Edgar Scott (BComm’57) was a man of highest integrity, kindness, and he was an incredible champion of student success. His legacy lives on even after his passing, as his family, friends, colleagues, and students continue to celebrate his life and the impact he made on others. Born in Guysborough on April 17, 1937, he attended school in Halifax at Queen Elizabeth High School, where he graduated from grade 12 with a Governor General’s Medal for the highest average in his class.

Edgar then began studying at Dalhousie University, pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce Degree, and graduated in 1957, again with the highest average in the program. Upon graduation, he joined the firm H. R. Doane, before earning his Chartered Accountant Designation in 1960. Continuing to further his education, he then went on to get his Master of Business Administration from Columbia University in New York and his Ph.D. at the University of Toronto.

His exceptional teaching career

Eventually, Edgar was offered a teaching position in the Dalhousie Commerce department, kickstarting his exceptional teaching career, spanning 40 years teaching subjects such as accounting, cost accounting, tax, and finance. Additionally, he served as MBA coordinator and, toward the end of his career, was proud to have chaired the committee that developed the Bachelor of Management Program at Dalhousie. Before retiring, he was able to attend the first graduation of that program, getting to see off the students that he worked with tirelessly to ensure their success.

A caring champion for student success

Over the span of his career, he was a mentor to countless students, caring and helpful to all. Years later, he could recall almost all of his students by name. Edgar was the type of champion for success that many students needed to rely on for sound advice. He was able to push students when they needed motivation, while also advocating for those who may be pushing themselves too far.

He was a near perfect example of what a supportive teacher is supposed to look like, and because of that, George Waye FCPA, FCA (BComm 1970), a past student of Edgar’s wanted to ensure his influence on the Dalhousie community continued for many years to come and he and his wife Margaret worked with Dalhousie to establish funding for a bursary to honor Edgar’s memory .

Continuing his legacy

To honor his memory and the impact he made on students, the Edgar Scott bursary has been established to provide one or more bursaries to students in Dalhousie University’s undergraduate program in the Faculty of Management. Recognizing the value of accounting designations, the donor is interested in supporting a student who is on the path towards completing their accounting designation.

The Edgar Scott bursary is an opportunity for donors to contribute to Edgar Scott’s legacy and ensure that his passion for education and mentorship continues to impact future generations. With the first ever recipient recently chosen, they stated “Edgar Scott is an inspiration to me through his dedication and perseverance… the funds from this bursary will be VERY helpful as I continue my Bachelor of Commerce studies at Dalhousie”. They continued “Thank you again for supporting students and honouring Mr. Scott in this way”.

With your donation, you will help provide financial support to deserving undergraduate students who demonstrated financial need. If you are interested in contributing to this bursary, please find more information on the donation page.