Generations of Giving

From left: Diane Harder ’94, Greg Bryant ’93, Chris’ girlfriend and fellow BU student, Jaelyn Frykas, Chris Bryant, Burdette Harder, Lana Bryant ’91
From left: Diane Harder ’94, Greg Bryant ’93, Chris’ girlfriend and fellow BU student, Jaelyn Frykas, Chris Bryant, Burdette Harder, Lana Bryant ’91

With a combined 30 years of giving to BU, one family of BU alumni shows the power of consistency.

It all started when Lana Bryant (née Harder) began studies at Brandon University straight out of high school in 1986. Her mother, Diane Harder, followed soon after, beginning part-time studies at BU in 1987 as a Registered Nurse in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. BU seemed like a good fit for Greg Bryant as well. Brandon-born, he grew up in Melita in southwestern Manitoba. Lana, his then- girlfriend, was already a student at BU, so, two years after completing high school, he started his studies at BU in the fall of 1988.

Lana and Greg both completed Bachelor of Science Degrees, in 1991 and 1993 respectively. Diane graduated shortly after with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1994.

Diane firmly believes in the promotion of health, education and sports, and the two couples—Diane and her husband Burdette, and Lana and Greg (who married in 1997)—have consistently given back to BU. Their support has made an impact on numerous areas, including the Faculties of Science and Health Studies, Athletics, Men’s Volleyball, the Student Emergency Fund, and the Department of Geography.

“Supporting BU is important to me because being a student here offered a very special experience…it was such a close, supportive community and a great place to learn and grow as a young adult. I am proud to give back,” says Lana.

“BU gave me the education and practical experiences to help prepare me for my career in environmental consulting. I’m happy to be able to support the university so that current and future students can realize the same experiences that I had plus so many more opportunities that are available to students today,” says Greg.

The family’s ties to BU deepened when Greg and Lana’s son, Chris Bryant, was recruited by the Bobcats and began his studies in 2020. Chris is enrolled in Physical Education and is a member of the national champion BU Bobcats men’s volleyball team.

“Having Chris now attend BU is helping to keep that connection to both the university and the community of Brandon and southwestern Manitoba. We were so happy and proud of Chris when he decided that he wanted to attend BU to continue his education and play volleyball,” says Greg.

Chris, who plans to graduate in 2026, says “it’s very cool to be a third-generation Brandon University student. The family connection made my decision to come to BU very easy. There have been lots of challenges balancing sports, school, and life, but the community at BU has been very supportive and my experience here has been great.”