Carlton Trail College celebrated 50 years of service alongside their annual student awards presentation at a special celebratory event held in Humboldt, SK on December 7, 2023. $79,900 in scholarships were distributed to 43 students in Carlton Trail College’s post-secondary programs of 12 weeks or longer.
In support of Carlton Trail College’s scholarship fund, two special announcements were also made on December 7, acknowledging the financial commitment of two of the College’s partners.
In a first for Carlton Trail College, a legacy contribution of $50,000 was made by Murray and Audrey Brockman and family, to create an endowment to award scholarship funds to Carlton Trail College students in perpetuity.
After an eight-year partnership, the Walker Wood Foundation also enhanced its contributions to the College, providing a six-year, pledged contribution amount totaling $120,000 in continued support of Carlton Trail College’s student awards program.
“It’s been an honour over the last 50 years to deliver impactful educational and training services within our east-central region,” said Amy Yeager, Carlton Trail College President and CEO. “With gratitude for the strong institutional foundation and culture developed by prior Boards of Directors, staff members, industry partners, donors as well as community supporters, we’re committed to building on their work as we look forward to the next 50 years. Financial gifts, such as those from Murray and Audrey Brockman and family, as well as the Walker Wood Foundation, are deeply appreciated to help us continue to realize our vision of changing lives through learning.”
Scholarships are funded through donations from individuals, businesses, agencies and organizations. Student award recipients are determined through a combination of entrance criteria, academic achievements, the students’ involvement in school and the community, as well as financial need.
The Murray and Audrey Brockman and Family Legacy Gift
Brockman Enterprises has long been a family-operated business within Humboldt and area. Taking over from his father, who established a transport and construction service enterprise in 1926, Murray Brockman and his brother, Donald, further expanded operations from a base within the city of Humboldt. The business has since remained in the family and continues operations to serve Humboldt and the larger region.
A long-time teacher and educator, Audrey Brockman endeavored to make a positive impact in the lives of youth. In the classroom, through volunteer associations and in church settings, Audrey is respected as a role model and mentor, inspiring individuals and generations of students to continue making a difference, long after they have left her class.
Murray and Audrey were married in 1984. They have both served Humboldt and area through their support of numerous community organizations, giving generously of their time, expertise, resources and mentorship.
Sadly, Murray Brockman passed away on December 3, 2023, and was unable to celebrate the announcement of this gift with family, friends and members of the College’s learning community. Carlton Trail College is extremely grateful that their legacy gift creates a very special scholarship fund that reflects Murray and Audrey Brockman’s aspiration to encourage youth of Humboldt and area to pursue further education and training opportunities that align to their interests in the healthcare, educational and skilled trades fields.
The Walker Wood Foundation Multi-Year Gift
The Walker Wood Foundation was established in 2006 by Neil C.W. Wood and his wife, Susan, and is dedicated to the funding of post-secondary education to students who have a high academic standing, demonstrated leadership or similar qualities, and who may have otherwise found it difficult to afford further education or training.
The inspiration for creating the Walker Wood Foundation was Neil’s father, James Walker Wood, who attended medical school at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, on an Andrew Carnegie Scholarship. James was from a humble family with little means and, if he had not won a scholarship to medical school, would not have achieved his life’s goals.
Since 2015, Carlton Trail College has been fortunate to develop a relationship with the Walker Wood Foundation, with many of the College’s students having been the proud recipients of Walker Wood scholarships over the years.
Moving forward, Carlton Trail College’s deep appreciation is extended to the Walker Wood Foundation as they wish to continue their relationship with the College through the provision of a multi-year gift to Carlton Trail College’s scholarship fund – demonstrating their continued support for student achievement, perseverance and success.
A listing of recipients can be found below.