Generous bequest to Victoria Foundation supports loan program at Royal Roads University
Victoria - A new loan program at Royal Roads University will offer financial assistance to students who may not otherwise qualify for a government student loan.
Made possible by a bequest of over $750,000 to the Victoria Foundation from Rachel Fox, the program will provide interest-free loans of up to $5,000 to qualified students in the second year of their Masters program.
"This loan program, the first of its kind at Royal Roads, is a great alternative for many of our students who may not otherwise qualify for a full-time student loan due to the online nature of their coursework, or a part-time student loan due to levels of income," said Roberta Mason, associate vice-president and registrar.
Rachel (Babs) Fox was a teacher, an avid gardener and an award-winning quilter and artist. Born in Victoria on May 16, 1918, she passed away on October 16, 2007 - predeceased by Ernest (Ernie) Fox, her husband of 57 years, on November 12, 2001.
"Babs and Ernie believed that people must take it upon themselves to pursue every opportunity; to experience life to the fullest; challenge their mind and realize their dreams," said niece Kim Rudd of Cobourg, Ontario. "This endowment is their gift to help make that a reality."
The Rachel and Ernest Fox Scholarship Fund, held by the Victoria Foundation, will support loans for students who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents and have earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50 out of a possible 4.33. Applicants must have a positive history of tuition payment at Royal Roads and be able to demonstrate reasonable financial need.
Royal Roads University was established by the Province of British Columbia in 1995 specifically to deliver quality applied and professional programs to advance professionals in the workplace. The university blends online and on-campus learning with current, real-world relevance for doctorate, graduate and undergraduate, certificates, diplomas, executive and custom education.
The Victoria Foundation was established as a registered Canadian charity through an Act of the B.C. Legislature in 1936. Independent and volunteer-driven, it promotes the creation of grants to improve the quality of life in Victoria, provides community leadership to support charitable organizations and assists with the prudent financial management of endowed assets so its donors' legacies are respected in perpetuity.
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For media queries, contact:
Royal Roads University
Communications Officer, Phil Saunders,
phil.saunders@royalroads.ca 250-391-2526, cel 250-812-5065 or,
Victoria Foundation Communications
Director, Shannon Drew-Burrows
shannon@victoriafoundation.bc.ca 250.381.5532 ext. 227
High-resolution images available upon request.
