Ten incoming University of Guelph students will be recognized with the University’s highest entrance awards.
Seven students have received President’s Scholarships, in honour of their high school achievements, leadership abilities and citizenship activities.
Two students have been awarded the Lincoln Alexander Chancellor’s Scholarship, named for the former U of G chancellor. The award recognizes students, who are Indigenous, racialized or live with disabilities, who have made significant community contributions.
One incoming student has been awarded the Dr. Franco J. Vaccarino President’s Scholarship, named for the former U of G president. This scholarship recognizes a top international student and potential leader who has made significant school and community contributions.
The recipients were honoured at a luncheon on Aug. 30, where U of G chancellor Dr. Mary Anne Chambers welcomed the scholarship recipients to the University and the wider Guelph community.
Chambers encouraged each student to strive for success in their field of study and positively influence the University community and the world.
“This is a time for new beginnings,” Chambers said. “Welcome to the University of Guelph and what I know will be some of the best years of your lives.”
“You have already demonstrated your capacity for greatness,” Chambers added. “It is obvious that you are aware of the challenges and opportunities that exist everywhere and are eager to play your part as we work to Improve Life.”
All scholarship winners receive $8,250 annually over four years, in addition to a $9,500 stipend for a summer research assistantship. Students will work with a faculty mentor in their discipline throughout their undergraduate degree.
Since the first President’s Scholarships were awarded in 1987, the program has gone on to recognize hundreds of exceptional incoming students. Funding comes through donations from alumni, friends, faculty and staff.
Lincoln Alexander Chancellor’s Scholarship
Islay Graham
Bio-Medical Science
A leader in her high school community, Graham launched an awareness campaign called The Pencil Project, highlighting the contributions and successes of first-generation immigrants. Islay and the group published Penciling It In, a book donated to local libraries, schools and newcomer centres.
Mentor: Dr. Alicia Viloria-Petit, Department of Biomedical Sciences
Raha Haghighi Khoshkhoo
Bio-Medical Science
The recipient of several music, academic and leadership awards, Haghighi Khoshkhoo has proven herself a dedicated volunteer leader, organizing such events as the global awareness symposium, which allowed students to interact with inspirational speakers and students who share stories of resilience through adversity.
Mentor: Dr. Melissa Perreault, Department of Biomedical Sciences
Dr. Franco J. Vaccarino President’s Scholarship
Divine Ake
Justice and Legal Studies
Ake was appointed special advisor to the principal at her secondary school in Lagos, Nigeria, acting as the main link between students and administration. She also led a 200-person event for UN Day of the Girl Child, donating menstrual products, clothes and money to a local women’s shelter.
Mentor: Dr. Ryan Briggs, Department of Political Science
President’s Scholarship
Vanessa Brenders
Environmental Engineering
Brenders served as student council prime minister and is the owner and operator of a baking business, Cookies and Crumbs. The business raised money for local organizations including the Canadian Mental Health Association, Hiatus House, Tiny Paws Rabbit Rescue, Child Can and the Italian Canadian Handicapable Association.
Mentor: Dr. Andrea Bradford, School of Engineering
Dana Filipetti
Political Science
An honour roll student throughout high school, Filipetti also worked as a youth advisor with Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario, providing mental health support to other young people in the community. She also volunteered as a leadership coach with the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.
Mentor: Dr. Leah Levac, Department of Political Science
Keira Gayowsky
Criminal Justice and Public Policy
Gayowsky was elected student trustee with the Grand Erie District School Board, focusing on student inclusivity and accessibility. She is also a SickKids patient ambassador, sharing her story with patients and donors.
Mentor: Dr. Myrna Dawson, Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Sophie Kaloudas
History
Kaloudas is dedicated to change in her small community of Fenelon Falls, going above and beyond in her volunteer efforts with local programming benefiting children, seniors and the environment. She also maintained her position on her high school’s honour roll, while competing on its soccer and track and field teams.
Mentor: Dr. Catherine Carstairs, Department of History
Campbell Lewis
Environmental Sciences
During a Shad Canada program, Lewis led her group to develop a business plan, prototype and pitch for a wheelchair-walker hybrid, named Wheels2Walk. Lewis helped foster a positive environment while guiding her team throughout the summer program, winning Best Overall Design and Best Application of Theme.
Mentor: Dr. Jackie Goordial, School of Environmental Sciences
Caroline Morin
Marine and Freshwater Biology
Morin excelled in many of her high school classes, including English, French and Canadian history. A former competitive swimmer, Morin knows the importance of water safety and founded Woodlane Swim Academy to offer accessible swimming lessons to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Mentor: Dr. Sarah Alderman, Department of Integrative Biology
Susannah Polack-Finley
Zoology
Polack-Finley’s innovation inspired her to launch St. Bonaventure’s Beehive, a student-led beehive supporting pollination in her high school’s community garden. Passionate about the environment, she also initiated a schoolwide recycling program to divert waste from landfills.
Mentor: Dr. Andy Turko, Department of Integrative Biology