Queen’s has received a $25-million donation from an anonymous alumnus to fund a new financial aid award for incoming undergraduate students.
The University announced the donation on Sept. 29. The endowed donation established the Ann Baker Tuition Award and is the largest single contribution to student financial aid in Queen’s history.
The University said the donor’s family has previously provided financial support to Queen’s students, faculty, and staff, though the announcement didn’t identify the donor, value, or timing of those previous contributions.
In a statement to The Journal, Erin McLeod, associate registrar of enrolment services and administration at Queen’s, said nineteen first-year students received the Ann Baker Tuition Award this fall.
Students selected for the award can receive between $10,000 and $18,000 annually. According to McLeod’s statement, the amount depends on the recipients’ program and corresponding tuition costs. Students in Arts and Science, Health Sciences, and Nursing receive $10,000 annually, while Smith Engineering students receive $15,000 and Commerce students receive $18,000.
As new recipients are chosen annually and awards can be renewed for up to three additional years, the program is designed to eventually support multiple cohorts of undergraduate students simultaneously.
Eligibility is based on demonstrated financial need, with the award placing an emphasis on students from Eastern Ontario. McLeod said recipients must also qualify for the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) or the equivalent provincial or territorial government aid program where they live.
Incoming students can be considered for the award by completing the Queen’s Financial Aid and Awards Profile through SOLUS. McLeod said the profile allows the Financial Aid and Awards Office to match students with Queen’s awards, including need-based funding such as the award.
The donation was made through the anonymous alumni’s multigenerational family foundation. According to Queen’s, the donor wanted to support students facing financial barriers after experiencing financial challenges during their own time at the University.
Because the $25-million donation is endowed, Queen’s said the award will continue providing financial support to students in future years.
McLeod said the donation builds on the University’s broader shift toward need-based financial aid, which he says Queen’s has focused on for several years as part of its efforts to increase access to the University.
Other renewable needs-based programs include the Major Access Award, Promise Scholars, and Commitment Bursary, which the University said are intended to provide recipients with greater financial stability throughout their studies.
Queen’s said the award is intended not only to help students afford tuition, but to reduce financial pressure that can affect their ability to participate in research, clubs, and other parts of university life.
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Anonymous, donation, endowment, financial aid
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