By Fallon Bourgeois

Fifty years ago, Ethel Kostman (BA’70, BEd’71) came to Dalhousie upon the suggestion of her father, Harry Kostman, who on a business trip to Halifax deemed Dal to be the right fit for his daughter. Born and raised in Montreal, she laid her roots here in Halifax, raising her family and spending 31 years working as an educator. And while her father had no ties to the university, his legacy and passion for education is making a difference for Dal students through the Kostman Family Bursary.

A savvy businessman who instilled the power and importance of education in his family, Harry grew up in Vancouver. It was there he pursued his own education and started a national clothing store in cities coast-to-coast.

“Growing up my siblings and I all knew that we would go to university – it was always assumed because both my parents had post-secondary educations and felt it was very important,” says Ethel. She continues, “My dad always felt very strongly about having a goal; he thought it was easier to follow your path if you knew what you wanted to do.”

For Ethel, that goal was to become a teacher, which resulted in a rewarding career teaching elementary school.

Sharing the advantage

When her father passed away in 2002, Ethel wanted to recognize the impact he had had on their family, including her three children who all attended Dalhousie with support from their grandfather.

“My father paid for my education as well as my siblings and my own children; I have an appreciation for student debt and wanted to help a student in some way. When my children began their careers, they quickly recognized the advantage (of having no debt) they had leaving university.”

The Kostman Family Bursary provides a two-year renewable support for Black Nova Scotian and First Nations students. The bursary is an excellent example of how financial support makes university more inclusive for all.

Connecting passions for education and giving back

Since Ethel established the bursary, she’s heard from a number of student recipients. “It’s a wonderful feeling to know that students are benefiting. I have a note from one individual who said the generosity has the potential to help her make a difference in herself and others.”

When Ethel reflects on her father’s passion for education and how he instilled it in their family she says he would be pleased with giving back and empowering people through education.

“My whole career has been focused on education. This bursary is a way to connect my own passion to my father’s while helping others during their pursuit of education.”