BEDEQUE, P.E.I. — A man who grew up in Central Bedeque has left a $1 million donation to Mount Allison University for the establishment of a new scholarship fund in his name.
The Ronald I. Dawson Scholarship Fund provides an annually renewable bursary worth $40,000 to Maritime students studying science at the university.
Dawson died in 2011, but his memorial scholarship was only opened for applicants in 2017.
Tony Spenceley of Charlottetown was a life-long friend of Dawson’s and was not surprised at all when he heard about this donation.
“We have good friends that last a lifetime – well, he’s in that category for me,” said Spenceley.
Dawson was an intellectual who enjoyed the challenge of keeping his mind sharp but who also relished a party and a chance to enjoy life, he added.
That philosophy is reflected in the letter students receive upon being awarded the scholarship.
“I urge you to participate in campus life in some way, without interference with your studies. That experience will be of excellent value in building a strong lifestyle and career. Campus life should not be all work – there is fun to be had, too,” he wrote.
Dawson was born in Central Bedeque in 1937 and attended a two-room schoolhouse in that community. He later attended Summerside High School and then Mount Allison, where he studied geology.
After graduation, he started working in the pharmaceutical industry and spent his life working for various companies in countries like Australia, the U.K. and the Philippines.
Dawson settled in the U.K. but travelled the world to see the great wonders of the world. He returned to P.E.I. every summer, often staying with friends in the Summerside area.
More information about Mount Allison scholarships and how to apply for them is available online at www.mta.ca/scholarships/.
@JournalPMacLean
