Edwin C. Connolly Award established at QSB

Bursary will assist Ottawa students with financial needs

November 23, 2006

Edwin C. Connolly (centre) pictured with his family and Dean Saunders (far right) in Ottawa.

2006-11-23 - Queen’s School of Business announced a new annual bursary for students with financial needs following the generous donation of Andy Gross (BCom’79) and Nora Connolly Gross (BA’82).

At his 25th reunion celebrating his graduation from Queen’s Commerce program, Andy Gross proposed the creation of a student award in honour of his father-in-law, Edwin C. Connolly (BCom’37). The Edwin C. Connolly Award will be given to an Ottawa student entering the Commerce program who demonstrates academic achievement and participation in extra-curricular activities, particularly sports.

“My 25th reunion was a special opportunity for my wife, Nora, and me to give something back to the School to celebrate, but more importantly, to honour an outstanding graduate and help out today’s students,” said Mr. Gross.

During his time at Queen’s, Mr. Connolly was an outstanding student and athlete. He captured the International Intercollegiate Downhill Ski title in 1932 and the Canadian Intercollegiate Downhill and Slalom Ski titles in 1934. He also found time to be President of the Commerce Club in ’34 and ’35.

“Dad is a Queen’s man through and through,” said daughter Nora Connolly Gross. “He epitomizes everything great about Queen’s Commerce — an entrepreneurial spirit combined with participation in life outside the classroom.”

Mr. Connolly and his wife, Nora Murphy, raised a family of Queen’s alumni with three of their five children, eight grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews attending Queen’s University over the years.

“Andy and Nora’s gift is a fine example of how alumni can make a significant difference in students’ lives,” said Dean David Saunders. “I would like to thank both of them for their support and for creating a wonderful legacy for Mr. Connolly.”

The Edwin C. Connolly award is renewable throughout the student’s undergraduate years. It has been matched by the Ontario Trust for Student Support program, which provides funding for student financial assistance endowments. The first award will be given out in June 2007.