CEM Newsbreak - Spring 2008
Remembering Bill Evans: The William Evans Memorial Bursary from CEM
Many of our active members will recall the contributions made by Bill Evans as a member of CEM's Board of Directors and as Secretary to the Board. Bill passed away after a brief illness in 2006. Bill was very active in CEM, devoting a disproportionate amount of time and energy considering that he represented a very small firm. The Board felt it was appropriate to recognize his contributions in the form of an award to be given annually to a deserving student at the U of M Faculty of Engineering.
Initial discussions with the U of M Awards Office took place in early 2007 and by late fall, the Terms of Reference for the William E Evans Memorial Bursary were in place. The U of M advised that there was a relative shortage of bursaries, compared to scholarships, so that is the form which this award is going to take. The award will be made to an undergraduate student in any year and discipline of engineering. Candidates must have a 3.0 grade point average, and must demonstrate leadership in voluntary activities, to reflect the values which Bill held dear.
The award will initially be in the amount of $1000, of which $500 will be granted annually from the CEM operating budget, with the remain- der being matched by the Hildebrand Fund at the U of M. Over a five year period, it is proposed that $2000 will be set aside from CEM revenue, to generate a principle amount of $10,000. This will then be matched by provincial grants, to create a $20,000 endowment from which the annual award will be made in perpetuity.
The first award will be made in the fall of this year. We believe that this is a fitting way to honour someone who contributed so much to our organization, and our industry.
Submitted by Bill Brant, President, CEM.