Cummings Zuill thought he was going to the headquarters of ACE Ltd. yesterday to attend a diversity workshop.

Instead he arrived to find he was being honoured with the establishment in his name of a $2 million education endowment for people in the non-profit sector.

The founder of the Centre on Philanthropy said of the endowment, funded by US-based Atlantic Philanthropies: "I am overwhelmed but thankful. The scholarship will be beneficial to Bermuda."

More than 40 people were on hand to hear about the endowment and to congratulate the former banker on his lifelong dedication to charitable organisations.

The scholarship will be available to people who want to receive a degree for a job in the nonprofit sector, such as sustainable development or international development studies, or those already working for a charitable organisation who want to learn new skills.

Eighteen years ago, Mr. Zuill established the Centre on Philanthropy because he believed Bermuda needed to find a way to tap into the Island's innate spirit of generosity and create an organised structure for philanthropy.

He secured its premises and set it on its way to success. In addition to assisting innumerable charities administratively, Mr. Zuill is a consistent donor and has personally advanced the causes of many entities locally.

He also founded the Diversity Institute with a view of enabling a genuine reconciliation in Bermuda and globally.

Mr. Zuill was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire this year.

The endowment was provided by Atlantic Philanthropies, which Mr. Zuill has been a member of the board for a number of years.

CEO of Atlantic Philanthropies, Gara LaMarche said: "We have been involved in a number of charities locally and believe that this will benefit a number of people. It will enable the charities to be sustainable."

Currently, the Centre of Philanthropy is chaired by Brian Duperreault.

Yesterday he said: "Cummings Zuill has done a lot for the third sector and we wanted to find a way to recognise his efforts.

"I think he will be pleased with the endowment because it will help charities across the Island."

Aideen Ratteray-Pryse will be running the selection process for the scholarship, which will be available in 2009. She said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for community-minded people demonstrating good character, leadership, enthusiasm and seriousness of purpose."