Community

Scholarship dinner to honour Allen

The University of Lethbridge's Faculty of Management will celebrate its 25th anniversary, in the U of L's 45th year, by honouring a man who has devoted his life to his family, career and the community.

The Faculty will honour Del Allen, the founder of D.A. Electric and a well-known community volunteer, entrepreneur, supporter of post-secondary education, sport and youth programming in the city, at its Thursday, Apr. 5 Management Scholarship Dinner. Proceeds from the event will support the Del Allen Scholarship.

Allen established D.A. Electric with his brother Don in 1975 and it quickly grew into a successful regional enterprise. His son Doug now manages the daily affairs of the business. The success of D.A. Electric, combined with Allen's values and sense of community, have allowed him to support and help provide direction for many local groups, including the Boys and Girls Club of Lethbridge and District, Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, Lethbridge Construction Association, the Interfaith Food Bank and numerous sports organizations.

Allen has also generously supported further education through donations to post-secondary institutions, including funding for University of Lethbridge athletics and academic scholarships, and a sizeable financial commitment to the library in 1995.

Allen was also a member of the Lethbridge College Wind Turbine Advisory Committee, helping the College develop its wind generation program. In addition, he made a major donation toward the construction of the Trades Building on the college campus.

While Allen's business has wired a massive number of homes, businesses and industrial projects over the years, one of his brightest ideas, and most visually spectacular projects, was the lighting of the High Level Bridge in September 2009 during its centennial celebrations. He also helped bring the illuminated Christmas Train for a stop on the bridge that December. Allen and D.A. Electric most fittingly won the Spirit of Lethbridge Award that year.

The Management Scholarship Dinner traditionally sells out quickly, so for those wishing to attend, ensure you reserve individual tickets or a table as soon as possible. Tickets, priced at $125 may be purchased online at www.uleth.ca/conreg/scholarship_dinner.

If you wish to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, reserving corporate tables, ordering tickets by phone or making a donation to the Del Allen Scholarship Fund, call 403-329-5181.