Ken & Alison Ann Heckbert

Ken and Alison Ann Heckbert have established an endowment at the Holland College Foundation to fund an award for future Holland College students. Funded through the endowment and valued at approximately $1,000 annually in perpetuity, the Heckbert Family Entrance Award will be available to incoming student athletes beginning in the fall of 2023.

“Alison Ann and I are really pleased to be able to make this gift to the Holland College Foundation and establish this award,” said Ken, who noted that he had a first-hand appreciation for the impact that gifts like this made to post-secondary students. “When I was in university, scholarships, bursaries, and awards helped me significantly, and I know that there are many promising students out there who may simply need a financial boost as well.”

The Heckberts have been long-time annual donors to the Holland College Foundation, and their endowment gift marked Ken Heckbert’s retirement from Holland College, following 22 years as the CFO and more than a decade serving as treasurer of the Holland College Foundation Board. Alison Ann has recently retired from a career with the P.E.I. public school system and is now a member of the Holland College team, teaching in the Early Childhood program.

Applicants for the Heckbert Family Entrance Award must be full-time students entering first year in any Holland College post-secondary programs, demonstrate financial need, and have a minimum 70% academic average.  Consistent with the Heckbert family’s interest in sport, recipients must also be incoming players on either the men’s or women’s basketball, soccer, or volleyball teams.

“Ken and I have always been strong advocates for education, sport, and community involvement,” said Alison Ann.  “We believe that this award touches on all of those values.”

The Heckberts see Holland College as an institution that is making a positive impact on the lives and journeys of our students while also supporting the needs of industry.

“Alison Ann and I hope that our gift will inspire others,” said Ken. “Collectively, we can make an incredible impact, not just on our current and future students, but on our community as a whole.”