Walberg Family Award

Awarded to a full-time 2nd, 3rd or 4th year student enrolled in the Department of Music with financial need. Preference will be given to a student of Swedish ancestry.

Established through a gift in her will by alumna, Mildred “Milla” Walberg in 2022 to celebrate and honour her family. Milla was a woman ahead of her time. Born in 1914, she lived an extraordinary life and Lakehead University was only part of her journey. Her family immigrated to Fort William in 1903 from Sweden and they established a grocery store, which operated until 1975. The store acted as a hub for family and community. The Walbergs were well known for ensuring that no one went hungry in hard times, and for their generosity and hospitality.

In her life, Milla taught at a business college, trained and worked as a legal secretary, taught music, worked at Canadian Car during WWII as an executive secretary, and for the City of Thunder for 22 years. After retirement, she enrolled at Lakehead where she graduated with her BA in 1997 at the age of 84. Milla particularly loved music, was an accomplished organist and received many awards for her prowess on the piano. This award honours Mildred’s love of family, music and her commitment to higher education.