As you've often heard, it can take a village to raise a child. Likewise, in Stratford it took an entire city to build a university campus. Does that same adage explain how to educate a student?
Students studying at the University of Waterloo Stratford Campus are supported by faculty, staff and industry mentors. At the same time Stratford community members and friends of the university have been playing an essential role in the education or our students: donating the funds necessary to create scholarships and awards.
Scholarships and awards are financial gifts given to exceptional students who show achievement in academics, community involvement or have a financial need. For many students, attending university is only possible with the help of scholarships.
Scholarships also attract the best and brightest students to Stratford – some of whom will study and then choose stay in Stratford to pursue their professional goals.
Since opening its doors in 2012, four generous donors have established scholarships and awards at the Stratford Campus. Their generosity showcases how a charitable act can be a direct investment in a student’s future. The four current scholarships and awards represent a cross-section of our community: business, individuals and a community organization. They include:
- The Rotary Club of Stratford Award
- eJust Systems Inc. Global Business Digital Arts Scholarship
- NA Engineering Associates Inc. Global Business and Digital Arts Entrance Award
- The John and Joyce Pollock Scholarships
Each year students apply or are selected to receive funding from these scholarships and awards. With only four scholarships and awards currently available there are many more applicants than awards available. There are deserving students each year who do not receive scholarships.
One of the excellent students who was chosen from the many qualified applications to The Rotary Club of Stratford Award was Ms. Rebecca Mendes, who is entering year 3 of the GBDA program this fall.
Ms. Mendes said, "It was truly an honor to receive the Rotary Club award. The scholarship was the support [she] required to be able to have more time to explore future careers and projects related to [her] education."
Like many of her fellow students, Ms. Mendes realizes that scholarships and awards are made possible by the generosity of the community. "It's very encouraging to experience the support of the Rotary Club for this program in Stratford," Ms. Mendes said. "I hope that other students in the future have the same opportunity. Stratford is home to an amazing campus, as well as an amazing community."
Her experience is like many others, and highlights the positive impact a scholarship or award can have on a student, both financially and academically.
When you support a scholarship or award at the University of Waterloo Stratford Campus you are giving the gift of education. Join a community of supporters who have invested in the lives of young aspiring adults. It took a community to build the Stratford Campus and it will take a community to educate the thinkers, leaders and innovators of tomorrow.
For more information on how you can support scholarships and awards at the University of Waterloo Stratford Campus please visit our Priority Projects page or contact Kim Bardwell, (519) 888-4567 ext. 37310.