Bob and Sallie Baun Varsity Scholarship
"When you dare to dream, you dare to connect to that part of yourself that says, 'Yes, I can achieve this goal and become a successful person along the way.' In the end, it's not only about achieving that milestone you set out for yourself, but becoming the person you were meant to be.”
Bob Baun
Fifty years ago Gordie Howe shot a rocket from the blue line that broke Bob "Boomer" Baun's leg when he blocked it. Baun was not about to miss that deciding playoff game so team physicians froze and taped his leg, and he played two shifts that third period.
Known for his crushing style of play, Baun delivered the game-winning goal. The Toronto Maple Leafs went on to win the coveted Stanley Cup that year - a triumph Bob shared with the Leafs four times during the 1960s.
Bob Baun was an incredible role model who demonstrated the importance of perseverance and teamwork. Bob and his wife Sallie believed in the importance of recognizing Ontario Tech students who exhibit the same work ethic. The Bob and Sallie Baun Varsity Scholarship currently provides four annual awards to deserving student-athletes, shared equally between our women’s and men’s teams.
The ultimate goal is to grow the endowment fund to $1 million to provide 16 Bob and Sallie Baun Varsity Scholarships - one for each of Ontario Tech’s varsity teams. Recently, the Yuill Family Foundation and The Joyce Family Foundation made significant gifts to the fund bringing us closer to the goal. We are well on our way to building more champions.
The Ontario Tech University community was saddened by the passing of the philanthropist and Toronto Maple Leaf legend in August 2023. In addition to establishing the Bob and Sallie Baun Varsity Scholarship, Bob also recently donated his sports memorabilia collection to the university, with the intention that any proceeds of his collection be directed to the Bob and Sallie Baun Fund. As of March 2023, thirty-three Ontario Tech student-athletes have received a Baun scholarship.
To make a gift to the Bob and Sallie Baun Varsity Scholarship Fund, please call 905-721-8668, ext. 5660 or email advancement@ontariotechu.ca.
Cheques to this fund can be mailed to:
Ontario Tech University
Advancement Office
2000 Simcoe St. N.
Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5