Robert Brawn, a successful entrepreneur and valuable contributor to the Canadian energy sector, will be presented with a University of Lethbridge honorary degree at the Fall 2016 Convocation ceremony.
“One of the true leaders in Alberta’s energy sector, Robert Brawn is also an influential voice in his community and through his family’s foundation, has made a valuable contribution to bettering society,” says U of L Chancellor Janice Varzari. “We’re very excited that he has accepted our offer of an honorary degree and are looking forward to celebrating the spirit of philanthropy he and his family epitomize.”
The University will present Brawn with the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, at the Fall 2016 Convocation ceremony on Saturday, October 15, 2016 in the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness.
Robert Brawn
It is one thing to be a leader in the business world, and Calgary’s Robert Brawn has been that – widely regarded as a pioneering entrepreneur who has been a major driving force behind Canada’s energy sector.
It is quite another thing to leverage that professional success to become a leader in the community – an area in which Brawn and his family has excelled at for years.
A graduate of the University of Alberta, Brawn began working as a chemical engineer for Mobil Oil, eventually striking out on his own by purchasing an oil-recycling refinery in Edmonton and establishing his first business, SL Refineries, which would later become Turbo Resources.
As President and CEO of Turbo Resources, Brawn grew his company’s portfolio from $1 million in sales to over $500 million in 12 years. He would go on to lead a number of other successful business ventures, all the while seeking ways to give back to his community through initiatives such as The Brawn Family Foundation.
In 1976, the Brawn Family Foundation was established and quickly gained recognition as a key contributor to worthwhile community causes. In 2007, the Association of Fundraising Professionals awarded the Brawn Family Foundation the Generosity of Spirit Philanthropic Family Award, a testament to the foundation’s ongoing dedication to serving the interests of the Calgary community.
Brawn’s enterprises have consistently been regarded as important players in the Canadian energy sector, have employed multiple U of L graduates and been committed to bettering Alberta communities for decades.
A father of four and grandfather of nine, Brawn is a loving husband of 55 years to Carole. He currently presides over a private investment company, and serves as director for a number of private and public companies.