by Maryanne Bright

Cultivating Wonder, One Butterfly at a Time

Greenhouse Manager Ed Bruggink stand in Carleton’s lush greenhouse environment surrounded by tropical plants. Carleton University’s annual Butterfly Show features some 1,300 floating beauties of 41 different varieties amid lush plants in a tropical 25 C setting.

“Carleton offers so many ways to grow as a whole person. Your fondest memories won’t just be about lectures—they’ll be about the moments you shared, the things you tried, and the people you met.”

For over four decades, Ed Bruggink has been quietly transforming Carleton University into a place where science meets wonder, and where curiosity takes flight—sometimes quite literally.
This year, as he prepares for retirement, Ed is being honoured with the Founders’ Award, a fitting tribute to a career rooted in passion, innovation, and kindness. His story is one of humble beginnings, visionary ideas, and a legacy that will flutter through the halls of Carleton for generations to come.

Ed’s journey began in 1981, when he took on casual work at the Carleton Greenhouses. Surrounded by rare plant species and the natural beauty of the campus, he found his calling.

“I immediately found my happy place,” he recalls. “I never considered another career.”

But it was a family trip to a butterfly show in Montreal that sparked what would become Ed’s most beloved contribution to the Carleton and Ottawa communities. Inspired by the joy he witnessed, he set out to recreate that magic at Carleton. In 1999, the first Butterfly Show opened its doors—and the response was overwhelming. “Hundreds of visitors waited patiently for hours,” Ed remembers. “It was exhausting, but the joy on children’s faces made it all worth it.”

Now, 25 years later, the Butterfly Show is a cherished Ottawa tradition. It has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors, inspired countless young scientists, and become a powerful platform for environmental education and outreach. “Some of our Biology students say their first visit to the show is what made them want to become scientists,” Ed says with pride

Beyond the butterflies, Ed has always championed the idea that learning should extend beyond the classroom. “Carleton offers so many ways to grow as a whole person,” he says. “Your fondest memories won’t just be about lectures—they’ll be about the moments you shared, the things you tried, and the people you met.

His guiding principles are simple but profound: work hard and be kind. These values have shaped his approach to every challenge and every opportunity.

“Life doesn’t come with guarantees,” he says. “But hard work can conquer most odds. And when all else fails, kindness matters most.”

Throughout his 44 years at Carleton, Ed has never stopped learning. The best advice he ever received? “Never shy away from seeking advice from others.” It’s a mindset that has kept him curious, collaborative, and deeply connected to the community he loves.

As he looks to the future, Ed is ready to embrace a slower pace. He plans to spend more time outdoors with his family, go trout fishing in the spring, and capture the beauty of nature through photography and painting. “I promised my wife, Joanna, I’d have supper ready when she gets home,” he laughs. “And maybe we’ll get a new puppy.”

But even as he steps away, Ed’s legacy will continue to bloom. Through the Butterfly Show, his work in the Greenhouses, and his unwavering dedication to making science accessible and joyful, he has left an indelible mark on Carleton.

“I hope I’ve inspired a lifelong curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the natural world,” he says. “That’s the legacy I’d like to leave behind.”