For more than two decades, Joy Ripley helped shape the future of animal welfare in Alberta.
As a dedicated board member for 21 years, including 16 years as board president, Joy’s leadership helped guide the Alberta SPCA through years of growth, change and innovation. Today, her legacy continues through the Joy Ripley Scholarship in Animal Science at the University of Alberta, supporting students who are passionate about learning, compassion and animal welfare.
Reflecting on her years with the organization, Joy thinks less about personal accomplishments and more about the people around her.
“The board and staff were very committed. They were all there for the right reasons, working together to accomplish good things on behalf of the animals. Those were truly wonderful years with great people — some of the best years of my life.”
Investing In Education
One of the defining moments of Joy’s leadership was helping establish the organization’s Humane Education program in 1983 — a role she viewed as transformative.
“At the time, very few organizations were doing the work the Alberta SPCA was doing. Having an education component was completely new, and it was so important.”
Joy has long believed that education is one of the most powerful tools in advancing animal welfare. Her own connection to animals began in childhood with a small white terrier named Peggy, followed by a lifetime of beloved pets including bulldogs, cats and pugs. Over time, her understanding of animal welfare deepened as she became more aware of the challenges animals face.
“You begin to understand the effect animals have on your life, and you see the problems that exist. Right away, you feel you have to do something to help.”
A Legacy of Learning
That same spirit of learning and compassion is at the heart of the University of Alberta scholarship that bears her name. Since 2006, $50,000 in funding has been awarded through the Joy Ripley Scholarship.
For Joy, the scholarship represents an opportunity to inspire future generations to better understand animals and their place in the world.
“It’s such an amazing opportunity to reach out to students and help them learn about animal welfare. I hope they develop compassion and empathy and understand that everything in this world has something to offer.”
She hopes recipients approach the opportunity with curiosity, openness and a willingness to keep learning.
“Learn and understand. Continue to inquire and observe.”
Looking ahead, Joy hopes the scholarship will encourage more people to explore the lives of animals and recognize their intrinsic value.
“Every animal is alive and feeling. Every animal is here for a reason.”
Still Making a Difference
In addition to her leadership role with the Alberta SPCA, Joy also served as president of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, member of the Canadian Council of Animal Care, community representative on the Animal Welfare Committee at the University of Alberta and is the current chair of Pets for Life Society Alberta. Even after stepping away from formal leadership, Joy remains deeply connected to the mission of animal welfare. She believes the challenges facing animals today are also opportunities for people to step forward and create change.
“When there is a challenge, don’t just stand aside. Get in there and do what needs to be done.”
She also believes the Alberta SPCA’s unique strength lies in its broad approach to protecting animals, from companion animals to livestock, and its ability to work directly with government, industry and communities to improve animal welfare across the province.
Today, the Joy Ripley Scholarship in Animal Science continues her lifelong commitment to education, compassion, and advocacy. Through every student it supports, her legacy lives on — inspiring future generations to build a kinder future for all.
The Joy Ripley Alberta SPCA Scholarship in Animal Science is awarded to a student with superior academic achievement entering the third year of a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Animal Science major) or BSc. in Animal Health program in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences.