[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/MAPS dinner edited.jpg” caption=”Chancellor Mel Hawkrigg, MAPS president Dave Moore, Marilyn Hawkrigg and MAPS executive director Sam Minniti. Photo courtesy of MAPS.”]The McMaster Association of Part-Time Students (MAPS) made a gift of $250,000 to the university to endow the Mel and Marilyn Hawkrigg Part-Time Student Bursaries.

The announcement was made at MAPS's 22nd annual awards dinner held on Friday, Nov. 24.

The gift will be matched by the Government of Ontario, making it among the largest named student aid endowments at McMaster. The fund is expected to generate more than $20,000 per year in bursaries.

“Mel and Marilyn have graced hundreds of events with their warmth, energy and a boundless enthusiasm for McMaster and its students,” said MAPS president David Moore. “MAPS is proud to make this gift to a fund that will bear their name as a lasting tribute to their service and the importance they have placed on students.”

When Dr. Hawkrigg retires next August, he will be the second longest-serving chancellor since the role was re-constituted in 1950 as an “unpaid friend” and titular head of the university. He was installed as chancellor in 1998.

“We're overwhelmed and very moved by the outstanding gift,” said Hawkrigg, who also received a large framed reproduction of the Moulton Window as a memento of the evening.

University president Peter George, who was in China on university business, sent a message to convey his thanks to MAPS and congratulate the Hawkriggs.

“While I cannot join you in person, I do want to offer my sincere thanks to MAPS for your exceptional gift this evening in honour of an extraordinary couple,” wrote George. “Your gift to establish these bursaries will assist generations of students to achieve their dreams of a university education at McMaster. I cannot think of a better tribute to McMaster's most beloved family members. Thank you again for your very generous gift.”

With this gift, MAPS will have contributed $500,000 over three years to support student financial aid for part-time students and leveraged a further $500,000 in matching funding from the provincial government.