Four first-year Queen’s University students will receive the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarships, which provide significant funding to undergraduates pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The honours are awarded by The Schulich Foundation, launched by Canadian philanthropist Seymour Schulich.

Isabel Hazan of Toronto and Rebecca Balcom of Wolfville, N.S., are studying engineering and will each receive $80,000 over their four years of study. Jessie Payne of Clinton, Ont., and Jaedyn Smith of Whitehorse, Yukon, are enrolled in Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree programs and will each receive $60,000 toward their undergraduate studies at Queen’s.

“These scholarships are another example of Seymour Schulich’s outstanding commitment to post-secondary education in Canada,” says Principal Daniel Woolf. “These four students – as well as Queen’s – have benefited greatly from Mr. Schulich’s generosity.” 

Mr. Schulich is among Canada’s most generous philanthropists who regularly donates to higher education. Last year, Principal Woolf and Mr. Schulich joined forces to donate 400 books from their personal collections to establish the Schulich-Woolf Rare Book Collection at Queen’s. Mr. Schulich donated an additional $1 million to Queen’s to help maintain the collection.

“On behalf of the university, I want to congratulate these highly accomplished students,” says Ann Tierney, Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs. “We look forward to welcoming them to campus, and we are grateful to the Schulich Foundation for its continued support of Queen’s and post-secondary education.”

Every Canadian high school and CEGEP (in Quebec) puts one student forward for consideration for the scholarship each year; only 50 students are selected. This is the second year that Queen’s has received four Schulich Leader Scholarships, the maximum number granted to any university partner.  

Ms. Payne is excited to be able to focus on her studies while at Queen’s and not have to worry about finances.

“The Schulich Leader Scholarship has allowed me to look at university how it should be looked at, as an opportunity to lead, learn, and inspire, by taking the pressure off of the financial burden. I know I will do this incredible foundation proud, after all that they've done for me,” she says.

“When I received the Schulich Leader Scholarship, I felt honoured and excited to be included in this unique and innovative group of students,” says Ms. Balcom.

Mr. Schulich is among Canada’s most generous philanthropists and regularly donates to higher education. He launched the $100-million Schulich Leader Scholarships fund in 2012. Mr. Schulich believes fostering leadership in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math) is a way to boost Canada’s economic prosperity.

More information is available from the Schulich Leaders website.