Dec. 17, 2008

Dr. Michael C. Pyryt

Michael Pyryt

Since his passing at the beginning of the year, his legacy has inspired countless donors from around the world to the Centre for Gifted Education and the Dr. Michael C. Pyryt Memorial Graduate Scholarship, a scholarship established for a student registered in a thesis-based program in the Graduate Division of the Educational Research in Gifted Education. To date, more than $21,000 has been donated to the scholarship.

Pyryt’s work particularly inspired one donor, the Cadmus Foundation, to match all funds donated to both the scholarship and Centre for Gifted Education up until December 31, 2008.

“The matching funds stipulation is a unique one,” says Karen Karpuk, director of development for education. “Cadmus knew that Pyryt touched the lives of many people, and wanted to make sure that their gift would reflect this.”

What was it about Pyryt that inspired so many people to donate in his memory? His passion for his work and love of children enriched the lives of those around him, and left his colleagues, friends and students with fond memories of his enthusiasm not only for the Centre for Gifted Education, but for all children.

One of his former students tells it best when she talks about one particular visit he made to her classroom of seven and eight-year-olds.
 
“I introduced Pyryt with a long litany of his many research contributions, prestigious university appointments and dazzling acronyms. I then asked if any of the kids had any questions for Michael before we got started. One boy put up his hand.

Umm’ the boy said, almost breathless with anticipation, ‘What I would like to know is…. How did you first become a Pirate?’

All the kids nodded and whispered with nervous eagerness.

Michael paused and paused again.

Pushing up his sleeves, he said, ‘Well…I could tell you….but then I’d have to kill you.”