UPEI celebrates the William and Nona Heaslip Foundation’s commitment of $1.2 million to revitalized Heaslip Undergraduate Award
The University of Prince Edward Island is pleased to highlight the continued philanthropic legacy of the late William (Bill) and Nona Macdonald Heaslip through the revitalized Heaslip Undergraduate Award. Supported by a 10-year $1.2-million agreement from the Toronto-based William and Nona Heaslip Foundation, the renewable scholarship program provides $120,000 annually to empower UPEI students to focus on their academic goals and campus engagement without financial strain.
Beginning in the 2026–27 academic year, the Heaslip Undergraduate Award will support six UPEI students, recognized as Heaslip Scholars, with funding of $20,000 per student per academic year.
The Heaslip Undergraduate Award, formerly named the MacDonald Heaslip Scholarships, was established through the William and Nona Heaslip Foundation by Bill Heaslip, co-founder of the Grafton Group Ltd., Canada’s second-largest retail clothing company at one time, and his wife Nona Macdonald Heaslip, a distinguished journalist, public relations executive, and arts advocate. The Heaslips envisioned creating renewable scholarships to provide a foundation so students could achieve their educational goals. Inspired by stories from university faculty about students struggling to balance full-time studies with nearly full-time jobs, Mr. Heaslip aimed to provide enough financial support to free them from employment pressures. His goal was to empower deserving students to engage in community service, fully experience university life, and succeed in completing their undergraduate degrees.
The University holds special historical significance for the family: Nona Macdonald Heaslip’s father, Colonel Ronald Hugh Patrick Macdonald, FRCS, MC, DSO, was born in Summerside, PEI, and attended Saint Dunstan’s College, a predecessor institution of UPEI, from 1901 to 1904.
Following the passing of Bill Heaslip in 2006 and Nona Macdonald Heaslip in 2024, the Foundation is led by its board, which includes their nieces Nona Louise Macdonald and Brenda Radford. Together, the board has reinvigorated its commitment to its founders’ vision across 10 Canadian universities.
The enduring legacy left by the Heaslips is defined by their commitment to giving back to Canada’s vital institutions, including higher education. This legacy lives on at UPEI through the Heaslip Undergraduate Award.
Receiving this award is an honour that brings significant financial relief for students—like Gabriel Geraghty. Originally from the small rural community of Cascapédia–Saint-Jules on Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula, Geraghty has had to finance his education at UPEI entirely on his own after he lost his parents at a young age. His journey to UPEI has been defined by determination and hard work.
Geraghty is earning a double major in History and Political Science in the Faculty of Arts. He has become immersed in campus life, serving on the Student Council as both Residence and Senate Representative, leading the Power to Change UPEI student club, and participating in the History Society and the Volleyball Club.
“The Heaslip Undergraduate Award gives me the room to not only breathe, but to truly succeed and focus on giving my absolute best to my studies and community at UPEI. I cannot thank the Foundation enough. Their generosity has made an irreplaceable difference in my life,” said Geraghty.
The generosity of the William and Nona Heaslip Foundation serves as a powerful reminder of the impact thoughtful philanthropy can have on a student’s trajectory, including Geraghty’s.
To create a scholarship or award at UPEI, please contact Kathy Weatherbie, Senior Development and Donor Relations Officer at (902) 626-6791 or krweatherbie@upei.ca.
