Congratulations to Sinéad Costello, an undergraduate co-registered in Arts and St Jerome’s, who will soon journey to McGill University as a national finalist for the prestigious McCall MacBain Scholarships.
The program offers Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies. Costello is among more than 700 Canadians who applied and 151 who advanced to a first round of interviews in November. She is now among the top 53 Canadians who will attend the final round of interviews in Montreal, joined by 38 finalists from other countries.
“Amazing – this is wonderful news!” said Alexie Tcheuyap, Dean of Arts, who has previously served on the McCall MacBain Scholarship committee for Sub-Saharan Africa.
McCall MacBain Scholars receive substantial funding to pursue an eligible degree at McGill University, including full tuition coverage, a $2,300 monthly living stipend during academic terms, and summer funding options. Scholars are paired with mentors and coaches, participate in an interdisciplinary leadership program.
“Being selected as a finalist is an extremely humbling and gratifying experience," said Costello. “My leadership and service training at St. Jerome's University has given me various tools to help prepare for this opportunity, such as strength and value workshops to meaningfully reflect on my goals and passions. Overall, it has immensely helped me strengthen and build my leadership and interpersonal skills.”
Costello graduates this spring from the Honours Arts and Business Co-op program. She works as a residence life don, volunteers with the St. Jerome's Campus Ministry, serves as vice-president of the UWaterloo History Society, and works at the Library. Costello also served for two years as president of the St. Jerome's University Students' Union. Aspiring to become a public librarian, she is applying for the Master of Information Studies program at McGill.
Waterloo Science student Ellie Harrison is also a finalist. Along with Costello, their entries in the scholarship competition were endorsed by the University of Waterloo based on character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity.
In March Costello and Harrison will interview with leaders from academia, business, government, and the social sector. Up to 30 McCall MacBain Scholars will be selected after final interviews. Canadian finalists not selected for the cohort will be eligible to receive $10,000 towards their studies at McGill.
All the best to Waterloo’s already-accomplished McCall MacBain Scholar finalists!