Over the years, the McCoy Foundation has had many deep-rooted connections to MacEwan University, and the foundation includes several alumni and staff who have witnessed first-hand the impact and value of a MacEwan education. As a local, grassroots Edmonton charity, the McCoy Foundation proudly supports literacy, childhood development and education for youth.

In 2020, the McCoy Foundation established a scholarship supporting students in MacEwan's Child and Youth Care program. While establishing this scholarship, they discovered another meaningful opportunity near to their hearts to support MacEwan students and preserve the memory of a cherished family member, Dr. Paul G. Otke.

When Dr. Otke, a well-respected part of MacEwan's history, sadly passed away in 2020, he left a generous gift to the university as a way to continue making education accessible for students. Upon learning of Dr. Otke's gift, the McCoy Foundation eagerly stepped in with an additional gift to MacEwan, and together with his family, they formed the Dr. Paul G. Otke Memorial Bursary. This bursary in Dr. Otke's name will leave a legacy for generations to come.

The Dr. Paul G. Otke Memorial Bursary is awarded annually to a student in the Faculty of Health and Community Studies who may be a refugee or newcomer to Canada, or come from a rural community, and be in financial need. New bursaries like this one support students who may otherwise not have the opportunity to attend a university program.

As the dean of Community Studies at MacEwan from the 1970s until his retirement in 1993, Dr. Otke was focused on making education accessible at MacEwan. "My dad always said that education is the most important gift you can give to someone because it sets them on their path for life, and nobody can take that education away," remembers son Jayson Otke.

Dr. Otke initiated programming for Indigenous students and seniors. His passion for learning and supporting those for whom education may be just out of reach has continued to be a constant source of inspiration to his children and grandchildren, many of whom are now part of the McCoy Foundation.

"My grandfather was a big part of MacEwan," recalls Cameron McCoy, Bachelor of Commerce, '15, member of the McCoy Foundation. "When it came to our education, he always wanted us to do what we love. And so it made sense to support his legacy and give back to MacEwan, where programs enrich and support students."