Shannon Burwash Memorial Award Will Honor Late AQHA Director

Shannon Burwash Memorial Award (via AQHA Publicity)

Dr. Wayne Burwash is pleased to announce the launch of the Shannon Burwash Memorial Award for Equine and Agricultural Studies at The Calgary Foundation.

Established to honor the legacy of Shannon’s love for the horse and her contribution to the horse industry, the award will benefit Canadian post-secondary students in any field of study, with a preference for those pursuing agriculture, agri-business or equine-oriented studies.

Shannon’s involvement with the horse industry, and more specifically the Quarter Horse industry, was extensive. She was an active director and treasurer for the Quarter Horse Association of Alberta and the Canadian Quarter Horse Association, as well as an Alberta director for the American Quarter Horse Association. Shannon also was very active on Equine Canada committees. She loved riding and showing horses, and promoted good horsemanship, sportsmanship and a love for their pursuits. She died suddenly in 2013, after returning from the Arizona Quarter Horse Sun Circuit with the 3-year-old gelding, Soo Good, whom Shannon and Wayne raised.

“Besides her family, Shannon had two big passions in life,” Dr. Burwash said. “First, she loved the horse and was devoted to enriching the horse industry. Her second passion was education. She felt strongly that all young people should pursue post-secondary education.”

Guided by these passions, Dr. Burwash knew that a scholarship supporting young people involved with horses and agriculture and pursuing advanced education in those fields was a fitting tribute to Shannon.

Award Overview

Annual scholarships at a minimum of $2,000 will be distributed commencing mid-2015 to eligible, full-time, post-secondary students whose studies have emphasis on the horse, agriculture, business or equine veterinary medicine be given preference. Eligibility and application details will soon be available at The Calgary Foundation’s website at www.thecalgaryfoundation.org/grants-awards/student-awards.

To Donate

Online: Visit www.thecalgaryfoundation.org, choose “Donate Online” at top, right-hand side of the home page, then choose “Select from Funds to support a current celebration, remembrance or fundraising activity,” and then search for “Shannon Burwash Fund” in the drop down menu. VISA and MasterCard are accepted.

By phone: To pay by credit card over the phone, call 403-802-7700 during office hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please do not leave your credit card number on voicemail.

In person: The Calgary Foundation, Suite 700, 999 – 8 Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, during office hours.

By mail: Check payable to The Calgary Foundation, indicating “Shannon Burwash Memorial Award” in the memo section. Mail to: The Calgary Foundation, Suite 700, 999 – 8 Street SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1J5

For more information, contact Darlene Chrapko, student awards officer, at The Calgary Foundation at 403-802-7711 or dchrapko@thecalgaryfoundation.org.