Manitoba Native Recognizes Heritage Through Gift in Support of Students From Ukraine

Born and raised in Manitoba, Dr. Viola Lobodowsky made her first gift to Brandon University in 1980 with the establishment of the Dr. N. Demchuk Memorial Scholarships in memory of her cousin, Dr. Nick Demchuk, who had completed a PhD in Chemistry at University of Manitoba.

This marked the beginning of her long history of generous support to Brandon University and was quickly followed by the establishment of the Zonta Club Scholarship in 1982. She made further donations to research, lab equipment, and academic initiatives, and created a sizable endowment to support the most pressing needs of the University, with preference to the Faculty of Science. Over the years, Dr. Lobodowsky also made numerous gifts-in-kind, including gemstones for the Department of Geology, and a large collection of artwork.

Over nearly four decades, the scholarship funds have generated more than $85,000 in support of student awards, and the endowment fund has provided more than $360,000, making a truly remarkable impact on generations of students.

Being of Ukrainian heritage, Dr. Lobodowsky felt compelled to do something in support of students fleeing the war in Ukraine, and recently made a significant gift in support of students from Ukraine who have come to Brandon University to study through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel program.

In 2023, Dr. Lobodowsky also bolstered the endowment fund she started so many years ago, resulting in a significant milestone with her advancement to the Chancellor’s Honour Roll category of the Order of the Sheaf, recognizing her outstanding support to Brandon University.