Laurentian University receives $2 million gift from the Joyce Family Foundation to support students from Northern Ontario

(December 2, 2025) – Laurentian University is proud to announce a $2 million gift from the Joyce Family Foundation. The newly established Joyce Family Foundation Endowment will provide renewable, transformational bursaries to undergraduate students from Northern Ontario who demonstrate financial need and resilience in overcoming barriers to education.

“Ron Joyce believed deeply in helping others build better futures through education,” said Maureen O’Neill, executive director of the Joyce Family Foundation “The board is proud that this new bursary program at Laurentian will offer encouragement and opportunity to students that are striving to make a difference.”

“The Joyce Family Foundation’s generosity will have a lasting impact on students across Northern Ontario,” said Dr. Lynn Wells, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University. “This remarkable gift not only opens doors for young people who might otherwise be unable to pursue postsecondary education, but it also strengthens our shared vision of building a brighter, more equitable future for Northern communities. We are deeply grateful for this investment in our students and in the power of education to transform lives.”

The Joyce Family Foundation, established by renowned Canadian entrepreneur Ronald V. Joyce (1930-2019), is dedicated to improving the well-being of children and youth by providing opportunities that empower them to succeed. Best known for his role in building the Tim Hortons franchise, Joyce’s legacy of philanthropy continues to make an impact on education and communities across Canada. The bursary program at Laurentian University reflects this mission and will help create new opportunities for Northern Ontario youth to thrive.

Eligible students must be full-time undergraduates entering the first year of any program at Laurentian University who have graduated from a high school in Northern Ontario within the last three years, and be Canadian citizens. Each bursary will be valued between $6,500 and $8,000 annually, renewable for up to four years of study, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic standing.