February 17, 2016, THUNDER BAY, ON – 321 Confederation College students received 398 scholarships, bursaries and awards totalling $183,455 at the annual Awards Recognition Reception.
Confederation College students were recognized for their academic achievement and community involvement. In addition, the event provided an opportunity for students and the College community to thank donors for their continued support.
“It can be difficult to balance work and family life on top of the responsibilities of going to school,” said Chris Cartwright, President of the Student Union. “Thanks to the support of our remarkable donors, these awards help to relieve some of the financial burden for our students, freeing up more time for them to focus on their studies.”
One such student, Danielle Belanger, received the Dawson Ryan Wright and Carol Harris White Memorial Awards. Growing up in an abusive environment and being separated from her siblings after taking care of them for several years, Belanger continued to struggle as she entered an abusive relationship with a significant other and became a mom at 19.
After 13 years, Belanger finally got the courage to leave with her four daughters in the hopes of making a better life for all of them. With some guidance she enrolled in the Pre-Health program at Confederation College and three years later is now in her second year of the Practical Nursing program. She will graduate this spring.
The financial support Belanger has received throughout her college experience has helped her to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.
“To me the bursaries are more than just money,” she said. Each time I received one it felt like I had someone out there that believed in me and it was a little push not only to succeed, but to excel in my program.
The bursaries enabled me to continue in the program which has given me valuable skills required to gain meaningful employment and more importantly, independence and confidence – something that I haven’t had for most of my life. I truly believe that donors have the ability to change lives. I know mine have.”
Gail Murdock, Vice President, Academic at Confederation shared words of thanks on behalf of the College. “Our very generous donors enable us to help students from all walks of life to achieve their dreams. In addition to supporting their academic pursuits, these awards, through the actions of our donors, teach our students the importance of leadership and community.”
Strong financial support and community relationships are paramount to the success of the scholarship, bursary and awards program at Confederation College. The generous contributions from donors help to ensure that students who require financial assistance can put their dreams to work and get the support they need.
Long-time donor Cheryl-Lyn Lamers is an employee of Confederation College and contributes to the John and Lynn Lamers Family Award in honour of her parents. The award supports mature students in financial need attending the College in any program.
“I give because I believe in the education that the College provides. I was really lucky in that I had parents who supported my education, but I know a lot of people who aren’t so lucky. I think education is imperative to our community and personal growth and this is a way I can help someone to achieve that growth.”
Lamers chooses to give through payroll deduction. “You know it’s automatic,” she said “and it doesn’t have to be a large amount each pay day. I don’t even notice it. In fact, part of my giving is done in lieu of an anniversary gift for my parents. They were able to set the award criteria and of course the award is named in their honour.”
Adding this year’s amounts to those of the past six years, with the help of these donors, Confederation College has been able to deliver awards to over 2000 students, totaling more than $1.1 million.
