Philanthropist Conrad Wyrzykowski’s donation to leverage over $1.5 million for the Jesuit Centre for Catholic Studies at St. Paul’s College

Conrad Wyrzykowski, an alumnus and a long-time supporter of St. Paul’s College (SPC) at the University of Manitoba, is providing a significant funding opportunity to the Jesuit Centre for Catholic Studies (Centre). The Wyrzykowski Family Ignatian Scholars Fund was established this spring to augment the Catholic Studies program, which is offered through the U of M’s Faculty of Arts and administered by the Centre.

“The Jesuit Fathers had a profound influence in my life. As teachers, their personal attention to try new activities, such as debating and public speaking, gave me the needed stability and sense of belonging to achieve my post-secondary education,” said Wyrzykowski.

By the end of the 2014-15 fiscal year, Wyrzykowski’s pledge of over $1 million will be leveraged to over $1.5 million with the remaining gifts coming from his family and the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative (MBSI) through the U of M.

“We are exceptionally proud that Conrad and his family are such generous supporters of our College community,” says Christopher Adams, Rector of SPC. “Their support for our students and the Jesuit Centre for Catholic Studies will bear fruit for endless decades to come. We are most grateful.”

Dr. Jeffrey S. Burwell, SJ, the Centre’s director explained how the Jesuits have made important connections as educators.

“The educational mandate of the Jesuits focuses on the intimate connection between the pursuit of faith and promotion of justice, especially among the poor and those who suffer from unjust discrimination. With the historic contribution that Conrad has provided to the Jesuit Centre for Catholic Studies, we can further deepen our commitment to educate those students looking to engage Catholicism in all its political, religious and social complexities,” said Burwell.

“The resources Conrad has donated demonstrate his deep knowledge of St. Ignatius of Loyola, who always encouraged both the Jesuits and their educational partners to use what they have been fortunate enough to receive in the generous service of others.”

After the passing of his wife Evelyn in 2001, the former lawyer established the Wyrzykowski Family Bursary in her honour. The bursary provides substantial gifts for university students enrolled in the Catholic Studies program. Another fund was established to give $5,000 scholarships to students who attain high marks in Catholic Studies and have engaged in travel courses, field study, and social learning programs.

Wyrzykowski is an emeritus board member of the St. Paul’s College Foundation Inc. In 2008, he was awarded “Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser” from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Manitoba Chapter.

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. 

About on St. Paul’s College

Established in 1926, St. Paul’s College (SPC) has been affiliated with the University of Manitoba (U of M) since 1931. The College serves as a comfortable base for students enrolled in any program at the U of M. As a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, SPC is the only Catholic institution of higher learning in Manitoba. Students of all faiths and cultures are encouraged to participate in the College’s programs and events. Located within SPC are these core units: Arthur V. Mauro Centre for Peace and Justice, Fr. Harold Drake, SJ Library, Jesuit Centre for Catholic Studies, Near Eastern and Biblical Archaeology Laboratory, SPC Campus Ministry, St. Paul’s College Foundation Inc., and SPC Students’ Association.