Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy receives $500,000 from well-known local entrepreneur

News Release Release Date: May 22, 2014 10:00 a.m.

In a generous contribution to Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy as part of Building Knowledge – The College Avenue Campus Renewal Project, local Regina entrepreneur, Dr. Bev Robertson, has gifted $500,000.

The gift from Dr. Robertson will establish the Centre for Science and Public Policy within JSGS and the creation of graduate fellowship scholarships.

“The Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy is a world-class provincial institution for advanced education, research and, training in policy and administration,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vianne Timmons. “I would like to thank Dr. Bev Robertson for his generous donation, which says so much about his continuing commitment to providing opportunities for our students. Through this new Centre for Science and Public Policy, our students, faculty, and staff will have an additional space to explore and study policy issues that have regional, national, and international impact.”

Dr. Robertson is well known in the community for being the owner of the Bushwakker Brewing Company Ltd. He was a professor at the University of Regina in the Department of Physics, having been recruited in 1969 and in 2003, he was conferred as a Professor Emeritus.

Located on two university campuses – the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan – JSGS is a source of respected policy advice and commentary. With academic backgrounds such as political science, economics, sociology, geography, law and education, the school’s faculty members train graduate students in an interdisciplinary environment, educate the public on policy matters, and improve the knowledge base from which policymakers draw.

The revitalization of College Avenue campus, where the new Centre will be located will be transformed into a vibrant, accessible centre of learning, strengthening the University of Regina’s connection to the community and further contributing to the education of the next century of learners and leaders. The campus will be known as the University of Regina Leadership and Outreach Centre (LOC).

College Avenue campus is home to the Centre for Continuing Education, Conservatory of Performing Arts, Darke Hall, Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy and the Lifelong Learning Centre.

Further information about Building Knowledge – The College Avenue Campus Renewal Project can be found at www.uregina.ca/building-knowledge or by calling (306) 585-4024.