Attendees on the launch occasion for Assiniboine’s Russ Edwards Faculty of Agriculture and Surroundings on Tuesday heard from Russ Edwards and Westman Group Inc (WGI) that corporations below the WGI umbrella are investing a further $300,000 in pupil monetary awards.

“We’re very excited in regards to the Russ Edwards Faculty of Agriculture and Surroundings, as that is the legacy the Edwards household need to depart,” stated Paul Cunningham, President and CEO of the Westman Group at Tuesday’s occasion. “Along side that legacy, we needed to announce right now a collection of scholarships for college students coming into their second yr of research at Assiniboine Group Faculty (ACC) on behalf of the Westman Group of Corporations.”

The announcement got here as a welcome shock on the occasion and reinforces the arrogance that Edwards and his corporations have within the programming supplied at ACC, and emphasizes their dedication to general pupil success.

“We’re really grateful for this outstanding present and the popularity now we have obtained from Russ and Edna Edwards and WGI,” stated Derrick Turner, Vice President of Development at Assiniboine. “This present may have such an impression on the futures of scholars in each the Edwards Faculty and ACC general, and can assist set them up for achievement as they embark on in-demand careers within the trade.”

WGI intends to distribute a $5,000 annual award on behalf of every of it’s six divisions, for a complete distribution of $30,000 per yr for a ten yr interval to college students coming into their second yr in applications that correspond to the industries by which every of the divisions function.

“Our group of corporations are right here to assist college students obtain their training and additional be capable to enter what we all know from expertise will proceed to be in demand industries in Manitoba for a very long time,” stated Cunningham.

“It’s important for college students in search of a future in ag to have the chance to get one of the best agriculture training that’s out there as we rely on the sector for our meals and our future,” stated Russ Edwards, Founding father of Westman Group Inc (WGI). “The Edwards Faculty will be capable to present the chance for these college students to advance their training on this essential trade.”

Edwards has been a frontrunner within the enterprise neighborhood for almost 50 years, and a champion on the forefront of the agricultural sector throughout the Prairies. His enterprise roots stem again to his first enterprise in Winnipeg in 1976, establishing culverts, metal roofing, and siding. Within the 45 years following, WGI has carved out a outstanding and uncharted path below Edwards’ management. It has grown into one in every of Canada’s largest producers of metal merchandise.

This present provides to a contribution of $4 million from Edwards and household, introduced final yr, for the school’s Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture.

The faculty has been fundraising for the Centre, which is able to advance training, analysis and trade engagement, has raised greater than $17 million so far. The formal branding of the Faculty, in honour of Edwards, represents one other step on this journey.