STARS celebrates first class of the Werklund STARS Academy marking David Werklund’s $3M gift

CALGARY, May 28, 2026 – STARS celebrated the learning journey of the first 12 students in the newly named Werklund STARS Academy for Critical Care Transport Medicine Education (Werklund STARS Academy) on May 27, 2026. This inaugural class marks an important milestone for the Academy and the broader mission of STARS, made possible in part by philanthropist David (Dave) Werklund’s transformational $3 million gift to STARS. In recognition of this generous gift and its impact across the organization, the Academy has been named in his honour.

“Knowledge is the greatest gift we can share,” said Dave Werklund at the celebration of learning. ​“I’ve seen how learning transforms people and communities. I’m proud to support STARS and the vital work they do every day and it’s especially meaningful to see that commitment reflect in an Academy that helps equip caregivers with the skills needed to save lives.”

“This program changed how I approach patient care in complex environments,” said Amanda Andreucci, RN, BScN, STARS Flight Nurse, Grand Prairie base and one of the students in the Werklund STARS Academy. ​“The training, hands-on experience, and mentorship gave me the confidence and skills to deliver the highest level of care possible. This experience will shape my practice from here on.”

Werklund STARS Academy for Critical Care Transport Medicine Education

Dave Werklund’s transformational $3 million gift strengthens STARS’ commitment to life-saving care across Western Canada.

“This extraordinary generosity will have a lasting impact on patients and providers alike,” said Dr. John Froh, STARS President and CEO, ​“the gift helps bring high-quality critical care knowledge to every community we serve.”

Delivered in partnership with the University of Calgary’s Continuing Medical Education department, the Werklund STARS Academy for Critical Care Transport Medicine Education is a 21-week certificate program for rural and urban healthcare providers, including registered nurses, paramedics, and physicians. It equips participants with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to care for critically ill and injured patients.

The program is 21 weeks and combines a 17-week online curriculum with a four-week in-person experience and hands-on flight practicums at STARS bases. Participants build technical expertise as well as the decision-making, teamwork, and communication skills required in high-risk, time-sensitive environments.

“This is more than a gift — it is a shared vision for stronger, more resilient healthcare systems,” said Dr. Froh. ​“By investing in STARS, The Werklund Foundation continues our work, providing critical care, anywhere – helping build a future where urban, rural, and Indigenous communities can rely on world-class critical care when they need it most.”

Through the Werklund STARS Academy for Critical Care Transport Medicine Education, STARS continues to lead critical care transport medicine education and equip healthcare providers with the skills and confidence to deliver life-saving care wherever it is needed.

– 30 –

For more information contact:
Kathleen Bell, STARS | mediainfo@​stars.​ca | 1−866−966−8277

ABOUT STARS

STARS is a charity, born from the conviction that no one should go without the care that could save their life. Operating 24/7 from bases in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Saskatoon, Regina and Winnipeg, STARS is many patients’ best hope in a worst-case scenario. Thanks to support from generous community partners, we provide critical care — physically or virtually — in whatever capacity we can help. Because when it comes to the next patient who needs us, it’s never too far. 
Learn more or donate at STARS​.CA

DAVID WERKLUND, PHILANTHROPIST
David Werklund is widely recognized for his commitment to community-building and philanthropy across Calgary and Alberta. Through the Werklund Family Office and the Werklund Foundation, he has aligned business success with purpose-driven impact. His philanthropic contributions include $25 million to the University of Calgary’s Werklund School of Education, $16 million to Olds College, and $75 million to Arts Commons, along with support for organizations such as STARS and the Glenbow Museum. He has also been appointed to the Order of Canada and the Alberta Order of Excellence.