Glendon’s top students were celebrated at a special reception on Sept. 2, which was organized by Student Financial Services and hosted by Louise Lewin, associate principal, student services. The invited guests included a record number of scholarship winners and their families, as well as the donors whose generosity made the scholarships possible. A total of 240 scholarships were awarded this year to new and returning students.
Right: Glendon’s top students gathered for a special reception in the Glendon Manor
Lewin thanked all the donors, a number of them present, including representatives of Living and Learning in Retirement (LLIR) and Friends of Glendon, former Glendon Principal and Professor Emeritus Albert Tucker, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall (who created the Lori Ann Marshall Memorial Award in memory of their daughter, who was a Glendon student) and others, for their generosity in supporting Glendon’s best achievers. “A key strength of Glendon is the support of its faculty,” said Lewin. “Their presence at this reception attests to their dedication and commitment.” Lewin also paid tribute to Fiona Kay, manager of Glendon Student Financial Services, and her team for their commitment to student needs, and to Marie-Thérèse Chaput, Glendon’s director of advancement, for finding new donors and establishing new scholarships.
In his welcoming address, Glendon Principal Kenneth McRoberts stated that a record 125 new students received entrance scholarships that required an average of 85 per cent or higher, which he said demonstrated the high calibre of students coming to Glendon. “University is a unique adventure in life,” McRoberts told award recipients. “It is often the first time that you are on your own, away from friends and family. More importantly, it is the first time you are on your own intellectually, acquiring new ideas and new ways of thinking. What you learn at university is how to ask questions — which can be an exciting and rewarding experience. And we think you have chosen very well by coming to Glendon.”
In an enthusiastic speech, fourth-year international studies student and scholarship winner Boglárka Bene (right) outlined what Glendon means to her and offered tips on success at university. She praised the many opportunities available to students at Glendon and encouraged students to pursue their interests. She lauded the support of the faculty and staff and described Glendon as a “bilingual oasis in the heart of the metropolis of Toronto”.
Bene has just returned from an international exchange in Seville, Spain. She encouraged students to “set the kind of goals for yourself which will allow you to become the person you want to be”.
Second-year international studies student Anaïs Kadian received one of only four university-wide Awards of Distinction. She was selected for earning excellent marks in high school and for demonstrating leadership, hard work and commitment to her community. “This award, given for four years, covers all my university expenses,” said Kadian. “I am so delighted to have chosen Glendon. The quality of the students is very high and the courses are really stimulating and challenging. I know that I am getting an excellent education.”
Second-year French studies student Kate Lundy (left) had her President’s Scholarship renewed. The award provides $5,400 per year to students achieving a very high average at the end of high school (Lundy earned a 95 per cent average), and can be renewed provided the student maintains the average. Lundy not only maintained her average, she improved it. She came to Glendon from Lawrence Park Collegiate in Toronto. She is working as a student ambassador and is helping to develop a recruitment presentation for grade 11 and 12 students. “High-school students want to hear what it’s really like to be at university and they trust us, students to tell it like it really is,” said Lundy.
“Glendon was tailor-made for me. It’s just what I was looking for [in a university] and more — the beautiful location, the small campus with a very friendly atmosphere, a sense of community, the bilingual liberal arts and the many choices,” she said. “For my career goal of high-school French teacher it’s a perfect fit.”
This article was submitted to YFile by Glendon’s communications officer, Marika Kemeny