Donors Make a Difference

Bill Bell (HBSc'57) is investing in the future of economic and resource energy geology.

Bill Bell (HBSc ’57) donated $1 million to establish a Chair in Petroleum Geology, stepping up as a leader of the Initiative to Enhance Economic and Energy Resource Geology.

There is a renewed commitment at Western to ensure students in Western’s Department of Earth Sciences receive relevant educational opportunities both in the classroom and the field.

The resource sector is undergoing a renaissance, Western understands this is and has made it a priority to invest in geological studies and research. Partnering with us are alumni who through the knowledge and opportunities provided to them through their studies at Western have become leaders within these important industries. One such partner is Bill Bell (HBSc ‘57).

Bell is a long time leader in the field of Petroleum Geology. He has served in management and as a Director for numerous oil and gas companies in both the public and private sectors. Currently, he is President of Bellport Resources Ltd, Bellport Oil and Gas Inc and Portobello Investments Ltd. Bell has taken the opportunity to create a Chair at his alma mater. This Chair will focus on the field that yielded him his notable professional success-Petroleum Geology.

Department Chair Gerhard Pratt describes Bill Bell’s vision in establishing this position at Western as “a testament to the critical importance of the Geoscience of Petroleum Deposits to our economic future.”

For Bell himself he sees his contribution as something that benefits students. It can shape the development of the curriculum and future opportunities by providing resources to put some vital tools in place.

Says Bell “It is my sincere hope in making this donation that all the professors involved in the new exciting Economic and Resource Geology Initiative will be encouraged not only to deliver relevant and practical course material, but to instill in their students the desire to explore the unknown.”

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