The University of Lethbridge and Flexahopper Plastics have partnered in numerous ways over the years and now the company is pledging $125,000 to the central scholarship fund in support of both merit- and financial need-based awards.
Flexahopper Plastics, established in Lethbridge in 1967, is an international plastics processing company serving the aerospace, oil and gas, agricultural and food-processing industries. ULethbridge 2018 Alumnus of the Year Bill Spenceley (BSc ’81), principal owner since 1998, was named president in 1995. His relationship with ULethbridge includes giving undergraduate lectures and becoming a donor in 1993. In 2018, Flexahopper invested in the establishment of a Green Polymer and Technology Centre in conjunction with the University’s Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. The collaboration helped secure a grant from the federal government to establish the University’s polymer characterization laboratory, with the eventual goal of reducing plastic waste and reliance on fossil fuels.
“Supporting the University of Lethbridge’s scholarship campaign was an easy decision for me,” says Spenceley. “Not only am I a proud alumnus, many of my current staff members were educated at ULethbridge. With this donation, my goal is to help both undergraduate and graduate students with the costs of their post-secondary education and to recognize their achievements.”
“It means so much to students to know that leaders from our community like Bill Spenceley are willing to invest in their future,” says Kathy Greenwood, vice-president external relations. “Gifts like this help support and inspire the next generation. On behalf of the entire University community, thank you to Flexahopper Plastics for this forward-thinking gift in support of ULethbridge students and future community leaders.”
The University of Lethbridge Board of Governors will match Flexahopper’s donation as part of its $10-million pledge in matching funds to establish new endowed student awards. In addition to significantly increasing the sustainability of its student awards program, the University’s current scholarship drive aims to build a base of support to remove barriers, increase accessibility and unlock opportunities for future generations of students.
In addition, the University will recognize Flexahopper’s contributions with permanent signage at the entrance to a chemistry lab (SA7102) in Science Commons.
Visit the Campaign for Students for more information.