University of Lethbridge President Emeritus, Dr. Bill Cade, and his wife Elsa have received a Generosity of Spirit Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Calgary & Area Chapter at a National Philanthropy Day (NPD) event in Calgary.

The Cades were nominated for the Family category of the popular award program, which recognizes and celebrates the philanthropy of individuals, companies, and organizations in the community.

Bill and Elsa are well known in the southern Alberta community to be strong supporters of education and youth.

Among the numerous projects they have been involved with, they established the Bill and Elsa Salazar Cade Scholarship in Evolutionary Biology, an endowment which has reached nearly $130,000.

They have both contributed to countless student fundraisers and volunteered their time with many local organizations, including the Lethbridge Youth Foundation, Alberta Science Foundation and the Lethbridge United Way.

In recognition of her long-standing service to the community, Elsa was awarded the 2010 University of Lethbridge Senate Volunteer award and was instrumental in supporting a Haiti earthquake relief effort which raised more than $118,000.

In the spring of 2010, they donated their much-loved 1984 BMW, affectionately named Michael Nolan, to the University of Lethbridge Students' Union to be raffled off in support of student scholarships. The unique donation raised more than $30,000.

From student groups and aboriginal programs to economic development, the Cades have supported numerous local projects and community-based organizations such as the Rotary Club of Lethbridge, to which they have a combined 30 years of service.

They've also served as a resource to various youth and student groups. What is particularly noteworthy is the integral role Elsa has played in the family by putting her career as an award-winning science educator on hold, to support Bill in his role as president.