Vasyl (Bill) Balan International Students from Ukraine Bursary Fund

Established in memory of Vasyl Bill Balan and in recognition of his tremendous legacy at UWinnipeg and commitment to community service locally and abroad, this fund will support bursaries for international students from Ukraine, recent (<5years) Ukrainian immigrants, refugees and permanent residents or the first-generation children of new Ukrainian-Canadians. Special consideration may be given to new and current Ukrainian students who have been directly impacted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Undergraduate, graduate, and PACE students in any area of study are eligible, as well as ELP students enrolled full-time in the Pathway Program. Recipients must be registered for full-time studies for the academic year and meet the same minimum requirements for UW General Bursaries. Preference will be given to students pursuing Ukrainian or Ukrainian-Canadian studies or topics.
Bill started at the University in 2006 as the Associate Vice-President, Operations and later became the Vice President Finance and Administration. At various points, he also held responsibility for External Affairs, Capital Planning and Strategic Initiatives. Having faithfully served two presidents, Bill retired from The University of Winnipeg on March 31, 2017. As a great champion for the University, he played a key role in its evolution. He was an integral member of the University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation (UWCRC) and was one of its founding board members. Those who knew Bill will remember him fondly as a mentor and friend. He was skilled at building teams and was a warm and authentic leader. Bill was passionate about Ukraine and worked tirelessly to establish connections between The University of Winnipeg and his family’s homeland.