Largest-ever legacy gift at USask establishes Pringle Scholarship Program at Edwards School of Business

Through the largest legacy gift ever received by USask, awards will be distributed in perpetuity to continuing undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and who graduated at a high school outside Regina or Saskatoon. The $10 million endowment received to date will fund scholarships named after Bill and two of his brothers – the William G. Pringle Award, the Bertram H. Pringle Award and the John A. Pringle Award. Together, these three awards will make up the Pringle Scholarship Program – the largest scholarship program at the business school to date. Each recipient will have their full tuition covered for the remainder of their degree.

“The generosity of Bill and May Ellen Pringle is an extraordinary gesture that will have a lasting impact on the lives of students at the Edwards School of Business,” said USask President and Vice-Chancellor Vince Bruni-Bossio. “Their belief in our university’s ability to shape the future aligns with our mission to be what the world needs and this enduring gift will continue to inspire generations of students to make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond. We are honoured to carry on Bill and May Ellen’s legacy through these awards.”

After earning his Bachelor of Commerce in 1955, Bill Pringle maintained a strong connection to USask until his passing in 2015. He graduated at the top of his class and then went on to enjoy a successful career as a chartered accountant and real estate developer in Calgary, Alta., yet he never forgot his roots.

“If I hadn’t got an education at a reasonable price, I wouldn’t have had the chance to do as well as I have,” Bill told the Green & White magazine in 2005. “I wanted to do something for USask because it had certainly done a lot for me. The scholarship will put something back into education. 

Bill and May Ellen paid tribute to Bill’s brothers by naming two of the scholarships in their honour. Both John (Jack) and Bertram (Bert) attended the College of Commerce, now known as the Edwards School of Business. Jack graduated in 1938 and went on to have a long and successful career at USask. With just one class left before completing his degree, Bert left the college to enlist in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was sadly killed in action in 1943. 

The Pringles’ estate gift had been part of Bill and May Ellen’s legacy planning for more than 20 years. After the passing of May Ellen in 2024, plans were set in motion to honour the couple. On July 31, 2025, members of the Pringle family, along with Edwards faculty and staff, gathered for a special plaque unveiling to recognize Bill and May Ellen’s extraordinary generosity.

“I was thrilled by the effort that the Edwards School of Business put into highlighting my uncle and aunt,” said Don Pringle, nephew of Bill and May Ellen. “My family and I were especially appreciative of Dean Willoughby’s comments about the gift and our family.” 

When reminiscing about his aunt and uncle, Pringle emphasized that the couple was always very generous with their time.

“They were a thoughtful couple in their support of what mattered to them. I was always struck by that,” said Pringle. “They both came from small towns—May from small-town Alberta and Bill from Harris, Sask.,—and education was extremely important to both of them, so they decided to provide a hand up for students who graduate from those smaller communities.”

It is estimated that 35 continuing Edwards students will receive a Pringle award each year, something that Dr. Keith Willoughby (PhD), dean of the Edwards School of Business, believes will enhance the philanthropic culture taking shape within the school.

“Our students are inspired by the generosity of Bill and May Ellen Pringle. They recognize that this support not only helps to relieve financial burdens today, but that it is an investment in their future as business leaders,” said Willoughby. “We are deeply appreciative of the Pringles and their enduring legacy.”