Conestoga news

January 22, 2026 9:10 AM

First cohort of Hallman Foundation Scholars recognized at Conestoga

Thirty-five Conestoga students received the Hallman Foundation Scholars Award this fall. This is the first cohort of scholarship recipients made possible by the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation.

The foundation provides grants to organizations in Waterloo Region that support health, education and children’s initiatives designed to inspire and grow individual and community potential.

The aim of this award is to promote access and alleviate financial barriers to higher education in Waterloo Region. Divided between Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Waterloo and Conestoga, the foundation’s investment of more than $3 million created the awards for residents of Waterloo Region. 

“We are deeply grateful for the partnership and for the trust the Lyle S. Hallman Foundation has placed in Conestoga through this initiative,” said Julie Gillis, director of Donor Relations and Stewardship. “Students’ futures are being shaped by their generosity.”

The awards are open to students registered in any program at one of the three institutions. The Hallman Foundation Scholars Awards first became available to students in fall 2025 and will support them from registration to graduation. The award will remain available to students until 2029.

The fall 2025 recipients, known as the Hallman Foundation Scholars, represent a diverse range of disciplines across Conestoga, including programs such as Electrical Techniques, Bachelor of Science - Nursing (Honours), Bachelor of Engineering - Mechanical Systems Engineering and Culinary Skills.

For more than five decades, Conestoga has provided quality education, training and research that prepares graduates to succeed in a changing economy and play key roles in local communities. New locations, labs equipped with the latest technology, career-focused programs, hands-on learning and comprehensive student supports are all made possible thanks to the unwavering commitment of Conestoga donors and partners.