Two first-year students awarded Schulich Leader Scholarships

Two first-year students have been awarded the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarship for their academic excellence and leadership in the areas of community, business or entrepreneurship. The 2013-2014 academic year marks the second year of York University’s participation in the Schulich Leader Scholarship program.

This scholarship program was made possible by the generous donation of Seymour Schulich, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who to date has donated more than $350 million to various causes. His philanthropic efforts are largely focused on education and health care centres across the United States and Canada.

Seymour SchulichSeymour Schulich

The recipients of the Schulich Leader Scholarship are

             Kristen McIntosh – Lassonde School of Engineering, iBSc. Hons, Computer Science. McIntosh was nominated by Rachel Di Sisto and completed her high-school studies at Blessed Pope John Paul II Secondary School.

             Ben Shachar – Faculty of Science, BSc. Hons, Biology (Biomedical Science). Shachar was nominated by Jasna Duric and completed his high-school studies at Newtonbrook Secondary School.

“The main activity that I’m passionate about is leadership,” says McIntosh. “I got involved in a lot of leadership events and was a member of the leadership council in my high school for three years.” After finishing her iBSc. Hons degree, she intends to attend graduate school and launch her career in computer science.

Kristen McIntoshKristen McIntosh

Tutoring and volunteering are passions for Shachar. “I spent many hours tutoring other students,” he says, “and I also volunteer a lot, for example at a local seniors’ retirement home.” Shachar intends to continue helping students through Peer-Assisted Study Sessions, and his post-graduation plans include work in the medical field, either in research or clinical practice.

Ben ShacharBen Shachar

Both students look forward to adapting to university life and engaging in further opportunities to lead and be involved in the community.

York University is among 20 universities selected across Canada to offer the Schulich Leader Scholarship to incoming students. The undergraduate scholarship, which is valued at $60,000 ($15,000 annually for four years) supports students enrolling in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) areas of study. In order to renew the scholarship, recipients must maintain continuous full-time enrolment in a STEM Faculty or program and continue to demonstrate academic excellence throughout their studies.

In order to be considered, candidates must be nominated by their high school. All Canadian high schools and secondary schools may submit one Schulich Leader nominee each. Selection is conducted by a committee led by Janet Morrison, vice-provost students, and is based on academic excellence and outstanding community, business or entrepreneurial leadership. “It’s an honour and a privilege to review files for this award. The quality of student applications this year was excellent, and I’m looking forward to supporting Kristen and Ben as they progress through their undergraduate degrees at York University,” Morrison says.

In both instances, the committee was impressed by the recipients’ outstanding academic achievements and demonstrated leadership in their schools and communities as evidenced by their essay submissions and reference letters. In addition to the monetary award, the scholarship will also be noted on their transcripts.

The 2014 Schulich Leader Scholarships application opens on November 1, 2013 and closes March 1, 2014. For more information about this scholarship, visit the Schulich Leader Scholarship website.