Derek Roy-Brenneis Celebration Fund

Derek Roy-BrenneisDerek Roy-Brenneis, October 6, 1966-May 12, 2021

In May 2021, we announced the creation of the Derek Roy-Brenneis Celebration Fund. Initiated by the five University of Alberta Chancellors who had the privilege and joy of working with Derek (Chancellors Emeriti Eric Newell, Linda Hughes, Ralph Young, and Doug Stollery, and Chancellor Peggy Garritty), the endowed fund is intended to celebrate Derek’s outstanding service to the Senate and to the University as a whole. So many of us have been touched by his generosity of spirit, his kindness and his dedication to making a positive difference to the lives of so many. 

The intent and purpose of the Derek Roy-Brenneis Celebration Fund is described as follows:

In recognition of Derek’s tremendous contributions to the University of Alberta and in particular to the Senate, the Derek Roy-Brenneis Celebration Fund is being established to support U School and the education of Indigenous students.
The fund will be supported through the generous donations of hundreds of people who have had the privilege and joy of working with Derek.
Thank you, Derek, for brightening our lives and for your passionate commitment to the education of generations of young people.

Since announcing the creation of the fund, we have been overwhelmed with positive responses from people wanting to make a donation to the fund. By contributing to this Celebration Fund, we will not only be able to recognize Derek’s spirit and contributions to the University, but also generate funds that will be used in the future to support programs at U School and the education of Indigenous young people - two initiatives that were so important to Derek.

Thanks to the team in the Development and Alumni Relations Office, we have made it simple for you to contribute online using this link.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact Joseph Chambrinho or the Office of the Senate. We encourage you to share this link with others who may have worked with Derek in the past or share his passion for the University.

Thank you so much for your generous support of the Derek Roy-Brenneis Celebration Fund!

Derek's Obituary