Robert J. Connaughton Sr. Memorial Award

The Robert J. Connaughton Sr. Memorial Award is granted to a student in financial need, with preference given first to a member of the Holland College football team (or UPEI football team, in the event of program revival); secondly, to a UPEI Track and Field Team member; thirdly, to a UPEI Hockey team member. This award was established by the family of Robert J. Connaughton Sr. Bob Sr., born January 20, 1923, passed away on February 27, 1997, leaving his wife, Jane, four sons, two daughters, seven grandsons, and four granddaughters. All his children and grandchildren were involved in sports at the high school and/or collegiate level. Three of Bob Sr.'s sons played football for the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI). Two of his grandchildren were born in PEI and participated in various athletic programs. As a result, Bob Sr. visited the Island as often as possible, vacationing there and attending UPEI football and hockey games. Although baseball was his own primary sport, football and hockey were his favorite spectator sports. Given his interest in sports, particularly at the scholastic and collegiate levels, and his connections with PEI and its university, Bob Sr.'s extended family felt that an annual gift to UPEI to use in financial support of a UPEI student athlete would be a fitting memorial to him and one of which he would be very proud.