Kersheh siblings honour parents’ legacy with $300,000 gift to Concordia
From left: Sam Kersheh, John Molson School dean Anne-Marie Croteau, Theo Kersheh, Paula Kersheh and Carla Tittley, senior development officer.
Inspired by the values their parents taught them, Sam Kersheh, BComm 94, and his sister Paula have made a $300,000 gift to Concordia’s John Molson School of Business. The major support will honour Theo and the late Yola Kersheh, founders of The Kersheh Group.
“Our parents were humble people who came from modest means,” says Sam, CEO of The Kersheh Group, a North American designer and manufacturer of sleepwear, underwear and socks. “They never sought recognition, but they deserve it. This gift is a reminder of everything they did for us.”
As immigrants in a new country, Theo and Yola Kersheh didn’t have the luxury to pursue higher education. Instead, they focused on building a business, helping their community and providing the best opportunities for their children. Their emphasis on hard work, generosity and education continues to guide the family today.
“Mom supported Dad every step of the way. Together, they built a strong foundation for us,” says Paula, vice-president of Corporate Social Responsibility at The Kersheh Group.
“Family business isn’t always easy, but we’ve always found a way to make it work. Sam and I have always supported each other — that’s how our parents raised us.”
Celebrating a family tradition
To honour that legacy, Sam and Paula created the Kersheh Family Endowment, which will fund a scholarship and a bursary for newly admitted John Molson students in perpetuity. For Sam — a long-time mentor and guest lecturer at the school — the decision was personal.
The Kersheh family from left: Paula, mother Yola, father Theo and Sam Kersheh.
“John Molson played a big part in my success. Giving back — with my time, experience and now financially — feels like the right way to honour my parents,” he says.
The gift also reflects the family’s tradition of community involvement and philanthropy.
“Our parents were always active in the community and believed deeply in helping others,” Paula notes. “This endowment allows us to carry that legacy forward.”
The timing is especially meaningful: both siblings’ children are current Concordia students. “The tradition continues,” Paula adds. “It’s fitting that our family’s support for students at Concordia will last for generations.”
Looking forward to the legacy they hope to leave, Sam puts it simply: “We did this to continue the values our parents lived by and pass them on to our kids and, one day, our grandkids.”
“I never expected anything like this,” father Theo says. “I’ve always believed that if you work hard and treat people kindly, good things follow. Seeing my children give back in this way makes me very proud.”