5th Pillar Award

This past weekend Pickering College alumni gathered for Reunion Weekend, and a special posthumous presentation of the prestigious 5^th Pillar Award to Jim Spring '47. Mr. Spring was recognized for a lifetime of involvement at PC and incredible generosity towards the school. This is only the fifth time the award has been presented in the school's 177-year history. The 5^th Pillar Award recognizes lifelong and exceptional dedication to Pickering College. Also announced was an incredible gift of $5 million made by Mr. Spring as a bequest. Mr. Spring died December 29, 2018 at the age of 90.

Jim Spring '47 felt strongly that education could have a life-changing impact on an individual, and credits his experience at Pickering as being instrumental in setting the path for his future. His loyalty to PC began as an involved student, and continued as he sent his children and two of his grandchildren to Pickering College.

In 2002 Jim Spring established the Spring Family Scholarship, at that time one of the largest donations in Pickering College history. Since 2002, 24 students have benefited from Spring Family Scholarships. Many of these students, now Pickering College alumni, have attributed the significant impact of their PC education to Mr. Spring.

"The Spring Family Scholars have come to embody all of the qualities we seek in a PC student," said Peter Sturrup, Head of School. "Jim Spring has been one of the greatest supporters of Pickering College over his lifetime association with the school. His gifts have been transformational: changing the lives of students by allowing them to achieve their dreams and reshaping the learning environment in which our students and teachers teach and learn. We are grateful to Jim, who with humility, kindness and generosity has enriched our school and our community."

Jim Spring's strong connection to PC and generosity continued throughout his life, benefiting every aspect of Pickering College academics, athletics, and student life. His donations included support for the 40s Student Lounge, Egan House, endowments, and the restoration of the Pillars. "These contributions helped to provide the space and facilities for outstanding students to thrive," said Sturrup. "We know the legacy of Jim Spring will be felt for many, many generations of PC students to come."

On hand for the awarding of the 5^th Pillar Award were the Spring Family and a number of Spring Family Scholars, both current students and alumni. Clockwise from front centre, pictured with the 5^th Pillar Award, sons of Jim Spring '47; Jim Spring '81, Jake Spring '78, Yagmur Ozturk '20, Matheson Spring '05, Zeynep Eren '19, Rayi Singh '20, Louis Engel '09, and Leticia Mortozo Nascimento Rodrigues '18

View photo gallery from 5th Pillar Award presentation