Benefactors, faculty, staff, students, families and friends gathered recently in Grant Hall to celebrate the perseverance and success of 14 mature women students, as they strive to fulfill their educational goals at Queen’s, after time away from school.

While their life stories and journeys are unique, what brings them together is the Ban Righ Centre, an on-campus resource that provides students with study spaces, friendship, daily soup, and a range of supports and programs that aim to make their multi-faceted lives run a little more smoothly.

A series of awards, honouring donors whose generosity supports current and future generations of mature women at Queen’s, are presented each year at the spring celebration. These named endowed bursaries reflect the connection that donors and their families have to the Ban Righ Centre and to Queen’s.

Hazel Ramirez is a single parent and student in the Master of Nursing (Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner) program. She is the recipient of the Diane McKenzie Award, established to recognize former Dean of Nursing Jean Hill, who made an enormously positive impact on Ms. McKenzie, when she returned to Queen’s to complete a graduate degree.

“These past two years have been far from easy,” says Ms. Ramirez. “Going back to school has taught me to value my sleep, value the people who have stuck by me through the hard times, and especially value my time with my four-year-old son. I was so fortunate to come across the Ban Righ Centre where I was able to meet other students who are in a situation similar to mine, and a group of women who, no matter how busy their schedules may be, are always willing to help in any way they can. It is nice to not only feel welcomed and accepted, but also as though you have a group of people who genuinely want to help you succeed.”

Ban Righ Centre Director Carole Morrison says by sharing stories and experiences, the students draw strength from one another.

“The award recipients provide inspiration to others, who think ‘If these women can do it, so can I,’” Ms. Morrison says. “At the centre, we are committed to responding to an increasingly diverse population of women. We are grateful for the support of many members of the Queen’s and broader communities who assist us in various ways as we deliver programs and services to meet student needs.”

For more information about the centre and the Ban Righ Foundation awards is available on the centre’s website and Facebook page.