[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/MAPS08.jpg” caption=”The McMaster Association of Part-Time Students donated $505,000 to The Campaign for McMaster University. (L to R: Allan Wong, Sam Minniti, Tracey Taylor-O’Reilly and Roger Trull) Photo by Christine Palka”]The McMaster Association of Part-Time Students (MAPS) has donated the largest gift to McMaster in its 30-year history. The $505,000 donation will establish 30 bursaries for part-time certificate and diploma students enrolled at McMaster's Centre for Continuing Education. The bursaries will be awarded annually starting next year.

MAPS president Allan Wong made the announcement at the association's 30th Anniversary Awards Dinner in front of a crowd of more than 200 people. The gathering, which recognizes the academic and extra-curricular accomplishments of part-time students, also honoured past MAPs founders, many of whom were in attendance.

“As MAPS turns 30 in 2009, the best thing we can do is 'pay it forward,' building upon the legacy of supporting part-time students,” said Wong. “With this backdrop in mind, I am thrilled to announce yet another major gift to McMaster University that will serve to benefit literally thousands of part-time students for generations to come. MAPS is once again re-writing the history books.”

The MAPS 30th Anniversary Certificate/Diploma Bursary Fund will provide 30 bursaries to students each year valued at $500, resulting in MAPS funding approximately one in every five continuing education students. MAPS chose to establish the bursary to acknowledge the unique challenges part-time students face. Part-time students must balance family, full-time work and their studies to achieve their academic goals, which is often a challenging task.

“These bursaries lessen the financial burden and help to enhance the student and academic experience,” said Roger Trull, vice-president, University Advancement in his thank you speech to MAPS. “Recipients are able to focus more energy towards their studies and spend less time worrying about how to support themselves and their families.”

MAPS has contributed more than $1.8 million to University initiatives over the years, including bolstering student bursaries, providing vital funding for Mills Memorial Library, financial support for the McMaster University Student Centre and establishing memorial gifts. These donations have leveraged an additional $750,000 in matching funds from the government.

This donation is the association's second gift to The Campaign for McMaster University in less than two years, bringing the MAPS total contribution towards the Campaign to $750,000.

Trull praised the association's members for their dedication to the University.

“MAPS has taken a leadership role in supporting The Campaign for McMaster University and its priorities – one of which is increasing financial aid for our part-time students. Today's gift is especially unique because it plans for the future of part-time students while still providing for current students' financial struggles.”