Full listing of Awards, Scholarships, & Bursaries

Students who are eligible for a Renison Entrance Scholarship will be eligible for a Continuing Scholarship valued at $1000 per year in their second, third and fourth year if they meet specific conditions.  

If you are beginning post-secondary studies for the first time when you apply to Renison, you will be automatically considered for an entrance scholarship. Some conditions apply (see below).

We'll use your admission average to determine which scholarship you receive.

Conditions

• Students must be entering full-time studies at Renison University College.
• Students must accept their offer to a Renison program by the date of your offer of admission.
• Students must take a minimum of 4 Renison courses per year.

Note 1

If a student qualifies for a Renison Entrance or Continuing Scholarship, in addition to a bursary or fee remission from Renison, the amount of the scholarship will be adjusted so that the total amount awarded shall not exceed the total tuition for the period in which the scholarship is held. 

Note 2

If a student withdraws or otherwise fails to complete the term(s) covered by an award, the award will be prorated.

Note 3

The Board of Governors of Renison University College reserves the right to make changes without notice in the published value and number of entrance scholarships awarded each year.

Entrance Scholarship

The Renison Entrance Scholarship recipient with the highest overall admission average above 85% will be designated as The Rev’d Gerald T. Churchill Memorial Entrance Scholarship recipient. This designation is to honour the memory of The Rev’d Gerald T. Churchill, member of Renison's Board of Governors from 1977 to 1987. This award offers an additional $500 to the financial value of the Renison University College Entrance Scholarship.

Note 1

If a student qualifies for a Renison Entrance or Continuing Scholarship, in addition to a bursary or fee remission from Renison, the amount of the scholarship will be adjusted so that the total amount awarded shall not exceed the total tuition for the period in which the scholarship is held. 

Note 2

If a student withdraws or otherwise fails to complete the term(s) covered by an award, the award will be prorated.

Note 3

The Board of Governors of Renison University College reserves the right to make changes without notice in the published value and number of entrance scholarships awarded each year.

A Continuing Scholarship valued up to $1000 can be extended into upper years if students who entered Renison with a minimum admission average of 83.0% meet specific conditions

The Rita Lee-Chui International Education Fund exists to support students’ international education experiences connected to Renison degree courses and programs through the allocation of a travel bursary. Students participating in international travel related to Renison degree course or programs are eligible. Apply to The Rita Lee-Chui International Education Fund 

Rita Lee-Chui (1915-2016) was a long time supporter of Renison. Her legacy at Renison includes the Florence Li Tim-Oi Memorial Award and the Florence Li Tim-Oi Memorial Reading Room in Renison's library, both named in honour of her sister, The Rev. Florence Li Tim-Oi, the first woman in the world ordained an Anglican priest.

For her commitment to Renison and support of its students, as well as for her passion for travel and education, Renison named this international education fund for Rita as a memorial to her efforts and generosity.

First and foremost, this bursary seeks to address systemic barriers to post-secondary education that Indigenous students face as a direct result of history and ongoing processes of colonization. Set up by Renison’s Truth and Reconciliation Committee, the bursary further recognizes that Indigenous students actively involved on campus often do extra labour related to their Indigeneity and connections to community, both in our classrooms and as part of other university processes. These bursaries are an effort to recognize that labour and to develop a committed and reciprocal relationship with Indigenous students that supports their aspirations and development, fosters their leadership, builds their connections and networks, and supports the contribution of their gifts, passions, and energies at Renison and beyond.  Any Indigenous student registered at University of Waterloo, at either the undergraduate or graduate level, is eligible to apply. In allocating awards, the review committee will attempt to include students in as wide an array of academic programs as possible, with preference given to students registered in Social Work and Social Development Studies. For the purpose of this bursary, ‘Indigenous’ is defined to encompass those who identify as First Nations (status or non-status), Métis, or Inuit, and Indigeneity is understood as being a function both of self-identification and community connection. Eligible students may apply to receive individual bursaries of up to $1000 to support their travel to and participation in political actions, public demonstrations, non-academic forums, or academic conferences. Applications for this bursary will be received throughout fall and winter terms.  Applications will be reviewed as received and approved on a first-come-first-served basis until the allotted funds ($2000) have been dispersed. Students will be encouraged to apply early in the academic year.  

