A planned Patricia Whaley bursary would create permanent financial support for Durham College students in memory of a longtime professor who helped learners inside and outside the classroom.
Whaley taught at the Oshawa college for about three decades. Her daughter, Jennifer Morozowich, and her husband, Ivan, have started a fundraiser with a $25,000 goal to establish the Patricia Whaley Memorial Bursary.
The family says the award would focus on Durham College students facing financial barriers, particularly single mothers and other learners trying to continue their education while managing difficult circumstances.
Family wants to continue a professor’s support for students
Morozowich told DurhamRegion.com that her mother often served as an informal counsellor and advocate for students. In some cases, she also helped students who needed money for tuition or housing.
Whaley died in September 2024 after a four-year cancer illness. Her family says a permanent bursary reflects her belief that education can change a person’s life and should remain accessible to people who face financial obstacles.
The fundraiser describes Whaley as a professor who encouraged students, challenged them and helped them see new possibilities. It says the goal is to keep that work going by providing direct support to students who might otherwise struggle to afford their education.
Fundraiser sets a $25,000 target
The campaign aims to raise $25,000 to create the permanent award in Whaley’s name. The family says every contribution would help move the bursary closer to being established, while stressing that people should not feel pressured to donate.
The public campaign does not state when the first award would be made or how much an individual student would receive. Those details would depend on the fundraising result and the final arrangements for the bursary.
Morozowich said her mother had a particular concern for people struggling financially while caring for children. She hopes the award can help single parents who are returning to school to improve their lives and opportunities.
The Patricia Whaley bursary campaign is open online. Readers considering a contribution should review the fundraiser directly for the latest total, terms and organizer updates.
