Four Queen’s University students have been named recipients of Canada’s largest science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) scholarships, the Schulich Leader Scholarships.

Johann Sapim of Toronto, Ontario and Laure Halabi of Whitby, Ontario are studying engineering and will each receive $100,000 over their four years of study. Ryley Molloy of Lindsay, Ontario and Jacob Meadus of Conception Bay South, Newfoundland will each receive $80,000 towards their undergraduate studies at Queen’s. Mr. Malloy and Mr. Meadus are both pursuing their Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree.

Created in 2011 by Canadian business leader and philanthropist Seymour Schulich, this annual scholarship program encourages high school graduates to embrace STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) in their future careers.

“Schulich Leader scholarship recipients are the best and brightest STEM students in Canada,” says Mr. Schulich.  “I truly believe that many of these students will make great contributions to society, both on a national and global scale. With their university expenses covered, they can focus their time on their studies, research projects, extracurriculars, and entrepreneurial ventures. They are the next generation of technology innovators.”

This year, there were over 1,300 Schulich Leader nominees from across Canada vying for 50 scholarships, valued at up to $100,000 each. Since inception, 270 students have received this scholarship.

“The Schulich scholarships are another example of Seymour Schulich’s outstanding commitment to post-secondary education in Canada,” says Principal Daniel Woolf. “This award is highly competitive and we are proud to have four winners again this year. This is a perfect example of the high quality of first-year students studying at Queen’s University.”

Mr. Molloy says he felt a great feeling of relief with the lifting of the financial burden associated with post-secondary studies which enhances his ability to succeed while Ms. Sapim says the scholarship shows that people can achieve their goals through hard work.

“Receiving the Schulich Leader scholarship has served for me as a confirmation to this idea. I hope that my experience can inspire others to never give up on their goals, their ideas and most of all themselves. Everyone has the potential to accomplish great things; you just have to be willing to set your mind to it,” says Ms. Sapim.

Mr. Meadus calls the Schulich Scholarship his “golden ticket” adding the funding will make all of his life aspirations accessible and possible. Living on campus, studying abroad, attending such a prestigious institution as Queen's, all of these things – once vivid pipe dreams – are now my reality. I am truly blessed.”

“I cannot begin to describe how much this scholarship has changed my family's life and mine. It has provided me with the foundation and support that I needed to fulfill my dream of becoming an engineer and change the world. My family and I are forever grateful for this incredible opportunity,” says Ms. Halabi, who was born in Lebanon and speaks English and Arabic.

“Both Seymour Schulich and Queen’s University want to help develop the leaders of tomorrow, and we are delighted to welcome these four exceptional students to campus. We are grateful to the Schulich Foundation for its commitment to supporting these students in their post-secondary pursuits,” says Ann Tierney, Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs.

For more information on the scholarships and full profiles of the Queen’s recipients visit the website.