$5 million for TRU

Photo: TRU

Thompson Rivers University has received its largest-ever single donation.

Dr. Sherman Jen of Maple Leaf Educational Systems has given the Kamloops university a personal donation of $5 million.

The money is allocated for scholarships and teaching and research facilities:

• $1.5 million for the Dr. Sherman Jen Research Innovation Fund – to support research in the Faculty of Science and the School of Education.
• $1.5 million for the Dr. Sherman Jen High Fidelity Simulation Centre – which uses computer-driven high fidelity mannequins to engage students and faculty in innovative health teaching and research methods not possible using real patients.
• $500,000 for the Dr. Sherman Jen Instrumentation Lab – a virtual venue for the next generation of instrumentation professionals.
• $500,000 for the Dr. Sherman Jen Innovation Competition Prize Endowment – which will fund prizes and support student participants in innovation competitions in areas like Science, Leadership and Business, and Trades.
• $1 million for the Dr. Sherman Jen Student Scholarship Endowment – to support scholarships in Science, Trades and Technology, Law, Education, Social Work and the Master of Education.

“This generous gift supports innovation and capacity growth through teaching and research excellence for faculty and students and by creating new opportunities for student success through scholarships and innovative capital development,” said TRU president and vice-chancellor Alan Shaver.

The donation creates new learning and research opportunities for students and faculty scholars and recognizes academic excellence, Shaver added.

It also supports the School of Nursing’s advanced patient simulation centre in a soon-to-be built new building and the innovation lab in the new Industrial Training and Technology Centre.