WalterFedy is an integrated design firm serving the Waterloo and Hamilton-Niagara Regions that is committed to investing in the communities they serve. Renison University College values diversity and equity in our student body, and has designed this scholarship with WalterFedy to address historical and contemporary injustices that have created barriers to higher education for members of marginalized groups; particularly Indigenous, Black, and students of colour.  Apply to The WalterFedy Scholarship

The China/Renison Scholarship is donated by the China National Office for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, Ministry of Education, the People’s Republic of China. The scholarship will be awarded annually to two students registered through Renison University College, or the University of Waterloo, whose first language is not taught in the East Asia Studies courses. Applicants should be working towards the Diploma in East Asia Studies and demonstrate excellence in five selected Chinese language, history and culture courses as defined by the undergraduate calendar

This scholarship has been created as an opportunity to link students currently enrolled full-time or part-time in the Social Development Studies (SDS) program at Renison University College with the Elmira Developmental Support Corporation as “supportive good neighbors” to 4 people living in a supported independent living apartment (pictured below).  In conjunction with a broader support team, the student’s role will include building community through social interaction and being part of the support team and assisting in crisis situations.  

Miss Leonora Monk bequeathed this scholarship. It is presented annually to a student graduating from an academic plan of the College for excellence in academic performance over the course of their undergraduate career.

The Scholarship and Awards Committee will renew this award annually provided that the recipient is making satisfactory academic progress in their full-time program. While studying Social Development Studies at Renison University College, students explore how human interactions are influenced by individual, collective, and structural forces including mental health, social relationships, economic conditions, education and politics, and movements for social justice and social change. The ultimate aim of those who engage in Social Development Studies is to help people, communities, and nations flourish. Renison University College values diversity and equity in our student body, and has designed this scholarship to address historical and contemporary injustices that have created barriers to higher education for members of marginalized groups (with priority going to self-identified Indigenous students; Black students; students of colour; LGBTQ+, queer, trans*, and/or Two-Spirit students; and students with disabilities). Availability: Two $8000 scholarships are available for Fall 2021.  Apply to the SDS Equity and Diversity Scholarship

This scholarship is available to a graduating student of Renison who registers for theological studies in the Fall term.

Established by Mr. John Yuen, a Renison board member, in honour of his mother-in-law, this scholarship is presented to the full-time Renison registered student with the highest overall average entering their third year of university.

Established by Dr. Darrol Bryant, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Renison University College, in memory of his parents, Alex and Debe Bryant.  Open to all Renison-registered full-time students in a BA program who have a minimum overall grade point average of 75% or higher and who can demonstrate financial need.  Applicants are required to provide a one page description of their interest in religious and social issues. A preference will be given to those students who have demonstrated an interest in the relation of religion to social well-being and/or are planning to work to improve society through religion.

The Arthur Brown Award was established by Jim and Margaret Fleck, strong supporters of Renison University College.  This award was established to recognize the dedication and commitment of the Rt. Rev Arthur Brown to Renison University College.  As with the Norma Brown Award, the Arthur Brown Award will also support full-time and/or part-time Bachelor of Social Work students at Renison University College who have active experience in the community service/caregiving area of their community.

Renison personnel established this award in memory for the first principal of Renison, Anelf Wyn Rees (1961-71). The award is presented annually to a student for their all-round contribution to the life of Renison University College during their undergraduate career while maintaining good overall academic standing.

Two awards were established by Bea Abbott, a Renison alumna and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Social Work, to serve as a beacon encouraging students who are interested in pursuing a social work career. These awards are available to an upper-year Social Development Studies or full-time Bachelor of Social Work student. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to community service and be involved with a faith community, with preference being given to mature students.

The Bishop Appleyard Award was established in 1985 by The Rt. Rev'd Derwyn Jones, Bishop of Huron, in memory of The Rt. Rev'd Harold Appleyard, former area Bishop of Georgian Bay and Chancellor of Renison University College, 1962-1973.

The award was established to help children of Anglican clergy who are residents at Renison University College and are registered at Renison or the University of Waterloo. However, if there are no applications from children of Anglican clergy, applications will be considered from any resident at Renison University College, registered at Renison or the University of Waterloo, who has been active in an Anglican parish.

An annual award presented by Renison to the student with the highest academic achievement graduating from the Bachelor of Social Work program.

Established by the Bachel of Social Work Class of 2000, and supported by annual fundraising by each Bachelor of Social Work class, this award is normally available to a Bachelor of Social Work student in good academic standing with a demonstrated record of volunteerism in community social services.

An annual award presented to the student with the highest academic achievement who is graduating with a significant number of credit from a Renison academic plan.

Established by Dr. Darrol Bryant, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Renison University College, in memory of his grandfather Charles Montrose Bryant II. Applicants are required to provide a one page description of their activity in environmental concerns. A preference will be given to those students who have demonstrated an interest in Canadian or International environmental issues.

