Honouring a life that continues to inspire
Evelyn Kampen (CMU '12) was a standout student-athlete, coach, and mentor whose legacy continues to inspire future generations of CMU Blazers through the Evelyn Kampen Memorial Scholarship.
The Evelyn Kampen Memorial Scholarship Fund for Women's Volleyball was established at CMU in 2026 to honour the remarkable life and athletic legacy of Evelyn Kampen, an alumna (CMU '12) and former Blazer student-athlete and coach who passed away in 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Even more than a recognition of her accomplishments on the court, the scholarship celebrates the values Kampen embodied: perseverance, leadership, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to helping others succeed.
Throughout her life, Kampen faced challenges with remarkable determination and resilience. She excelled as an athlete despite facing multiple chronic health issues and a variety of injuries throughout her career. She became one of the most dominant players in the Manitoba Collegiate Athletic Conference (MCAC) during her time at CMU, leading her team to numerous championships and earning the MCAC MVP designation three years in a row.
"Evelyn loved her time at CMU. She loved her teammates, she loved her coach, she loved competing here," says her mother, Nadine Kampen. "She continued on her path to being the best she could be and this was a great place for her to grow in that sense."
Kampen later became the first CMU athlete to move on to a professional volleyball career, playing on teams in Germany and Denmark. She returned to Winnipeg and head coached the Blazers women's volleyball team for three seasons, winning the MCAC championship in 2017, and rejoining the team as their strength and conditioning coach in 2024.
Yet those who knew her often speak first about the person she was. Nadine describes her as someone whose presence uplifted those around her: "She was like a light. You sensed her energy when she came in a room. She just had tons of it, and she was laughing and kind to people—just somebody you wanted to be around."
As a coach, Kampen saw potential in every athlete and worked to build confidence, encourage teamwork, and help others become the best versions of themselves. In opening remarks she gave to one of her teams, she encouraged athletes to "work hard, encourage each other, no gossiping, no complaining, be on time, be good listeners, give it 100%."
Her ability to connect with athletes left a lasting impression. "Evelyn always found the best in them," Nadine recalls. "I think every player felt that they had an individual relationship with her and that she had their best interests and their development at heart."
The scholarship recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate strong academics, teamwork, leadership, perseverance through adversity, and involvement in their community—the same qualities Kampen exemplified throughout her life. By helping reduce the financial pressure and stress many students face, this fund will allow recipients to focus more fully on their studies, athletic pursuits, and personal growth. "She would very much want to support others—that's what she was striving for in her career," Nadine says, "so having this special honour is something we know she would have valued and been so proud of."
Establishing the Evelyn Kampen Memorial Scholarship has been a meaningful way for Kampen's parents, Art and Nadine, to ensure that her passion for volleyball and her belief in the potential of young women athletes continue to shape and inspire CMU Blazers long into the future, both on and off the court.
Those whose lives were touched by Kampen are invited to contribute to the scholarship in her honour. Every gift helps make a difference in the lives of student-athletes for years to come. Donations of $20 or more qualify for a charitable tax receipt.
Carry forward Evelyn's legacy, donate today here.
