The Tristan Montjoy Memorial Award has been a long-time passion project for our director, Dave Ryder. Created in memory of Conservation Officer Tristan Montjoy, who sadly passed away off-duty at just 24 while serving in Fort St. John, this scholarship supports students at VIU who show leadership, teamwork, and dedication to conservation.

You’ll often find Dave at our events, enthusiastically sharing the story behind the award. His passion is contagious and leaves a lasting impression on everyone he speaks with. Thanks to these conversations, a significant portion of our yearly donations comes directly from event fundraising.

Dave recently shared a heartwarming email with us, and we felt it was only right to pass along the appreciation. Thank you for supporting this meaningful project – these successes belong to you, too. And to Dave: thank you for your unwavering dedication and for giving our community a way to give back to those who protect our wild places.

Dear Dave,

With heartfelt gratitude, the Vancouver Island University Foundation is proud to share the recipients of your generosity over the past year. Thanks to your support, more than 1,300 students received scholarships, bursaries, and awards – each one a testament to the power of community and the belief that education changes lives. Your support has helped open doors, lift burdens, and inspire confidence in students who are striving to achieve their academic goals and transform their futures. These students, fueled by passion and purpose, are not only excelling in their studies but also stepping forward as leaders, innovators, and changemakers within their communities. For many, your gift has been the bridge between uncertainty and opportunity—a difference that allowed them to pursue their dreams with clarity and courage.

Your investment is more than a financial contribution—it is a demonstration of the profound belief in the potential of our students. It sends a powerful message that they are seen, supported, and valued. The ripple effect of your kindness reaches beyond the classroom, shaping a stronger, more compassionate, and more resilient future for us all. Thank you for your generosity, your vision, and your trust.