This award is given in celebration of Social Work Week.  In 2015, Professor Colleen McMillan was named Ontario Association of Social Workers Inspirational Leader in celebration of Social Work Week. Professor McMillan requested the monetary gift she received that year, be given to support a BSW student demonstrating leadership and active involvement within the College. Professor McMillan is generously continuing to personally donate the Colleen McMillan Award to a Bachelor of Social Work student who meets the requirements listed above.

This award was established in memory of Mervin G. and Sadie E. Cuthbert and in recognition of the important role that Renison University College has played in the lives of the Cuthbert family members.  The Cuthbert Family International Award is open to Renison-registered students who wish to pursue an international learning experience, (i.e., student exchange, co-op term, service learning, study abroad term, credit course).

M. Darrol Bryant, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Renison University College, University of Waterloo and Susan Hodges Bryant established this award for deserving students registered through Renison University College who are in need of financial assistance in pursuing their university education.

The Rev’d Canon David Hartry, former Chaplain and Warden of Residence at Renison, died on Monday July 9, 2007.  David was an extremely popular and active member of the Renison and Kitchener-Waterloo communities.  He had a great sense of humor and wit, compassion and generosity, and was loved by students, faculty and staff alike.  In that spirit, the annual David Hartry Memorial Award recognizes a student who exhibits those qualities within the Renison University College community.  Selection criteria include positive residence life involvement, demonstrated academic excellence, and financial need.  Note that Dons are allowed to apply for this award.  Award criteria are put forward to the Dons of floors at their regular meeting (early March) for recommendations of suitable students.  The chosen applicants are then asked to complete a budget form (as the award is OSOTF matched), and the budget is passed back to the Scholarship and Award coordinator for academic excellence to be verified by Quest.  Final applications are forwarded to the Scholarship and Award Committee for selection.  Presentation will be made at the Awards Reception in March.

Established by Renison alumni, this award is presented as the Awards Banquet at the end of each academic year to the residence don who through that year has shown the leadership qualities, honesty, and good sense of humour that Debbie exhibited during her years at Renison while a resident and don.

This award, created in memory of the late Dick Whitington, a parishioner of St. Aidan’s Anglican Church in Elmira, is given annually to a student who has been accepted into the Bachelor of Social Work at Renison  Social Development Studies student. The candidate must be involved in recent and on-going community service and have their family residence located in the Region of Waterloo.

The Donald and Doris M’Timkulu Award reflects the commitment of both the late Dr. Donald M’Timkulu, a former Professor, acting Principal, and Academic Dean of Renison University College, and Doris M’Timkulu, friend and former Board member of Renison University College, to intercultural understanding and respect for human dignity. The award is offered to a Social Development Studies or a Bachelor of Social Work students, in good academic standing, for an intercultural learning experience within Canada or abroad, as an integral part of their studies.

These two awards were established by the family of the late Mr. Carl Dunker, one of the founders of Renison University College, and are granted annually to one male and one female resident student in recognition of their contribution to the life of Renison.

The Eva Leflar Foundation established this award of $5,000 to encourage full-time students from Grey and Bruce counties to pursue and complete a University of Waterloo degree through Renison University College. At the discretion of Renison this award may be renewable annually for the duration of the recipient’s course of study

Rita K. Lee Chui and her husband late, Siu Ting Chui, established this award in memory of her sister, the Reverend Florence Li Tim-Oi, the first woman to be ordained a priest in the Anglican Communion. This award will be granted to a student graduating from the Social Development Studies plan with high academic achievement who has been admitted into the Bachelor of Social Work program. Candidates must have a record of community service, be involved with a faith community, and demonstrate financial need. A preference will be given to candidates who have shown an interest in working with the elderly. The recipient of this award will be known as the Florence Li Tim-Oi Scholar. 

Established by Dr. Darrol Bryant and Professor Susan Bryant in memory of her late father, Howard T. Hodges.  Applicants are required to provide a one page description of their literary interest or how they would work towards a better society.  A preference will be given to those students who have demonstrated an interest in the relations of literature to the improvement of society and who have financial need.  Open to all Renison-registered full-time students in a BA program who have a minimum overall grade point average of 75% or higher and who can demonstrate financial need.  

