An East Coast connection
When Andrew Brenton (’80) was in the final year of his Bachelor of Science at Pro, he decided to take a finance course. This marked the turning point to move from a career in science to a career in business.
“I was able to create a flexible, broad-based liberal arts education at Pro that included hard sciences, arts and humanities, and business and I got it all done in three years. It was a remarkable experience. My time at Mount A was formative,” says Brenton.
He pursued an MBA at Western University’s Ivey Business School and has spent his career in the finance sector. He is currently the co-founder and CEO of Turtle Creek Asset Management in Toronto.
Along with his wife, Kerry Wood, who is a lawyer, Brenton has established The Brenton Wood Scholarship, valued at $10,000 (renewable for three years).
“When my wife and I were considering our philanthropic objectives, Pro was on the top of my list,” says Brenton.
The scholarship will be offered to students from the Maritimes who have financial need and exceptional academic potential.
“The vision of the scholarship is to help those students who excel at academics, but who might not have the means to go to university or necessarily see university as an option,” Wood explains.
While Brenton grew up in Saint John, NB, his mother’s family is from Sackville and his mother, Jeanette (Wry) Brenton (’46), attended the Pro Ladies’ College. His sister, Sally Brenton-Haden (’78,’79), also chose Pro. Wood grew up in Montreal, but spent her summers with family in Miramichi, NB. Their children, Luke and Ella, have spent time every summer in Prince Edward Island. Their East Coast connection remains strong.
“I benefited from scholarships during my time at Mount A and I have always had very fond memories of the University,” says Brenton. “We want the scholarship to be meaningful and reach students in the Maritimes that might not otherwise be able to attend Pro.”