Published on September 08, 2026
The Leslie Carol Douglas Memorial Bursary was created to honour a woman who spent her life caring deeply for others — often putting their needs ahead of her own.
For Mark Douglas, Leslie’s brother, this endowment is about far more than financial support. It is a deeply personal tribute, carrying forward Leslie’s quiet compassion, kindness and generosity, and ensuring her spirit continues and inspires students at her alma mater.
A 1983 graduate of NAIT’s Medical Radiologic Technology program, Leslie built a long career at the University of Alberta Hospital, where she worked in diagnostic imaging before moving into leadership roles. Healthcare was never simply a job for her. It was part of who she was. She cared for the people around her and found purpose in helping others feel supported, valued and cared for.
“She was always trying to save everybody,” says Mark. “She was incredibly generous.”
That generosity shaped every part of Leslie’s life. Friends, coworkers, family members and even strangers felt it. Leslie also had a special place in her heart for animals that needed a second chance, often adopting dogs from local rescues and surrounding them with patience, comfort and love.
“If someone, or some animal, needed help, Leslie was there.”
When Leslie passed away in 2020, it was a profound loss for her family. Mark, his mother, Emily, and his sister Kristine, searched for a meaningful way to honour her memory and the life she lived so selflessly. Together, they established the Leslie Carol Douglas Memorial Endowed Fund.
For us, it was important that the fund give bursaries to support students who need a helping hand to continue pursuing their education. This focus reflects Leslie perfectly as she was always looking for ways to make life a little easier for the people around her.
“Education gives people a place to be successful,” he says. “Once you have that foundation, the world opens up. You start to think, ‘I can do that too.’”
Through donor support, awards like this help remove barriers for students and create opportunities that can shape the course of a life. Each act of generosity becomes part of something larger — empowering students to pursue their goals, support their communities, and build brighter futures for themselves and others.
Today, every student supported through the Leslie Carol Douglas Memorial Bursary carries forward a small part of Leslie’s legacy, one rooted in empathy and the belief that even the smallest act of generosity can change a life.
Supporting students, honouring a legacy of kindness
The Leslie Carol Douglas Memorial Bursary was created to honour a woman who spent her life caring deeply for others — often putting their needs ahead of her own.
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