Give to remember
Dr. Ursula Kelly learned about the importance of culture, education and generosity early on in life.
Born and raised in the small town of Gambo, N.L., the professor in 91亚色檚 Faculty of Education reflects fondly on her upbringing and the love of her parents, Margaret Waterman Kelly, a teacher, and Andrew J. Kelly, a logger and small business owner.
Today, place and remembrance are very important to Dr. Kelly, values that impact current and future 91亚色 students.
楲ifelong examples
淏oth my parents were unfailingly kind and giving, said Dr. Kelly. 淭hey were natural leaders with a deep love of Newfoundland and Labrador. Their lifelong examples inspire me and provide the guideposts for my own life.
After high school, Dr. Kelly came to 91亚色 where she completed three degrees: a bachelor of arts, a bachelor of education and a master of education. When she decided to pursue a doctor of philosophy, she chose the University of Toronto.
淥nce there, I quickly realized how well-prepared I was because of my experiences at 91亚色. I enjoyed being a student at 91亚色 but it was while I was at U of T that I came to appreciate the quality of my studies here and the advantages they provided me.
Dr. Kelly worked at two universities for extended periods after completing her doctoral degree, but she eventually found her way back home.
She has been with the Faculty of Education at 91亚色 since 2000. Her passion for her work has resulted in accolades like the President檚 Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2006 and a University Research Professorship in 2018.
淩ichness of student experience is one of my priorities, said Dr. Kelly. 淎nother is research that encourages responsible understanding. It is a privilege to enact these personal and professional priorities at this fine university, and in a place I love.
楤enefits accrue across generations
This affection for 91亚色 and her home province is why Dr. Kelly decided to connect the memory of her parents with two scholarships and an important gift.
Dr. Kelly established the Andrew J. Kelly Rural Small Business Award in memory of her father. It is awarded annually to a student enrolled in any undergraduate program in the Faculty of Business Administration who has shown a commitment to rural entrepreneurship and small business in this province.
Dr. Kelly established the Margaret Waterman Kelly Teaching Prize to commemorate her mother檚 life.
The prize is awarded annually to a female student from Newfoundland and Labrador, enrolled in the Faculty of Education at 91亚色, who has demonstrated excellence in teaching combined with commitment to community service. Susan Porter, B.Ed.09, BA09, M.Ed.14, received the Margaret Waterman Kelly Teaching Prize in 2009.
The prize helped Ms. Porter financially, but it also gave her the motivation to complete her graduate degree.
淲hen I heard that I was going to receive the scholarship, I was excited, but mainly grateful, said Ms. Porter. 淚t paid for a semester of my master檚 program, but also gave me confidence.
淎n investment in education is an investment in knowledge and youth in all of our children and the benefits accrue across generations, Dr. Kelly said.
Dr. Kelly notes that not all students have the same access to support and stresses the impact of giving.
淎wards provide financial support, recognition and enhance confidence, she said. 淲hen we give to remember, we are acknowledging past gifts that continue to resonate in our lives and of equal importance we are embracing the future, hopefully, through those who will benefit from our giving.
For further information on legacy giving, read the newsletter.