Eric Sprott: Increasing Access to Education and Opportunity for Young People

Eric Sprott (BCom/65) is well known internationally for his business acumen. Over 40 years in the investment industry, he has founded several leading firms, managed a large portfolio of successful funds, and received accolades ranging from Investor’s Digest’s Best Investor, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year, Advisor.ca’s Top Financial Visionary in Canada, and, most recently, inductee into the Investment Industry Hall of Fame.

He is also known for challenging the status quo.

He recognizes that in order to solve complex and evolving problems, we have to rethink our approaches. He is a believer in our collective ability to change the world and its systems with big, bold thinking – and in our collective responsibility to use our influence for good.

As an investor, entrepreneur, philanthropist and dedicated Carleton alumnus, Mr. Sprott has inspired countless peers, professionals and students to follow his lead: to think outside the box, work tirelessly for the things you want, and give back whenever possible.

Mr. Sprott and his family have donated to a variety of causes over the years through the Sprott Foundation, including hunger and food security, poverty reduction, and healthcare; however, one of the causes closest to Mr. Sprott’s heart is education.

“Higher education can change lives,” says Mr. Sprott. “It encourages budding minds to challenge their assumptions, think critically, and test new approaches. It opens so many doors for young people – from learning, to personal development, to social networking, to employment opportunities. It is an invaluable experience that should be accessible to all.”

It is this affinity for postsecondary education – as well as a deep affection for Ottawa and Carleton – that has driven him to support the Sprott School of Business over several decades. With both financial resources and time, he has generously invested through Carleton toward increasing access to education and opportunity for young people today and into the future.

Since his first gift to the university in 1986, Mr. Sprott and the Sprott Foundation have cumulatively given over $15 million toward bursaries, scholarships and other awards. Notably, in 2011, he donated $10 million to bolster activities and priorities within the Sprott School of Business, which was named in his honour. Guided by a dream to create an endowment large enough that no student would graduate with debt, his contributions have translated into an incredible impact: he has helped nearly 20,000 Carleton students overcome economic challenges and made their educational journeys possible.

He has maintained a profound connection with his alma mater since his graduation, remaining actively involved with the Sprott School and its students to this day. He takes a keen interest in engaging directly with the next generation of business talent – sharing his deep expertise and knowledge while also challenging students to think differently. He has met with students of the Sprott Student Investment Fund and has volunteered his time as a speaker at various events, a guest lecturer, the Chair of the Sprott Steering Committee, and a member of the President Advisory Council.

Mr. Sprott’s connection to Carleton extends to his lifelong friendships with fellow graduates from the Bachelor of Commerce Class of 1965. The close-knit group endeavours to gather annually, and Mr. Sprott plays an active role in bringing the friends together to share stories and memories of their time on campus. The Class of ’65 leaves a tremendous legacy through their continuing comradery and commitment to the success of Carleton students.

Mr. Sprott recognizes the critical role that education plays in shaping the future by preparing students to create lasting and positive impact. This vision has helped guide the Sprott School throughout the years as its faculty, staff, and students strive to create business for a better world.

“So many of the amazing initiatives and accomplishments coming out of the Sprott School of Business today have been made possible by Mr. Sprott’s leadership and generosity,” says Dana Brown, dean of the Sprott School of Business. “We see his contributions reflected in the meaningful opportunities that we are able to offer our students, as well as in the supportive community that allows many generations of future business leaders and entrepreneurs to thrive.

Eric Sprott is a catalyst for business education and opportunity who has created a strong legacy of service, innovation and impact within the Sprott School of Business and beyond. Through Carleton, he is creating a brighter economic future for us all.