(L-R) Chris Adams, Rector of SPC; Conrad Wyrzykowski; Jeffrey S. Burwell, SJ, Director of the Jesuit Centre for Catholic Studies.
Wing dedicated in honour of philanthropist Conrad Wyrzykowski
During the orientation of new student members at St. Paul’s College at the University of Manitoba a special ceremony was held to dedicate a specific wing in the College to honour philanthropist Conrad Wyrzykowski and his family for their $1 million contribution to the College. The event was held on location just outside the Jesuit Centre for Catholic Studies, with the wing named the Evelyn and Conrad Wyrzykowski Wing.
In 2014, Wyryzkowski, and his family, completed, a $1 million pledge to St. Paul’s, which supports scholarships, bursaries, and program support to the Jesuit Centre for Catholic Studies. Part of this donation was leveraged by the University of Manitoba’s MSBI (Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative) which saw the gift grow to over $1.5 million.
Significant for St. Paul’s College, this gift augments the current BA minor in Catholic Studies for the University of Manitoba students, with new program and course opportunities as well as meaningful academic awards. Offered by the Faculty of Arts, the BA Minor program, particularly Introduction to Catholic Studies, is regularly filled to capacity and is now accessible six times throughout the year including an on-line learning opportunity.
The student members were active participants in the dedication of the new wing, and through their involvement served to bridge the gap between themselves, alumni, and leaders like Wyrzykowski; reinforcing the strong community principles held by St. Paul’s College.
Wyryzkowski is an emeritus member of the St. Paul’s College Foundation Inc. and in 2008, he was awarded “Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser” from the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Manitoba.
About Conrad Wyrzykowski, LLB
Conrad Wyrzykowski
Born in Winnipeg, Conrad has lived in Manitoba all his life. After graduating from Law School at the University of Manitoba (U of M) in 1954, he went on to practice law for 49 years. He served as founding officer and first captain HMSC Crusader Corporation of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, president of the U of M Students’ Union, provincial, national and international delegate of the Credit Union movement in Manitoba, founding chairman and executive member of L’Arche Winnipeg Inc., member of the planning committee for Jean Vanier retreats, member and presenter at numerous retreats and marriage encounters at Villa Maria and other locations across Canada.
Conrad became an honorary member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1991. He attended the World Conference on Religion and Peace 1999 in Amman, Jordan. In 2008, he was awarded “Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser” from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Manitoba Chapter. He is an emeritus board member of the St. Paul’s College Foundation Inc. and was valedictorian for the College in 1950. He is a board member of the St. Boniface Hospital Patient Advisory Council, St. Boniface Hospital Foundation major gifts advisory committee, and St. Paul’s High School Foundation.
Married to Evelyn Margaret Wyrzykowski (Schaeffer) for 46 years until her passing in 2001, they have five children: three sons and two daughters. Conrad has lived in Lorette, MB for the past 50 years, where he and his sons operate a grain and mixed farm.