2013-2014

News Release

REF NO.: 52

SUBJECT: Two Memorial students awarded $60,000 Schulich Leader Scholarships

DATE: November 7, 2013

Brianna MacKeigan and Grace Marcoux, two first-year students at Memorial University, have been named the 2013 Schulich Leaders, with each being awarded $60,000 scholarships toward their four-year degrees at Memorial.
Ms. MacKeigan and Ms. Marcoux are among the 40 students nationwide who have been awarded the prestigious scholarships. Memorial University is one of 20 Canadian universities selected to participate in the scholarship initiative, which is one of the largest education endowments in Canada's history.
Ms. MacKeigan, a Glace Bay, N.S. native, chose to attend Memorial’s St. John’s campus because she believes it is a “beautiful campus with an excellent science program.” She is studying general sciences in her first year, with plans to pursue a degree in pharmacy. 
“When I found out I had been awarded this scholarship, I was ecstatic,” said Ms. MacKeigan. “I was so full of joy I didn't know what to do with myself. I could not believe I had been given such an amazing opportunity, and I am grateful for it every day.”
Ms. Marcoux, who comes to Memorial from Hillsborough, N.B. was equally surprised and excited by the news of her scholarship. 
“I vividly remember opening the letter informing me that I was being offered the Schulich Leader Scholarship,” said Ms. Marcoux. “I couldn’t speak! I was thrilled beyond words. I couldn’t stop smiling for the rest of the night, and I am truly grateful to have been selected as a recipient.”
Ms. Marcoux chose Memorial because “the campus is absolutely beautiful, the science program here is fantastic, and the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador have a reputation for being some of the friendliest people you will ever meet, which has held true,” she said.
While she is studying general sciences in her first year, she plans to complete a bachelor of science with a focus in either biology or chemistry.
The Canadian Schulich Leader Scholarships initiative was founded in 2011 by Seymour Schulich, renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist. This annual undergraduate entrance scholarship program is for students enrolling in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Mr. Schulich has committed $100 million to the scholarships and believes that Canada's future lies in leadership in science and technology. He created the scholarship to support and encourage young people to embrace science and technology in their future careers.
Nominations for the 2014 scholarships opened on Nov. 1, 2013. For more information on the Schulich Leader Scholarship program, visit www.shulichleaders.com.  

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