Students win millennium scholarships

Vancouver Island University students received prestigious awards from the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation recognizing their active citizenship, leadership, innovative thinking and academic achievement.

First year Bachelor of Arts students Celia White and Courtenay Crucil received national Excellence awards valued at $5,000, while Jordan Neave received $4,000.

Third year students Kyle d’Oliveria (Computing Science), Kelsey O’Gorman (Science) and Melanie Bilodeau (Theatre) received National In-Course awards of $4,000 each.

“We’re extremely proud of these talented students,” said President Dr. Ralph Nilson. “They’ve made significant contributions to their communities and are truly deserving of these awards.”

“It’s exciting to be selected,” said White, a first-year VIU Global Studies student who aspires to a future career involving humanitarian aid.

A graduate of Wellington Secondary, White has a long history of leadership and community involvement going back to grade 8. During high school, she was involved in a multitude of school and community events. "The project closest to my heart is the Friends of Sierra Leon organization which I helped initiate," said White. "I'm hoping to get other VIU students involved in this organization later this year."

“We are thrilled these students have chosen VIU as their university of choice,” said Karen Stant, Coordinator of Financial Aid & Awards at VIU. “We are proud of their accomplishments and wish them well as they continue their academic journey at our institution.”

The Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation is a private, independent organization created by Parliament in 1998. It encourages Canadian students to strive for excellence and pursue their post-secondary studies. 

High school students slated to begin post-secondary studies in September 2009 must apply for Millennium scholarships by December 12. Students already enrolled at a post-secondary institution must apply by May 2009.

To find out more about the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation's scholarships and awards, visit www.awardforexcellence.ca.