Attendees on the launch occasion for Assiniboine’s Russ Edwards Faculty of Agriculture and Atmosphere on Tuesday heard from Russ Edwards and Westman Group Inc (WGI) that firms below the WGI umbrella are investing a further $300,000 in pupil monetary awards.
“We’re very excited concerning the Russ Edwards Faculty of Agriculture and Atmosphere, as that is the legacy the Edwards household wish to depart,” mentioned Paul Cunningham, President and CEO of the Westman Group at Tuesday’s occasion. “Along side that legacy, we needed to announce immediately a collection of scholarships for college students coming into their second yr of research at Assiniboine Group School (ACC) on behalf of the Westman Group of Firms.”
The announcement got here as a welcome shock on the occasion and reinforces the arrogance that Edwards and his firms have within the programming provided at ACC, and emphasizes their dedication to general pupil success.
“We’re really grateful for this outstanding present and the popularity we have now obtained from Russ and Edna Edwards and WGI,” mentioned Derrick Turner, Vice President of Development at Assiniboine. “This present could have such an impression on the futures of scholars in each the Edwards Faculty and ACC general, and can assist set them up for achievement as they embark on in-demand careers within the business.”
WGI intends to distribute a $5,000 annual award on behalf of every of it’s six divisions, for a complete distribution of $30,000 per yr for a ten yr interval to college students coming into their second yr in packages that correspond to the industries during which every of the divisions function.
“Our group of firms are right here to assist college students obtain their schooling and additional have the ability to enter what we all know from expertise will proceed to be in demand industries in Manitoba for a very long time,” mentioned Cunningham.
“It’s important for college students in search of a future in ag to have the chance to get the very best agriculture schooling that’s out there as we rely on the sector for our meals and our future,” mentioned Russ Edwards, Founding father of Westman Group Inc (WGI). “The Edwards Faculty will have the ability to present the chance for these college students to advance their schooling on this essential business.”
Edwards has been a pacesetter within the enterprise group for almost 50 years, and a champion on the forefront of the agricultural sector throughout the Prairies. His enterprise roots stem again to his first enterprise in Winnipeg in 1976, establishing culverts, metal roofing, and siding. Within the 45 years following, WGI has carved out a outstanding and uncharted path below Edwards’ management. It has grown into considered one of Canada’s largest producers of metal merchandise.
This present provides to a contribution of $4 million from Edwards and household, introduced final yr, for the faculty’s Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture.
The faculty has been fundraising for the Centre, which is able to advance schooling, analysis and business engagement, has raised greater than $17 million so far. The formal branding of the Faculty, in honour of Edwards, represents one other step on this journey.
