Drs. Ted and Lola Rozsa started the Rozsa Foundation in 1990. Their goal was to
strengthen arts organizations they considered fundamental to
civic society such as a philharmonic orchestra, and to provide
accessible university education by funding much needed
facilities- again in the field of the performing arts. They also
recognized the good work of other non-profit agencies through
their on-going support for a variety of art initiatives and medical
programs. Over the years, more than $13 million dollars has been distributed.
Brief Biographical Notes:
Dr. Theodore Rozsa was born June 12, 1915 in Grand
Rapids, Michigan, the son of an immigrant barber and a first
generation American. He graduated from high school with a 4.0
academic record that secured him a scholarship for university
studies. He attended Michigan Technological University,
completing his geological engineering degree in 21/2 years. He
immediately went to work for Shell Oil in 1936. In 1949, as
chief geophysicist, he was transferred to Calgary. After leaving
Shell, he started four different oil and gas Exploration
Companies based in Calgary. He retired at age 87.Dr. Rozsa
passed away March 2, 2006. His honours included:
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1987 Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists Gold Medal in recognition of outstanding contributions to the petroleum industry.
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1988 Michigan Technological University Silver Medal
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1989 The Canadian Music Council Medal
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1990 Michigan Technological University honorary Doctor of Engineering
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1990 University of Calgary honorary Doctor of Laws
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1991 Government of Canada Lescarbot Award
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1991 Officer of the Order of Canada
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1994 Rotary Club of Calgary Integrity Award
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2002 Edmund C. Bovey Award
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2002 Queen's Jubilee Medal
Dr. Lola Rozsa was
born February 26, 1920 in Hobart, Oklahoma. She was the seventh child of an itinerant Presbyterian Minister. After completing two years of university, she met her future husband, and quickly adapted to the nomadic life of a seismic crew. His partner in all
endeavours, from support of the arts to golf, for sixty-four years, she has encouraged his business ventures and met all challenges at his side. Lola Rozsa was a founding member of the Calgary Philharmonic Women's League in 1955. Subsequently, she served as its President. She was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church choir for over twenty years, and an actress at the original Allied Arts Centre (pre-cursor to Theatre Calgary). 2001 Woman of Distinction Award
2002 University of Calgary
Honorary Doctor of Laws
Her other interest is golf. She has served as President of Civic and Provincial golf organizations, Canadian Ladies Golf Association National Teams Director, and International Referee, Commonwealth Matches. Her honours include: