Ashley Stuart, a student in Holland College’s Architectural Technology program, has demonstrated she has gone ‘the extra mile’ this year, earning more than high marks in her program. Her hard work and perseverance have also earned Stuart a new 2020 Chevrolet Spark.

Another four students, Alex Foy in the Environmental Applied Science Technology program, Allen Boland in the Human Services program, Karla Cabrera in the Accounting Technology program, and Tracey Lidstone in the Human Services West Prince program are also $1,000 richer, all thanks to the generosity of donor Lou MacEachern.

This unique initiative was the brainchild of MacEachern, an Island-born Calgary businessman who has donated the car and the cash awards for six consecutive years.

“I speak from experience when I say that success comes from more than just high marks,” says MacEachern. “Through this initiative, my hope is to motivate students to strive for their personal and academic best, and that kind of success takes determination, ambition, and a positive attitude.”

Stuart’s nomination was one of 39 received for 33 full-time students in the first or second year of their programs, nominated by faculty and staff based on merit, character, and academic achievement. Nominations were reviewed by the Registrar’s Office and the top five candidates were identified as finalists and interviewed by a selection panel via videoconferencing.  The recipients of the car and the monetary awards were announced during an online celebration earlier this week.

"The Earn a Car award has inspired me to work hard and strive towards my fullest potential not only as a student, but as a person.  No matter the circumstances, I now know that I can look within myself and find the strength to achieve my dreams,” said Stuart.  “I am overwhelmed by the generosity of Lou MacEachern.  Having a safe and reliable vehicle for work has lifted a tremendous weight from my shoulders.”

“As a college, we are committed to helping students reach their full potential, not just academically, but in their careers and communities as well,” said Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald, Holland College president. “We are so thankful that Lou shares our values and inspires our students through this exciting annual initiative.”

MacEachern grew up in Hazel Grove, PEI, and, like many of his generation, left school at a young age to help on the family farm.  In 1956, he returned to Queen Charlotte School in Charlottetown as a mature student, after which he attended post-secondary training at Prince of Wales College and then Dalhousie University.  MacEachern moved to Calgary, where he married, raised a family, and made his mark as a leader in business and as a benefactor in the community.

To view a video of the announcement, visit https://youtu.be/co6CoxeoHyM

To find out what being part of the Earn a Car initiative means to students, hear what previous participants have to say at https://youtu.be/Vs10tSeCQP8