This award is founded in memory of Jake Hillerby, who, as a baby, was fascinated with switches and gears and showed a focused determination to figure out how different objects worked. He seemed destined to be an engineer one day, just like his father and grandfather, using his engineering degree to solve problems that could improve people’s lives. Jacob died before he got that chance, so his family and friends have donated the money for this award to support other students to use their engineering skills to improve people’s lives in some way. This award will be given to an engineering student living at Renison University College, who can demonstrate financial need and shows an intention to use their engineering skills to improve people’s lives.  

This award was established in memory f Jeanne Renault, former Director of the Elmira Regional Daycare, who was very involved with the prevention of violence against women and children. This award will be granted to a second, third or fourth year Social Development Studies student who has a special interest in working with children or in the area of family violence. 

John Yuen, a former Renison University College board member, created this award in honour of his mentor, John Budden. This award is for a student who is entering year two of a full-time undergraduate program and has completed ten courses whilst showing exemplary leadership and community involvement.

Dr. Linda Snyder, faculty member at Renison University College 2000 – 2012, established this award to support students interested in international learning. It is open to upper-year students in Social Development Studies as well as students in the School of Social Work who have been accepted into an international learning experience as part of their academic program. Applicants must have an overall average of at least 75% and must demonstrate financial need.

An annual award presented by Renison University College to the student with the highest academic achievement graduating from the Master of Social Work program.

An annual award given to a Renison student with dependents, who can demonstrate financial need and has maintained a least a 75 overall average in part-time (1-2 courses per term) or full-time (3-5 courses per term).  First consideration will be given to a student enrolled full-time in the Bachelor of Social Work program with second consideration given to a student enrolled full-time in Social Development Studies.

The Meghan Reid Memorial Award is offered in memory of a former Renison University College student.  Meghan Reid, whose life was tragically cut short in a motor vehicle accident.  The Meghan Reid Memorial Award is open to full-time Social Development Studies students.  The Award is available to a student in any year of study, who is in good academic standing (75% and above) and can demonstrate financial need.  Preference will be given to those students interested in studying or specializing in the study of eating disorders, or other serious social/psychological issues faced by women.

This award was established in memory of Norma Brown, late wife of late Chancellor Emeritus, Bishop Arthur Brown.  As a social worker herself, Norma fully understood the need for educated trained personnel in the profession.  This award is offered to both full-time and part-time students registered in the Bachelor of Social Work and/or Master of Social Work.

Charles and Andrea Bronfman established this award in honour of Peter Swann, founder of our East Asian Studies program.  It is granted annually to an outstanding student working towards the minor or diploma in East Asian Studies who has completed at least six of the eight required courses.

The Paul Jeffrey Mesbur Memorial Award was established by Dr. Ellen Sue Mesbur and Mr. David Mesbur, in loving memory of their son, Paul. As Director of the School of Social Work from 2002 to 2012, Ellen Sue asked that the award be available to social work students and was pleased to endow the award in 2007.  The award was established for Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work students who have returned to university. It is available to full-time or part-time students

This award is presented at the Spring and Fall convocations to a graduating student in recognition of high academic achievement as an undergraduate student.

This annual award was set up by the Ontario Association of Social Workers in memory of Professor Jim Harris who taught in the Social Work Department at Renison University College from 1976 to 1991. The award is accompanied by a one-year membership in the Ontario Association of Social Workers. It is given to a graduating student in the Bachelor of Social Work program for scholastic ability, contribution to community, and general leadership abilities whilst participating in the program.

This award was established by the Social Work Faculty and will be presented annually to a student who has made outstanding contributions, including overall academic excellence, field practicum performance, and contributions to curriculum development to the Bachelor of Social Work program.

The Renison Town and Gown Society, a network of active and involved women from the local community, established three awards for students in the full-time Social Development Studies or School of Social Work programs, and one award for students registered in the part-time School of Social Work program. It will be given to students who have entered university from non-traditional routes such as community college, previous careers, parenting. Applicants must show a record of community service, and some consideration will be given for financial need.

These awards are offered by the Renison Town and Gown Society, a network of active and involved women from the local community, to encourage transfer students embarking upon their degrees in Social Development Studies. Availability for Fall 2021: two awards of $1000.  Apply to the Town & Gown Society Entrance Award

This bursary was established by the late Rt. Rev’d Morse Robinson, Chancellor of Renison University College (1974-1985) and founding Director of the Renison Institute of Ministry. Preference will be given, in the following order, to children of Anglican clergy, to candidates who intend to pursue postgraduate theological studies, or to single parents.

This bursary was established to assist resident students at Renison University College who are academically registered at either Renison or the University of Waterloo, and can demonstrate financial need.

