Shirley V. Zilinsky Bursary to Support Ontario Tech Teacher Candidates for a Decade

Oshawa, Ont. — Ontario Tech University has announced the establishment of the Shirley V. Zilinsky Bursary, a fund created in the summer of 2024 by Julius Zilinsky in memory of his wife, Shirley Zilinsky, who taught at the Durham District School Board from 1957 to 1990. According to the university, the bursary will provide four awards of $2,500 each year to teacher candidates for the next ten years.

The new bursary, as reported by Ontario Tech University, follows earlier financial contributions made by Shirley and Julius Zilinsky. Since 2014, the Zilinskys have supported 12 students through the Zilinsky Education Award, which is presented annually to teacher candidates in the Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education.

Shirley Zilinsky was known for her unique teaching methods, particularly a grammar book project that required students to create and use a personalized grammar guide. Lindsay Coolidge, a former student and now a director at Ontario Tech University, said, "She gave us a safe environment in which to flex our research, writing and public speaking muscles; these are skills I still use to this day."

Denise Munsayac, a Bachelor of Education student and recipient of the Zilinsky Education Award, stated, "Without support from donors like Mrs. and Mr. Zilinsky, I would not have been able to achieve or experience the many opportunities Ontario Tech University provides."

Julius Zilinsky said that the new bursary will provide financial support to 40 teacher candidates at Ontario Tech University over the next decade. Ontario Tech University also reported that Mrs. Zilinsky inspired some students to become teachers and is remembered by many for her teaching approach and support for future educators.