May 23, 2023
When you think about what kind of legacy you want to leave behind, what comes to mind? Some would say they aspire to leave a lasting legacy in their field or industry. Others see themselves generously giving back to the communities they live in by helping young people start their careers on the right foot.
At the CWB Welding Foundation, we envision a future where all individuals have the opportunity to explore career opportunities and have access to knowledge and awareness that helps them reach their full potential, regardless of financial status, culture, gender, language, or geographic location, to name a few.
Luckily, we are not alone in this mission. John Marinucci, a pillar to CWB Group since 2003 and former Chair of the CWB Foundation Board, has made it clear what legacy he hopes to leave behind, ensuring barriers are broken for those with the passion and purpose to pursue a welding-related career.
As one of the original board members who established the CWB Welding Foundation in 2013, John knew the challenges the welding industry faced first-hand as he travelled to high schools across Canada, raising awareness for the welding skilled trade. His eyes were quickly opened to how under-equipped school workshops were in delivering a safe and proper skilled trade education to curious students.
After retiring from the CWB Group Board in 2015, John made a $250,000 long-term investment over 10 years on behalf of the Marinucci Family Foundation, which grew to $275,000 and then matched by the CWB Welding Foundation, bringing the total funds to $550,000. Both John and the CWB Welding Foundation knew this would be a shining example to help reinvigorate communities to support the skilled trades industry and its dire need for educational support aimed at tackling skill gaps.
Most recently, the CWB John Marinucci Bursary Award was established in 2022 in partnership with Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario. The $25,000 contribution from CWB Welding Foundation and the matched amount from Mohawk College is an endowed fund, ensuring the award is self-sustainable and long-lasting.
What is an endowment award?
An endowment award is when the contributed gift is invested and creates a revenue stream through the interest generated. The interest is then awarded and allows the fund to continue to generate revenue for future awards and lasting impact.
This bursary serves as a testament to John’s dedication to enhancing Canada’s economic competitiveness by advocating for and aiding education in welding and joining. These skills are vital elements of Canada’s industrial framework and have contributed greatly to its success across various industry sectors, both established and emerging.
The bursary is managed by Mohawk College, and eligible students must be in their Welding or Mechanical Techniques program and demonstrate financial need. When asked about what Ron McKerlie, President and CEO at Mohawk College sees for this bursary’s current and long-term impact, he said, “Endowed awards, like the CWB John Marinucci Bursary Award, are particularly powerful because they continue to have a positive impact on our students and Canada’s future labour force well into the future. This bursary will support our students’ passion in pursuing a welding-related field as they navigate today’s current economic climate, but also ensure they are set up for whatever is thrown their way in the future.”
To learn more about the CWB John Marinucci Bursary Award and for specific application requirements, visit here.
With May being Leave Your Legacy Month, the CWB John Marinucci Bursary Award is one of many examples to model your legacy gifting after. To explore opportunities to leave your legacy with the CWB Welding Foundation and ignite bright futures for students of all ages interested in exploring or advancing in a welding-related field, please contact us today.