Talisman Energy Inc. announced its donation Mon., Mar. 21 of $2 million to establish new scholarships for University of Calgary students. A single scholarship will see $10,000 for one student–the single largest amount available to undergraduate students–and will be provided to those studying in the fields of energy, environment and economy.
“Through Talisman scholarships, we hope students will be motivated to pursue their degrees in these fields,” said Dr. Jim Buckee, President and CEO of Talisman Energy, a Calgary-based independent oil and gas producer. “The energy industry needs more highly qualified entrants,” explained Buckee. “General industry recruitment has not kept pace with its needs.”
University president Dr. Harvey Weingarten was on hand for the announcement.
“These scholarships are a phenomenal incentive for students working in energy and related areas,” said Weingarten. “With the Talisman scholarships, students at the forefront of their fields will get the encouragement they need.”
Students in the faculties of Science, Engineering, Business, Environmental Design, Law, and Graduate Studies will be eligible to apply for the merit-based annual scholarships. Six undergraduate scholarships and two graduate scholarships will be granted this year.
Fourth-year science student Heather Campbell, who will start work with Talisman in the spring, firmly believes in the benefits of the scholarships.
“They help you stay focused on your studies and help you do your best,” she said. “It’s an amazing feeling to know that someone thinks what you are doing is important and that they want to help you succeed.”
Visual demonstrations of undergraduate design work in Engineer-ing, replete with Lego robots and solar car prototypes, followed the announcement.
Curtis Tamblyn, a first-year engineering student present at the demonstration, also emphasized the broader importance of the new funding. He noted the solar car prototypes are an example of an alternative energy source.
Buckee effectively summed up the relationship between students and the private sector.
“These scholarships represent a long-term investment in our most valuable resource, Canadian youth,” he said. “I believe we are helping to foster high level study, leading to careers in a challenging and rewarding industry increasingly requiring innovation and advanced technology.”