Talisman Energy announces donation

Once again, Mount Royal University is the recipient of a generous donation aimed at supporting and empowering students in their educational journey.

On Sept. 28, Talisman Energy was at Mount Royal University to announce their $1-million donation for the Talisman Chair for Sustainability and the Environment as well as Talisman Energy Centennial Scholarship.

Bob Rooney, executive vice-president, legal and general counsel of Talisman Energy, was welcomed by MRU president David Docherty, provost and vice-president academic Robin Fisher and guests.

“We really like to contribute to the communities in which we operate, so we’re delighted to be partnering with MRU,” Rooney said. “Calgary is our home base so we really do have a focus on our home base and education and empowerment.”

Joining Mount Royal in January 2012 to sit on the Talisman Chair for Sustainability and the Environment will be Dr. Michael Quinn, professor of environmental systems design at the University of Calgary.

Talisman Energy also announced their support of the newly established scholarship dedicated to Aboriginal undergraduate students seeking to pursue degrees in science or technology. The Talisman Centre donated $250,000 to the scholarship.

Leagh Vermelye, a bachelor of science student, was the first ever Talisman Energy Centennial Scholarship recipient.

“It’s humbling to be considered a success story and an example for others,” said Vermelye. “I’m really looking forward to the institute of sustainability and the environment, lead by the new chair, Dr. Michael Quinn, and what it will mean for me as a student.”

The scholarship aims to increase Aboriginal enrollment at Mount Royal University to seven per cent to reflect the large number of Aboriginals under the age of 20 currently in Canada.