Criminology student receives scholarship named in honor of former campus principal

It pays to earn good grades.

Just ask Malaspina University-College Criminology student Daniel Simister. He received the Carrie Nelson Scholarship Award valued at $1,000 for obtaining the highest grade point average at Malaspina’s Cowichan campus during the 2006/07 academic year.

“This one-time scholarship was created by the Malaspina Foundation (Cowichan campus) thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor who contributed $1,000 to recognize the contributions of former Cowichan campus principal Carrie Nelson during her 10-year tenure,” explained  newly appointed campus principal Maria Lauridsen.

Simister is currently enrolled in the Criminology degree program, and takes courses at the Cowichan and Nanaimo campuses.

Last year, he completed all first-year courses in Cowichan. “It was great to be able to study close to home,” said Simister. “It gave me time to focus on my school work, and I enjoyed the small class sizes because I really got to know my classmates.”

Simister said winning the scholarship was “quite a shock”, adding that financial assistance is always appreciated by students pursuing post-secondary education.

Lauridsen, who took over the post as campus principal a month ago, said it’s fitting the scholarship was created in Nelson’s name because “she created a vibrant community presence for Malaspina and laid the groundwork for me to continue and move forward with the relocation of Cowichan Place and other exciting initiatives.”

Lauridsen added that Malaspina is always grateful to receive support from community members, especially for student scholarships, awards and bursaries.

“It’s gratifying to see community members step forward and provide support for students they haven’t even met,” she added. “This kind of investment perpetuates itself because so many of our students graduate and then contribute in significant ways to our community.”