Ontario Tech pays tribute to philanthropist and Toronto Maple Leaf legend Bob Baun
CELEBRATING THE ENDURING LEGACY OF BOB AND SALLIE BAUN'S IMPACT ON EDUCATION, ATHLETICS AND STUDENT SUCCESS
Ontario Tech University recently hosted a very special celebration in honour of the life and legacy of the late Robert (Bobby) Baun—hockey legend, honorary degree recipient, and longtime university supporter. The event marked not just a commemoration but a recognition of the remarkable contributions of Mr. Baun and his wife Sallie, whose impact resonates deeply within the university community.
Family and friends gathered to celebrate the lasting impact of the support the Bauns have provided for Ontario Tech varsity student-athletes at the Campus Ice Centre at Ontario Tech’s north Oshawa campus location. Following a formal ceremony, a permanent plaque was unveiled rinkside in recognition of the Baun’s generous commitment and dedicated support of students and the university.
Together, the Bauns have been tremendous champions of Ontario Tech through the university’s earliest years, spearheading initiatives to support scholarships and bursaries for students. In a philanthropic initiative launched in 2011, Ontario Tech introduced the Bob and Sallie Baun Varsity Scholarship Fund, with a targeted endowment fund goal of $250,000 to support perpetual giving.
Further demonstrating his commitment to education and athletics, Mr. Baun announced a goal in 2019 to grow the Bob and Sallie Baun Varsity Scholarship Fund to $1 million so more student-athletes could benefit from its support every year. The fund currently sits at $700,000. To date, forty-one Ontario Tech student-athletes have received a Baun scholarship.
“On behalf of Ontario Tech University, I would like to express our deep gratitude to Bob and Sallie Baun for their unwavering support. Their philanthropic leadership, including the establishment of the Bob and Sallie Baun Varsity Scholarship, has left an enduring impact on our university community. We are truly grateful for their pursuit of excellence and the significant impact they've made in the lives of forty-one Ontario Tech students through the Baun Scholarship and in the lives of future student-athlete award recipients.”
-Scott Barker, Director, Athletics
“I know first-hand how important donor support is for a university student, especially a student-athlete. Receiving the Bob and Sallie Baun Varsity Scholarship helped boost my morale, encouraging me to work hard regardless of any setbacks. It also allowed me to immerse myself in my academic responsibilities, athletic commitments and community engagement without the weight of financial constraints. I’m thankful to Mr. and Mrs. Baun, the Baun family, and all of the donors who generously support this scholarship. Mr. Baun’s legacy will continue in all the student-athletes supported through this award.”
-Nikita Mohan, Varsity Women’s Soccer, Chemistry Co-op, Faculty of Science, Class of 2026
