Alberta entrepreneur gives $25M to U of C education faculty

The University of Calgary has received $25 million from Tervita founder David Werklund the largest-ever donation to a Canadian education faculty from an individual.

The donation will see the university's school of education renamed as the Werklund School of Education, and supports the university's plan to become of of the country's top five research universities by 2016.

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"Through the Werklund School of Education, I would like to see teachers given tools to help them truly connect with their students," saidWerklund.

"Teachers have a responsibility as leaders to create an environment and culture where young people feel valued. When it comes to student development and creating this culture of acceptance, I believe the University of Calgary is really making headway."

Werklund has also lent his support to other educational initiatives over the years, including the establishment of the Werklund Foundation Centre for Youth Leadership Education.

The foundation, also at the University of Calgary, focuses on helping underprivileged youth.

The donation and associated Werklund School of Education will provide new scholarships,purchase new technologies,develop international teaching exchanges and establish a fund for undergraduates to go to educational conferences and access graduate-level research.

Teaching staff will also get access to more research grants and support for outreach activities.

A new Werklund Teaching Excellence Award will also be created to acknowledge faculty achievements.