated at an event planned for the Squamish campus of Capilano University Friday afternoon.
The June Manson Memorial Award will support a secondary school graduate from Squamish who is attending classes at Capilano University.
"Through this generous gift, the Manson family is paying tribute to the memory of a much-loved wife and mother, as well as helping students build a better future," Squamish resident and Capilano University board of governors member Sonja Lebans said. "This award will be especially meaningful to the recipients, because it will be given to someone who attended school in Squamish by a family of long-time residents of our community."
Bill Mansen was a founding member of the Capilano College board and a former member of Capilano's Squamish campus advisory board. He was a charter member of the board representing Squamish when the College was first established in 1968 and he worked with a group of residents who pushed for the construction of the current facility next to Howe Sound Secondary School.
"Both of my parents believed in the value of education," said Bill and June's daughter, Jane-Anne Manson. "Consequently, all three of us - Mike, Graham and I - pursued post-secondary education. It is hoped that this scholarship, in addition to being a tribute to my mother, will help other students from Squamish to do the same."
More details of the announcement will be published in the Oct. 20 edition of Pique .
