In 2022, Hal and Janet Bevan established an entrance award for students accepted into Holland College’s Plumbing/Pipefitting program. In 2023, the Bevans placed permanence around their award by establishing an endowment at the Holland College Foundation that would fund it in perpetuity. Annually, an approximate $1,000 award will be given to a deserving student who aspires to a career in the plumbing and pipefitting industry.

The Bevans’ gift was inspired by their lengthy history as leaders in commercial, residential, and industrial plumbing and heating, together with their interest in the training and education of future plumbers and pipefitters. Hal Bevan noted that Bevan Bros. has hired many Holland College graduates over the years and, as a family, they feel a responsibility to invest in the next generation of industry professionals.

“Our business regularly has on-the-job placements for Holland College students and there have been countless occasions where those students were then hired by our company,” said Hal Bevan. “Seeing them move from positions as apprentices into more senior roles as journeymen, and then eventually on to Red Seal plumbers has been so gratifying. We are proud to have had so many of them stay on as long-time members of our team.”

Bevan Bros. was started in 1934 by Roy Bevan with his brothers Leith and Ralph joining the business shortly after. Their first place of business was a garage located at the back of the Bevan home on Weymouth Street.

Today, Bevan Bros. is owned and operated by Hal Bevan and his son Quentin. They still pride themselves as operating with the traditional values the business was founded on: loyalty, honesty, and a strong work ethic.

“We are happy to invest in Holland College and its students,” said Quentin Bevan.“We hope that students feel supported by local companies and families like ours.”

Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald, President of Holland College, commented on the importance of industry stepping up to help students achieve their academic goals.

“We are most grateful to Bevan Bros. and the Bevan family, along with our many partners in industry, for their unwavering support of our students. There is never a better time to invest in tomorrow’s workforce, than today. Quentin and Hal have given a great deal of not only their resources but of their time to Holland College students, and we’re very thankful to them and their families for this support,” he said.

In this picture: Hal Bevan (second left) and son, Quentin Bevan (left), celebrate the establishment of the Bevan Family Endowment at the Holland College Foundation with Executive Director Jo-Ann Campbell-Boutilier (second right) and Holland College President, Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald (right).