More than $22,750 in scholarships was awarded to top students in VIU’s Fisheries and Aquaculture department last week. Left to right: Ashley Stocks, Matt Miller and Monica Redmond won $1,500 each from the BC Freshwater Fisheries Society. Redmond was also awarded an all expense paid internship to study fisheries and aquaculture at Norland University in Norway.
December 9, 2014 - 11:30am
Christmas arrived early for 12 top students in Vancouver Island University’s Fisheries and Aquaculture degree and diploma programs.
The students received a total of $22,750 in awards and scholarships at a celebration and awards banquet last week.
“It’s the largest amount of money for internal awards ever dispersed to VIU’s Fisheries & Aquaculture students,” said faculty member Dr. Chris Foote.
Donors include world-renowned scientists, businesses and organizations related to the aquaculture and commercial fishing industry, community members, VIU faculty and alumni.
Monica Redmond, a third-year student in VIU’s Bachelor of Science Fisheries & Aquaculture program, was the big winner receiving the $1,000 Eunice Lam Award, a $1,000 VIU entrance scholarship, and $1,500 from the BC Freshwater Fisheries Society.
Redmond also received the High North Fellowship from VIU’s International Education Study Abroad program, entitling her to an all-expense paid internship at Norway’s Nordland University to study Fisheries and Aquaculture for six months. The award is valued at $9,500.
“I’m super excited,” said Redmond, who leaves for Norway on New Year’s Eve. “I’ve always wanted to study abroad but never dreamed I’d have the chance. I am grateful for this opportunity, and for the generosity of all our donors.”
VIU students Matt Miller and Ashley Stocks also received $1,500 awards from the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, while Miller received $2,500 from the Underwater Harvesters Association Research Society.
“Every award or scholarship has a story behind it,” said Dr. Foote.
For example, student Stephen Johnston received the $2,000 William (Bill) E. Ricker Memorial Scholarship, while Colleen Haddad and Fraser Linza each received a Frank Bernard Award in Fisheries valued at $2,000 each.
The late Dr. Ricker was one of the foremost fisheries scientists in the world, and his family members created a student scholarship in his memory.
While presenting the Frank Bernard Award in Fisheries, Dr. Don Noakes, VIU’s new Dean of Science & Technology, explained how he and esteemed fisheries scientist Dr. Dick Beamish were friends and long-time colleagues with Dr. Bernard at Nanaimo’s Pacific Biological Station.
“Frank passed away far too early in his career,” said Dr. Noakes, “and Dick and I created an endowment fund to honour his memory and support students.”
Dr. Foote explained how Dr. Noakes and Dr. Beamish taught fisheries courses at VIU for several years, and asked not to be paid but rather have the equivalent amount of money go towards the scholarship fund.
“That’s just one example of the kindness and generosity of our donors,” added Dr. Foote. “Marine Harvest Canada sets another example. They awarded the $1,000 Marine Harvest Salmon Aquaculture Scholarship to student Chandler Hines, and provided the salmon for this year’s banquet. The company also hires many of our graduates.”
Dr. Foote said it’s also gratifying to see alumni give back to the University. VIU alumnus Cedric Robert, now President of EDS, Inc., awarded a $1,600 Achievement Award to student Stephen Johnston.
“I graduated from VIU’s Fisheries and Aquaculture program 15 years ago,” said Robert. “It was a wonderful experience and I’m happy to support current students. I know first-hand how valuable these awards and scholarships can be.”
William Litchfield, Director of Advancement for VIU, thanked all donors for their "significant investments in VIU and in students. Without your support, generosity and dedication, none of this would be possible.”
For a complete list of 2014 award winners and donors, visit https://www2.viu.ca/fisheries/Awards2014.asp
To support or create a VIU student bursary, award or scholarship, please contact Susie Caswell, Advancement Manager, at 250.740.6216 or email Susie.caswell@viu.ca
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Tags: Student Success
