King’s alumni Robert B. Hyslop, BA’69, created a bursary to honour his father and fellow Canadian soldiers who braved the Battle of Normandy in the Second World War
When Robert B. Hyslop decided to give $50,000 to establish a new bursary at King’s, he initially made it a condition of his will. However, he had a change of heart and decided to endow the Hyslop Bursary now—and contributed an additional $2,000 to “jump start” the fund so it could be awarded to a King’s Foundation Year Program student in the 2024-25 academic year.
This change came about as Robert reflected on the many opportunities that were afforded to him as a student that were not available to his late father, Robert Samuel Hyslop, “one of the fortunate ones,” he says, who survived after landing on Juno Beach with the Allied troops on June 6, 1944. It seemed fitting to Robert that the endowment should coincide with the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Robert Samuel Hyslop was one of the approximately 14,000 Canadian soldiers who stormed the shores of Normandy on D-Day. His son created the Hyslop Bursary to honour him and all Canadians who helped liberate Western Europe in the Battle of Normandy—brave soldiers who “risked so much for our freedom.”
A recipient of the 2013 Judge J Elliott Hudson Distinguished Alumni Award, Robert received many awards and honours as an undergraduate studying history at King’s, including the Margaret and Wallace Towers Bursary. The impact of Dr. Towers’ generosity on the course of his life inspired Robert to provide opportunities for others. His gift is not only a wonderful way to honour his father’s past, but it will also help change the lives of current and future students at King’s.
The Hyslop Bursary, valued at $2,000, is open to students enrolled in the Foundation Year Program who can demonstrate financial need.
Learn more about the application process for King’s bursaries.
Banner photo: LCA (Landing Craft Assault) with Royal Canadian Navy crew, just launched off HMCS Prince Henry carrying troops towards Juno Beach. Photo by Dennis Sullivan. Department of National Defence / National Archives of Canada, PA-132790
For information on creating a legacy gift, or on giving in general, please contact Director of Advancement Adriane Abbott at the University of King’s College Advancement Office at 902-422-1271, ext. 279.
