Two outstanding Queen’s students, Elise Hewat of Kaslo, BC and Tayyaba Ashfaq Bhatti of Saskatoon, SK, are among the 2014 winners of the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarships.

Created by Canadian business leader and philanthropist Seymour Schulich, the annual awards program is the largest undergraduate scholarship opportunity in Canada for students pursing degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Two scholarship recipients are selected at each partnering university. One award for a student studying in engineering is valued at $80,000 and a second award valued at $60,000 is for other STEM areas of study. 

“Congratulations are due to Elise and Tayyaba for their remarkable accomplishments,” says Ann Tierney, Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs. “They are among the 40 Schulich leaders selected across the country from more than 1,100 applications and it is a pleasure to have them both at Queen’s.”

Elise Hewat, a graduate of JV Humphries, Kaslo BC who is studying in the faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, says that she hopes to pursue a job in engineering and continue her studies at the graduate level.

“This award has opened up so many more opportunities for me and I am very excited to see where they take me,” Ms. Hewat says. “I hope to be able to make an impact on the world with whatever I do and this scholarship has given me an amazing opportunity to do just that.”

Tayyaba Ashfaq Bhatti, a graduate of Centennial Collegiate, Saskatoon SK who is studying in the Faculty of Arts and Science, says that the award means a less stressful first year and more time to participate in extra-curricular activities.

“This award has allowed me to attend the school of my dreams,” says Ms. Bhatti. “After I complete my honours degree, I would like to apply to medical school. My dream is to become a cardiologist and impact people’s lives in a positive manner.”

The nomination period for the 2015 Schulich Leader Scholarships competition is now open. High schools, secondary schools and CEGEP’s across Canada have until Feb. 2, 2015 to select their scholarship candidates. The student nominees then have until Feb. 23, 2015 to submit their application. Students will be considered on the basis of two of the following attributes: academic excellence, outstanding community service, business or entrepreneurial leadership, or financial need.

“Fostering leadership in STEM fields is vital to Canada’s economic prosperity,” said Seymour Schulich. “A scholarship of this size will motivate high school students from across the country to pursue their dream and in the process help to ensure our country’s competitive position.”

To learn more about the Schulich Leader Scholarships, visit their website.