U of L students will receive close to $3 million in scholarships, bursaries and prizes throughout the 2009/2010 academic year. One-third of this year's amount is as a result of donor contributions to endowed and annual funds that directly support our students.
Student awards are increasingly growing in popularity with U of L donors. In the last two years alone, over $6.5 million has been raised for scholarships and bursaries, with more than $4 million being raised so far in 2009.
When it comes to showing support, U of L faculty and staff are often the first to step forward.
As a U of L student, Tracy Oosterbroek (BN '95, MSc '08) was the recipient of student awards. Now a U of L alumna and current academic assistant, Oosterbroek is keenly aware of how a little help can go a long way.
For this reason, Tracy and her husband Rod established the Bob, Carolyn and Jeff Neilson Memorial Bursary in Nursing.
"My husband Rod and I decided to set up the Neilson Family Memorial Bursary as a way to honour my family members, but also to pay forward the gifts we have received," explains Oosterbroek.
"I believe it is important that we recognize the personal and financial challenges faced by our students and these gifts are one way we can do that. I hope that in some small way this bursary can help to offset those challenges so students can successfully complete their program of study."
Serena Wesley is completing her last semester in the Nursing program and is grateful to be one of the recipients of the Neilson Family Memorial Bursary.
"Scholarships help students reach their goals," explains Wesley. "I have worked very hard to juggle work, school and children while I complete my degree and it's nice to be recognized."
Oosterbroek emphasizes the importance of supporting student scholarships and the difference it can make in the lives of the recipients.
"By investing in our students, we show that we care about them while assisting them to achieve their academic goals."
Equally important is the message sent to the community, demonstrating that U of L faculty and staff are the first to collectively invest in our students.