Renison alumni, Aine Connolly, established this bursary in memory of Diana Bastien George, also alumni of Renison University College.  Both registered in Social Development Studies, Diana and Aine met while taking an online course and became friends upon completion of the course.  The Diana Bastien George Bursary is available to sole support parents, working parents or mature students completing their undergraduate degree in Social Development Studies through online learning or Social Work with a preference for a student enrolled through online learning.  Applicants must be in good academic standing and demonstrate financial need.

This bursary was established by the late Elizabeth Massey Breithaupt, a community leader and founding member of the Renison Town & Gown Society, to assist students registered or resident in Renison University College who are in good academic standing and can demonstrate financial need.

Established by members of the Renison University College faculty to encourage students enrolled in Social Development Studies, other Arts academic plans, or the Bachelor of Social Work program. The Faculty Endowment Bursary recognizes students who are in good academic standing and can demonstrate financial need.

First and foremost, this bursary seek to address systemic barriers to post-secondary education that Indigenous students face as a direct result of history and ongoing processes of colonization. 

Set up by Renison’s Truth and Reconciliation Committee, the bursary further recognizes that Indigenous students actively involved on campus often do extra labour related to their Indigeneity and connections to community, both in our classrooms and as part of other university processes.

These bursaries are an effort to recognize that labour and to develop a committed and reciprocal relationship with Indigenous students that supports their aspirations and development, fosters their leadership, builds their connections and networks, and supports the contribution of their gifts, passions, and energies at Renison at beyond.  

Any Indigenous student registered at Renison University College, at either the undergraduate or graduate level, is eligible to apply. In allocating awards, the review committee will attempt to include students in as wide an array of academic programs as possible, with preference given to students registered in Social Work and Social Development Studies. 

For the purpose of this bursary, ‘Indigenous’ is defined to encompass those who identify as First Nations (status or non-status), Métis, or Inuit, and Indigeneity is understood as being a function both of self-identification and community connection.

Established by Mr. Harold Winterburn in honour of his daughter-in-law, Judy T. Winterburn, this annual bursary is available to a sole support parent, registered in full-time or part-time studies at Renison University College, who is in good academic standing and can demonstrate financial need.

Established by Mr. Harold Winterburn, in memory of his father, Mr. Luke Winterburn, this bursary is intended to encourage and assist students with a “B” average who are experiencing financial difficulties.

This bursary established by the Maycourt Club of Kitchener-Waterloo, a volunteer organization that provides  volunteer and financial assistance to the community, encourages and assists a Bachelor of Social Work student who is in good academic standing and can demonstrate financial need.

Miss Hanselman was a long-term financial donor and interested patron of Renison University College, who willed her estate to Renison University College for the purpose of a bursary to be set up in her memory. A number of bursaries are available each term with first preference given to residents of Brant County. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, have completed at least five courses at the time of application, and be enrolled in at least two courses in the term for which application is made.

These awards were set up by alumni, faculty, friends and staff of Renison University College with matching funds from the Government of Ontario. A number of bursaries are offered each term to students who are in good academic standing and can demonstrate financial need. Candidates must be Canadian citizens or Landed Immigrants and able to prove twelve months prior residency in Ontario.

Established by the Renison Academic Student Council, this annual bursary is available to a student who is an active volunteer with Renison or the University community. Candidates must have a minimum grade average of 70% and demonstrate financial need.

The Rollo/Hunt Bursary was established by Mr. Harold Winterburn in honour of this daughter, Susan Rollo, and his son-in-law, James Hunt to support Students registered in the Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work program.

Renison University College is an affiliated Anglican College of the University of Waterloo.  Since its founding in 1959, Renison has dedicated itself to encouraging students to excel academically and to develop a commitment to service to the community, Canada and the worldwide community.  The St. Lazarus Bursary will be granted to a student who has shown an active interest in ecumenism, has been involved in ecumenical activities and can demonstrate financial need.

This bursary was established by graduating classes of Renison University College to assist Renison registered students who are entering their 2^nd year of university, taking a minimum of 3 courses at Renison and can demonstrate financial need.

The Crown Ward Residence Fund was established in partnership with Family and Children’s Services to offer fully funded residence for Crown Wards residing at Renison while pursuing any degree offered through the University of Waterloo or its affiliated colleges. Renison is a unique, close-knit residence environment that offers unprecedented support services to our students; the fund is intended to help students balance their educational  goals with living independently within a caring, supportive community.

Three prizes will be awarded annually to Renison students submitting the best term papers as fulfillment of the regular requirements of a first-year and an upper-year College course.

An award is presented to a graduating student at Convocation for excellent academic achievement.