'You've earned what you've deserved': STU hosts President's Scholarship reception

Kate Haché with Chancellor Hon. Graydon Nicholas and President and Vice Chancellor Dr. M. Nauman Farooqi (Credits: STU Communications)

On Sept. 24, the annual President’s Scholarship Reception celebrated the achievements of St Thomas University’s major renewable scholarship recipients. 

Gathered in the Dawn Russell Lounge at James Dunn Hall, students had the opportunity to recognize their success and connect with members of the STU community.

“I understand that a lot of students aren't able to do this and so having this scholarship, it also means that I want to ensure that I keep earning it, because there are so many students at St. Thomas who are deserving of the exact same position and I was just fortunate to receive it. ” said Kate Haché, honours student and recipient of the Msgr. George W. Martin Scholarship.

Dionne Izzard, STU's director of advancement, emphasized that scholarships are a form of recognition.

“You’ve earned [what] you’ve deserved, that is definitely warranted and that’s why we have the celebration, because we want to make sure that the students know how proud we are,” said Izzard.

The President’s Scholarship is one of the university-funded awards, which underscores the importance in attracting top talent. It provides a foundation that allows students to focus on their studies and community involvement rather than financial strain.

Izzard added that these scholars aren't just high-achieving students, they are consistently “leading the way, or groundbreaking.”

“Obviously, they are very good academically. They are very community-minded. They like to volunteer. They're connected to the STU community. Oftentimes, you know, they're founding clubs, joining clubs, they're part of the student political environment.”

For Izzard, seeing these students grow from first year to graduation, often appearing at the annual celebration each year, is a testament to the award's lasting impact.

Even though the scholarships awarded can alleviate a student’s financial burden, it can also affect a student's mental well-being.

“I feel like it's a constant pressure, like it's always in the back of your mind that you have to pay tuition ... Are you gonna get the money? So I think having the scholarships and taking away that mental space to focus on other things is incredibly, incredibly helpful,” said Alejandra Baca, recipient of the Chancellor’s International Scholarship.

Scholarship recipients at the reception in James Dunn Hall. (Credits: STU Communications)

The annual Presidential Scholarship celebration is not only for enjoying the good food but rather a meaningful gathering that fosters a connection between recipients and the university administration.

As President Nauman Farooqi shared, “our students are the reason that we exist and our priority is to provide you with the best university education and the best student experience.”

Sawyer Holmes, a first-year recipient involved in the House Council and Black Box Productions, emphasized that the scholarship made all his extracurriculars possible. 

“I don't think these extra extracurriculars would have been possible to do without the scholarship ... I've met so many friends from like, so many different places and so many different classes. It's been really awesome.”

Izzard stressed that donors’ contributions are crucial, as “any amount, setting up any kind of scholarship will help.”

“I just want them to succeed …  and that we’re here to support and encourage them and make sure that their experience is something that they’ll take with them forever,” said Izzard.