TORONTO, July 16, 1997 -- York University is pleased to announce that Claire Meldrum, from Grimsby, Ont., is the winner of the Harry W. Arthurs Entrance Scholarship.

Meldrum's outstanding academic performance and her record of participation and leadership in extra-curricular student life made her a perfect candidate for the Scholarship, which is valued at $6,300. Recipients must also be the child or grandchild of a York alumnus or alumna. Claire's father, Murray Meldrum, received a B.A. in history from York in 1973, and a degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1978. The scholarship honours the achievements of past York University President Harry W. Arthurs (1985-1992).

Meldrum, 19, was on the Principal's Honour Roll throughout her five years at Grimsby Secondary School, achieving an average of more than 90 per cent every year. She is also bilingual, and received her Certificat d'Immersion in her final year of high school.

Meldrum's dedication is not reserved for her studies. She was active in countless extra-curricular activities during high school, as a rowing coach, an actor in the school play, a member of the field hockey team, and a member of student council. Meldrum also played clarinet in the school band for four years and has just passed her Grade 9 Royal Conservatory of Music piano exam.

Meldrum's commitment to others extends beyond the walls of her school. This year, she volunteered for the Grimsby Benevolent Fund, an organization that sells donated clothing to raise money for the Grimsby Food Bank. She's also volunteered for countless fundraisers -- helping groups such as the local branch of the CNIB and the Grimsby-Lincoln Association for Community Living.

"Claire Meldrum has the kind of energetic sense of commitment that we value at York," said York University's Director of Admissions Thomas Meininger. "She will be a valuable addition to our scholarly community."

Meldrum has chosen to enroll in York's Film and Video program, where she can pursue her love of film and her ambition to be a screenwriter. She said that "although York will be a change from the small town that I am used to, I'm excited about what the next four years will bring. I really appreciate the opportunity to be a part of York's prestigious Faculty of Fine Arts."

York University's Fine Arts program is one of the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in Canada, bringing together a community of about 2,000 students and 120 faculty working in all areas of fine arts practice and scholarship.

York University, the third largest university in Canada, is nationally and internationally respected for its innovative research and teaching. With its combination of dedicated and talented faculty, bright and ambitious students, dynamic curriculum and modern campus in the heart of one of North America's most influential urban centres, York University is setting the modern standard in academic excellence.

For more information, please contact:

Alison Masemann
Media Relations Officer
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22086
YU/062/97