Frank W. Palmer Scholarship

To provide financial assistance to student-athletes on the men’s hockey team enrolled in second, third, fourth or fifth year of an undergraduate program at the Telfer School of Management whose education would otherwise be compromised.

Born in Toronto, Frank was an avid athlete from his youth, playing elite hockey and football. His various parttime jobs from youth through university supported his passion for sport, leaving little time for academics.  

Unfortunately, Frank missed out on an NCAA hockey opportunity due to his high school grades, and this trend continued at a different institution while he was playing both university football and hockey.  Frank then came to the University of Ottawa and, fortunately, under the watchful tutelage of Father Trudeau at what is now the Telfer School of Management, he improved his academics enough to play both Gee-Gees football and hockey, and succeeded in earning his BCom (’65). 

As family finances were tight during Frank’s time at uOttawa, he helped to pay for his education by using his prior work experience and contacts to operate a small business, initially out of his locker on campus, selling uOttawa and faculty sweatshirts, jackets, beer mugs, grad rings and other such merchandise. The locker business eventually set up in the student union and alumni building of the time. 

Following graduation, Frank had a career in retail, land and housing development, and senior management, in both the private and public sectors, retiring as a Senior Industry Officer in the Federal Government with Industry Canada’s Manufacturing Branch.  

Frank also continued his education after uOttawa while working, earning various business designations — including his CA, CPA, MBA, C.Mgr and Ch.E. — and continued his love of hockey as a minor league coach.  

Post retirement, Frank expanded his volunteer advocacy commitment to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, and other Dementia and Caregiver’s Organizations. This included participation in the development of the National Dementia Strategy and lobbying for increased funding and services to ensure those living with dementia do so with dignity and respect.  

Frank has always maintained his strong ties to his alma mater, and several of his extended family members also have strong connections to the University — through student academics and sports, teaching at the Telfer school and work on campus as part of a local, family-owned architecture firm. The University is indeed a cherished institution for this family.