New Committee Appointed to Oversee Veterans and Military Families Scholarship

A committee has been appointed to oversee the administration of MaKami College’s new General Hillier Valour and Service Veterans and Military Families Scholarship.

Chaired by General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier, OC, CMM, ONL, MSC, CD, these dedicated individuals will play a vital role in fulfilling the scholarship’s mission by developing and overseeing the selection process, ensuring that the awards honour service with integrity and distinction. Eligible recipients will include currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families, as well as veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families.

“The sacrifice made by members and veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces in service to Canada is one that can never be fully repaid—and neither can the sacrifice made by their families, who have served in their own right through strength, resilience and unwavering support,” said General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier, Chair of the Veterans and Military Families Scholarship committee and former Chief of the Defence Staff. “It is a privilege to help shape a scholarship that honours their contributions, opens doors, creates opportunities for growth, and gives them the tools they need to succeed in the career of their choice—whether they are transitioning to a new career or pursuing studies after supporting a loved one’s service to our country.”

The Veterans and Military Families Scholarship Committee consists of a diverse group of individuals, including those with direct experience serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. Together with the MaKami Education Foundation, they will help shape the scholarship, helping it make a long-lasting impact for those who have served Canada and their families. The membership of the committee includes:

• General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier, OC, CMM, ONL, MSC, CD, Committee Chair and former Chief of the Defence Staff
• Erika Barootes, Director of External Relations, MaKami College
• Brigadier-General (Ret’d) William (Bill) Fletcher, OMM, SMV, CD, Chief Administrative Officer, City of St. Albert
• Harwinder Kang, Council Member, Canada Company
• Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Eleanor Taylor, OMM, MSM, CD, True Patriot Love Foundation
• Master Corporal (Ret’d) Giselle Drew Walsh, CD, Host of Veteran Voices

Members of the General Hillier Scholarship Committee pictured with MaKami College representatives pictured left to right: Erika Barootes, External Relations Director, MaKami College, Vladimir Pavkovic, VP of MaKami College, General (Ret'd) Rick Hillier, Committee Chair, Marija Pavkovic-Tovissi, CEO & President of MaKami College, Harwinder Kang, Committee Member.

“The idea to establish a scholarship for veterans and their families comes from a place of deep respect for their sacrifice and service to our country. That’s why our family is proud to be the first to contribute to this meaningful program,” said Marija Pavkovic-Tovissi, President of MaKami College. “I’m especially grateful to the committee, whose experience, past service and commitment to creating opportunities for our veterans will help ensure this scholarship makes a real impact on the lives of those who served our country and their families.”

The General Hillier Valour and Service Veterans and Military Families Scholarship was announced by MaKami College in February 2025. It was established following an initial $1-million award by MaKami College’s founders as part of their ongoing commitment to provide a positive learning environment where students are given the opportunity to better their lives through the transforming power of education.

For more information on MaKami College scholarships and awards, please visit https://makamicollege.com/student-awards/

To learn more about the General Hillier Valour and Service Veterans and Military Families Scholarship, visit the MaKami Education General Hillier Scholarship page.

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For more information:

Erika Barootes

Spokesperson / Director of External Relations