Faces of Philanthropy: Alexandra Sheppard

For some supporters of the Faculty of Science, their connection to campus spans generations. In the case of Alexandra Sheppard (BA ‘91, DipDH ‘93, MEd ‘05), clinical professor in the University of Alberta’s School of Dentistry, supporting the Douglas M Sheppard Memorial Scholarship is both a way to honour her father and continue his legacy of supporting students and the next generation of scientists.

Douglas Sheppard completed his BSc. in Honors physics at the age of 20, and completed his PhD in nuclear physics at MIT just four years later. He came to the University of Alberta in 1966, joining the Department of Physics as a research associate, before becoming an assistant professor in 1977 and a full professor in 1979. Alexandra recalls many weekends spent with her brother George (‘92 BSc (Hons), ‘96 MD) in her father’s office or playing on campus as she grew up—his career in physics an important part of both his life and those of his family.

“In our family, our lives revolved around physics—whether it was conferences, symposia, or sabbaticals. It was during his post-doctoral fellowship in Utrecht where he met our mom, Willemien,” said Alexandra. 

When Douglas passed away in February 1987, the Douglas M Sheppard Memorial Scholarship was established to support students in their second, third, or fourth year in the physics, computational science (physics), or astrophysics specialization programs.

“It was my dad's decision to establish this scholarship,” said Alexandra. “He prepared the documentation with the university and Helen Biltek was the liaison from his hospital bed. He was an excellent professor and always had very positive reviews from students. He really believed in students and wanted them to succeed.”

Since then, the Douglas M. Sheppard Memorial Scholarship has supported 77 students in their studies, carrying on his legacy of teaching and helping to grow the next generation of scientists.

“I feel it is important to keep his legacy alive,” said Alexandra. “He gave his life to the University of Alberta. My family continues to contribute, and currently there are four awards provided to eligible students with a value of $2000 each.”

Douglas’ legacy and connection to campus lives on through Alexandra as well. Her personal connection to the university—and her own postsecondary education—is rich in memories of spending time with her father on campus.

“I grew up on campus. From swimming lessons to spending many weekends in our dad's office, to climbing trees and playing in the Quad, it was our second home,” said Alexandra, who completed her entire postsecondary education at the University of Alberta. “For me, it's important to keep my dad's name alive, both as a person and through supporting students. I imagine he would be quite proud to see how big the scholarship has grown and how many students are positively impacted.”

And in the truest spirit of paying it forward to the next generation, some of that support has found its way back close to home:

“A few years ago, one of my son's friends was honoured with the scholarship,” explained Alexandra. “It was great to share the story and for someone to receive the award with a connection to the Sheppard family.”