Dorothy Corrigan Entrance Bursary

Description: Awarded to a student entering full-time studies (five courses per semester)at the University of Prince Edward Island for the first time, and who has demonstrated financial need. The bursary is for first year, and non-renewable.

Background: These bursaries were created by a gift from Dorothy Corrigan, LLD (Hon), O.C., a life-long resident of Charlottetown. Dorothy Corrigan attended Prince of Wales College where she took the commercial course. For two years she was employed in the office of the Charlottetown Hospital and at the end of that time she entered the school of nursing there, graduating with her R.N. Dorothy followed the nursing profession in Charlottetown and later in Montreal where she married a dentist, Dr. Ernest Corrigan. 

They returned to Charlottetown to live. While bringing up her son and daughter and running her household, Dorothy was involved in community affairs and was periodically involved again in the nursing profession especially at times when there was a shortage of nurses. In 1958 a group of Charlottetown citizens asked her to put her name on the ballot for the civic election. Although she was defeated in that year, she was elected in 1960, was unopposed in the next three elections and offered for Mayor in 1968B. She served as Mayor for three years. Because she had served on almost every committee in council, Dorothy was well qualified for this position. The letters, gifts, souvenirs, etc. throughout her home indicate that the people were more than satisfied with her efforts. During her term of office as mayor she was involved in many social functions, conventions, meetings, visits of distinguished guests etc. She was in the company of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip at the Royal Ball at Confederation Center and on another occasion was presented to the Queen Mother. 

After eleven years on City Council, Dorothy Corrigan undertook a new challenge. She was employed as Public Relations officer at the Charlottetown Hotel. During this time she served on many committees such as Gold Cup and Saucer, Holland College advisory committee for Police Academy, St. Dunstan's University Board, and served three years on Canada Council. She also was president of the Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce. Her awards for her contribution to community affairs include: Honorary Degree from University of P.E.I.; Honorary Membership in Royal Canadian Legion; Honorary Membership Student Union of P.E.I. and the Order of Canada. Dorothy Corrigan, who has an extensive knowledge of community and civic affairs, is highly esteemed in her native city and province.