Loyalist College has received a $10,000 grant from the Stark Family Fund to establish an endowment fund for bursaries for students from Prince Edward County. The donation will be matched by the provincial government through the Ontario Trust for Student Support (OTSS) program. Glenn Stresman, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Greater Kingston, explained that Ruth Stark had requested in her will that bursaries be provided as part of the benefits of her estate.
"This year we are pleased that a bursary program will be established at both Loyalist College and St. Lawrence College, fulfilling her wishes," he said.
The Stark Family Fund is administered by the Community Foundation of Greater Kingston, and was established by a bequest in Ruth Stark’s Last Will and Testament. Ruth Stark passed away in 2001, and was the last remaining member of her family. It was decided to establish the Fund with the accumulated estate of the five Stark sisters and their spouses, to support the people of their local community.
Loyalist College President Maureen Piercy thanked the members of the Stark Family Fund Selection Team for their foresight and generosity.
"Well over 200 students from Prince Edward County attend Loyalist College on a full-time basis each year," she said. "This Fund will provide important support for students from the County throughout the future."
The endowment fund is administered through the Loyalist College Foundation. It is expected that the first award from the Stark Family endowment will be made in 2008.