A remarkable new gift of nearly $1.1 million from longtime supporter Michael N. Chernoff will significantly expand one of Brandon University's most prestigious entrance awards, creating new opportunities for top incoming students across campus.
Chernoff, who lives in West Vancouver but has deep Prairie roots, made the gift of securities in October to the Chernoff Family Award, which he established in 2001 in honour of his late wife, Dorine Marjorie Chernoff (née Dennison) and her parents, Agnes and Roland Dennison, who encouraged and supported her pursuit of higher education at Brandon. Dorine, a proud Brandon College graduate from the Class of 1951, passed away in 2023 at the age of 92.
"Both Dorine and I were first-generation university graduates in our families, and we realized how fortunate we were to be able to rely on the encouragement and support of our parents," Chernoff said. "When we were able, we committed to helping students throughout Canada pursue their education, and it has been deeply rewarding to hear from those we have been able to support."
The original award was created in 2001 with a gift from Chernoff of more than $500,000, which was matched at the time by the Province of Manitoba and the Brandon University Foundation. For more than two decades, that fund has supported the top two entering students each year, providing $7,500 annually to each, renewable for up to four years. To date, the fund has awarded more than $1.1 million to BU students.
With this latest contribution, Brandon University will be able to double the annual impact of the award. Beginning next year, the Chernoff Family Award will be granted to the top entering student in each of BU's four faculties (Arts, Education, Health Studies and Science) and the School of Music. Each recipient will receive approximately $6,000 per year, renewable for up to four years - meaning as many as 20 students each year will benefit, and each awardee could receive up to $24,000 over their degree.
"Michael Chernoff's generosity will touch generations of students at Brandon University. His commitment to honouring Dorine and the family who supported her education reflects the very best of what higher education can inspire," said BU President Dr. Christine Bovis-Cnossen. "We are deeply grateful for this gift, which strengthens our mission, expands opportunity, and will enhance student success for decades to come."
The BU Registrar, Andrea McDaniel, whose office oversees scholarships and bursaries like the Chernoff Family Award, says the expanded award will be a powerful new tool for attracting exceptional students from across the country.
"Major early entrance awards like the Chernoff Family Award play a crucial role in helping outstanding students choose Brandon University, especially when they are weighing multiple offers," she said. "The renewable structure is especially meaningful - it gives students stability, encouragement, and a strong foundation for success throughout their degree."
The gift was announced between National Philanthropy Day and Giving Tuesday, during one of the most popular times of the year for charitable giving.
The Chernoff family has long championed education as a transformative force in Canada, supporting students at several universities and high schools across the country. Chernoff says his support for Brandon University is a tribute not only to his wife's formative years at Brandon College, but also to the values shared by their family over more than 60 years of marriage.
"This is a gift that will keep on giving," he said. "I've been particularly touched by the number of students who, after receiving our support, have vowed to engage in similar philanthropy when they are able to pay it forward themselves."
