The Camosun College Foundation and Kinetic Construction have established a scholarship in honour of Kinetic founder, Bill Gyles, who retired in January 2017. The William Gyles Award in Civil Engineering Technology will recognize a Civil Engineering Technology student at Camosun who is interested in pursuing a career in construction and has successfully completed first year.

“I am honoured and humbled to have this wonderful scholarship donated to Camosun in my name,” said Gyles. “My long-standing relationships with both Kinetic and Camosun make this scholarship a significant and meaningful gesture.”

Kinetic has pledged $5,000 over five years ($1,000 yearly) for the scholarship. Previously, Kinetic also committed $75,000 over five years to support Camosun’s trades program.

“We’re honoured that Bill and Kinetic Construction are showing their commitment to the future of the construction industry by once again supporting education at Camosun College,” said Zoe Broom, chair, Department of Civil Engineering Technology at Camosun College.

“This award will encourage students in Civil Engineering Technology to explore the many opportunities available to them in our booming construction industry.”

Gyles founded Kinetic in 1984 and oversaw the construction of such iconic projects as Camosun’s Centre for Trades Education and Innovation, the seismic upgrade of the historic CPR Steamship Terminal in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, and Tuscany Village in Saanich.

In 2014, he joined the board of governors at Camosun College. That same year, he was recognized by the Canadian Construction Association as “Person of the Year,” for his dedication to the betterment of the construction industry.

“It is Kinetic’s great pleasure to both honour our retired founder for his legacy and contributions to the construction industry, while supporting construction education at Camosun College,” said Tom Plumb, Kinetic’s current president and CEO. “We look forward to continuing to support our industry through education, in partnership with Camosun.”