We have established 6 ‘Memorial’ scholarships/bursaries and 2 Special Recognition Awards at Vancouver Island University as part of our annual contribution to help post-secondary students from the Cowichan Valley.
They are in memory of 6 longtime foundation directors, supporters, and one major contributor to the Cowichan Foundation and our community.
Iconic doctor, philanthropist, longtime Cowichan Foundation president, and avid golfer.
Community leader, United Church stalwart, Freeman of Duncan, and a former Cowichan Foundation Director.
Former Cowichan Foundation Director and Longest-serving Chief of the Cowichan people.
Whose bequest significantly increased the assets of the Cowichan Foundation.
A longtime labour leader from the Cowichan Valley, whose impact in his field was provincial and national, and who early saw the significant potential of the Cowichan Foundation and was one of our original board members.
Former Cowichan Foundation Director, as well as former Reeve and Freeman of North Cowichan.
In 2016 The Rollie Rose Award was established in his name. Past president of the Cowichan Foundation, Rollie Rose is a former Mayor of Ladysmith and publisher of the Chronicle. His longtime friend Mike Coleman says, “Rollie may be tiny, but he has an out-sized sense of humour”.
The Cowichan Foundation was the brainchild of Duncan lawyer Mike Coleman, a leading Cowichan citizen for the past 40 years, who also served on the Duncan City Council (including 22 years as Mayor).