Dalhousie鈥檚 Faculty of Science is now home to a transformative student support fund designed to encourage the next generation of ocean scientists: The Michael Albert Garron Fund.
Established by parents Myron and Berna and brothers Anthony and Mark, this fund has been named in memory of their beloved son and brother Michael who had a fascination with the ocean and marine life and dreamed of becoming a marine biologist. Tragically, Michael passed away from cancer at the age of 13.
Michael's legacy lives on through the incredible generosity of the Garron Family, who have made considerable philanthropic commitments to hospitals and research institutions across Canada, including the Garron Family Cancer Centre at Toronto鈥檚 Sick Kids Hospital, and most recently a $25-million commitment to the IWK to support adolescent mental health.
Their creation of this fund at 黑料吃瓜网will provide generous scholarships and bursaries to both undergraduate and graduate students pursuing studies in ocean sciences, marine biology, oceanography, and marine affairs.
Honoring Michael鈥檚 passion for the sea
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Michael Garron (left) and aquatic drawings (right).
Born in 1961, Michael demonstrated a passion for marine biology early on, developing a deep love for the ocean, swimming, and fishing. His dream was to pursue studies in marine biology and dedicate his life to protecting and conserving marine ecosystems.
鈥淢ichael was incredibly passionate about the ocean and marine life,鈥� says brother Mark. 鈥淗e would have been 63 years old today, and I know he would be thrilled to see students carry that same spark of curiosity. We hope this scholarship helps inspire students to explore the oceans with the same enthusiasm Michael had.鈥�
Michael鈥檚 passion for learning was nurtured by his devoted parents, Berna and Myron, who made certain that their son鈥檚 love for the ocean would continue to inspire others long after his passing. Both Myron, originally from Westport, Nova Scotia, and Berna, who spent her early years in the Caribbean, encouraged visits to the sea, visiting places like Peggy鈥檚 Cove.
Michael and mother, Berna, and family at Peggy鈥檚 Cove, Nova Scotia.
As a child, Michael spent countless hours drawing and studying aquatic life. His brothers fondly remember his deep love for nature, often collecting creatures and exploring the outdoors with curiosity.
The fund鈥攁 generous $1.25 million gift from the Garron Foundation鈥攚as officially announced on September 9th. The event brought together members of the Garron family, close friends, scholarship recipients, and leading figures from Dalhousie鈥檚 ocean sciences community.听
Back row, left-to-right: Anthony Garron, Dr. Leslie Phillmore, Mark Garron. Front row, L-R: Berna and Myron Garron.
Dr. Leslie Phillmore, Dal's associate vice president academic, highlighted the unique role experiential learning plays in Dalhousie鈥檚 ocean sciences programs.
"Our proximity to the ocean, combined with our strong faculty and research infrastructure, offers unparalleled opportunities for experiential learning. Students, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels, gain practical skills and insights that go far beyond the classroom. This fund will enable them to fully immerse themselves in cutting-edge marine research, shaping their journey from student to scientist,鈥� said Dr. Phillmore.
Ruth Riley (BSc鈥�22), an inaugural recipient of the scholarship is completing a Master of Marine Management through Dalhousie鈥檚 Marine Affairs Program. Now in her second year, Ruth鈥檚 research focuses on whale conservation efforts within the Gully Marine Protected Area, a critical habitat off the coast of Nova Scotia.
"The support from the Michael Albert Garron Fund has allowed me to dedicate more time and resources to my conservation work. It鈥檚 incredibly motivating to know that others share my passion for marine life," said Riley.
Ruth Riley.
With Dalhousie's global reputation for excellence in ocean education and research, the Michael Albert Garron Fund serves as a lasting tribute to Michael鈥檚 passion and legacy, living on through the recipients of this scholarship.
Mark emphasized the importance of nurturing students' passion for marine science, saying, "We truly need more marine biologists to help protect and understand our oceans.鈥