Formuziewich Fund for Diversity and Hardship

Established in 2022, the Formuziewich Fund for Diversity and Hardship serves a dual purpose. The first purpose of the fund is to alleviate financial stress for students who have been challenged through life by economic hardship. This includes refugees, international students from low-income families and in particular from low-income countries. It does not exclude any gender, race, nationality, religion or political view and as such includes Canadian students who have similarly experienced hardship in Canada. Of particular interest are students who, despite the challenges of hardship, have evidenced overcoming such hardship to achieve success in some aspect of their life, whether academic, athletic, or other activity of significance.

The second purpose of the fund is to contribute to the university experience of all students by attracting students who could otherwise not afford to attend Acadia but can offer a different perspective and opinion than the majority of students based on their life experiences. It is likely the recipients will be willing to rock the boat for things that matter to them.

Tim Formuziewich grew up in Ottawa, financed his education through student loans and eventually, scholarships, graduating from Acadia in 2000 with a BBA. A Dean’s List student and University Scholar, Tim received top awards such as the Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies, the Fred C. Manning Scholarship, the Shell Canada Scholarship, and the Golden A Award. Tim received his Chartered Accountant and Chartered Financial Analyst designations in 2003 and has enjoyed a career as an investor, specializing in global infrastructure, power and renewable energy and agriculture. Tim’s work and life experience have seen him working and living across Canada and in a number of countries, including over a decade in emerging markets. These experiences reinforced to Tim that diversity of thought which comes from diverse life experiences leads to the best decisions and often the most important voices are those that have not been invited to speak. This has inspired him to help and support those who have not had a voice to provide them space to contribute as an equal.