july 2009 issue
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News
Thanks, Dad
A successful son has recognized his father’s mentorship with $1.3 million. And the beneficiaries are generations of future engineers who pass through the Schulich School of Engineering
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FROM ONE ENGINEER TO MANY OTHERS |
-photo by Jason Stang |
His father passed along a passion for engineering. Robert Wichert, P.Eng., is paying it forward with a gift of $1.3 million to the University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Engineering. From left, Robert Wichert, P.Eng., APEGGA student members Marya Cokar and Alex Soltani, and Robert’s father, Edward Wichert, P.Eng. The younger Witchert has held senior positions in several companies and is currently president and CEO of Javelin Corp., a company he founded. |
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University of Calgary graduate Robert Wichert, P.Eng., wanted to recognize a mentor and fellow engineer close to his heart — his father. To do it, the Texas engineer has made a personal gift of $1.3 million to the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary.
The donation is the second largest donation in the history of the school, behind the one from Seymour Schulich himself.
“I was looking for a way to give back to the community in a meaningful way that honours my roots and shows my appreciation for an institution that has benefitted our family,” Mr. Wichert says in a U of C news release.
While a child in Calgary, Robert travelled with his father, Edward Wichert, P.Eng., to remote drilling sites, all the while gaining a greater appreciation of the technical processes involved in engineering.
The older Mr. Wichert earned a bachelor of science degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Alberta, then his master’s degree, also in petroleum engineering, from the U of C. He developed a specialty in sour gas production and processing, taught courses around the world, and has written numerous articles about sour gas technology. Mr. Wichert was also an adjunct professor at the U of C from 1996 to 2005.
The donation establishes the Edward Wichert Graduate Scholarship, an annual $20,000 award for a graduate student in chemical, petroleum or energy and environmental engineering. Another six undergraduate students per year will receive Edward Wichert Undergraduate Scholarships. With a value of $5,000 per person, this award will support their studies in chemical or oil and gas engineering.
Robert’s gift will also provide capital support for the renovation of the homeroom for third-year students in oil and gas engineering. This room, vital to students for expanding the university experience beyond the classroom, is a relaxing space were students can study and begin to establish networks with their peers.
“Support from alumni such as Robert Wichert is crucial because it helps us maintain research excellence and prepare future engineers who will become the next leaders in business and innovation,” says Dr. Elizabeth Cannon, P.Eng., dean of engineering.
The family connection to engineering and the university does not stop with this Wichert father and son. Younger brothers Martin and Gordon are both U of C alumni.
Martin Wichert, P.Eng., earned his bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering there, as well as an MBA in finance. Gordon Wichert, P.Eng., has a B.Sc. and a master’s in chemical engineering. Both have successful careers with major energy companies in Calgary.
Students will receive the first of the Wichert scholarships in September 2009.
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