Helping Students Realize Their Dreams

Growing up on the family farm in Paswegin (east of Saskatoon near Quill Lakes), Edward learned the value of hard work and education early on. His parents immigrated to Canada from Poland after the Second World War. They came with nothing but a dream—a dream to make a better life for their children.

Edward followed his parents’ example. While working alongside his father on the family farm, Edward attended the Agricultural Mechanics program at the Sask Polytech, Saskatoon campus, to improve his skills. He kept learning lifelong, earning a pilot’s license, serving on Co-op and Wheat Pool boards and volunteering at the Western Development Museum. He was also a passionate musician who loved to play at local dances.

Edward wanted to provide an opportunity for young people to succeed, despite the obstacles they might face in life, so he left a gift in his will to Saskatchewan Polytechnic to establish the Kwasnik Education Trust Awards. The Kwasnik Awards support students in Sask Polytech’s Agricultural Equipment Technician, Machinist and Welding programs in Saskatoon.

Keli was one of the first recipients of the Kwasnik Education Trust Award. After working at a desk for several years, Keli decided a sedentary job was not the right fit. She began exploring other types of work and discovered Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Women in Trades and Technology course. “I was most excited about the welding aspect,” she says. “After the course, I decided to take a leap of faith and apply for the Welding program.”

Keli’s biggest fear in going back to school was dealing with the financial impact of not being able to work full time, yet still having expenses to cover. “The costs of tuition, equipment, housing, groceries, etc. is quite intimidating, but receiving the Kwasnik Education Trust Award helps take some of the financial burden off of my shoulders.”

Receiving the Kwasnik Award has made a big difference to Keli. “I’m very grateful. The fact that someone was willing to leave a gift in their will to help students pursue their chosen career with education is very admirable. Receiving the Kwasnik Education Trust Award definitely encouraged me to do the best that I possibly could throughout the program knowing that someone else believed in me enough to assist and aid my educational future.”

Edward would be pleased to know his legacy is making a difference. He chose to leave a gift to Saskatchewan Polytechnic because he wanted to help young people realize their dreams. His legacy lives on through the Kwasnik Award recipients, who are using their Sask Polytech education to build better lives for themselves and their families.