At Glendon’s annual scholarship reception Sept. 25,.York student Kristen Pennington, recipient of the Governor General’s Award of Distinction, told an audience of close to 70 people how to succeed at university.
“You need to schedule your time and keep on top of your work. But you also need to know when to ask for help and at Glendon help is always available, whether it is guidance for careers, personal matters, essay writing or financial concerns,” said Pennington, a second-year women’s studies and Canadian studies student who not only achieved top marks in her classes, but was a residence don and an active member of several Glendon student clubs.
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Right: Kristen Pennington, recipient of the Governor General's Award of Distinction
Both Glendon principal Kenneth McRoberts and Louise Lewin, associate principal of student services, stressed the importance of getting involved at Glendon as a way for students to enhance their educational experience. McRoberts encouraged students to broaden their horizons through the top-quality bilingual liberal arts programs at Glendon and to make the most of what life on campus offers. “There may not be ready answers to your questions, but your university education can help you discover the questions you want to address. And in this process, you will also learn a great deal about yourself,” said McRoberts.
Lewin suggested students who got involved with campus activities were the ones who benefited fully from their years at university. “Participating in clubs, cultural activities and student government, and making use of the services offered is the way to gain the full experience of student life,” said Lewin.
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Left: Pro Tem editor-in-chief and scholarship recipient Alex Ross
Second-year international studies major Alex Ross is the recipient not only of the renewable scholarship for high marks, but also of the Harry S. Ellis Prize for top marks in the study of philosophy. And that’s not all: he is an active member of campus life and this year’s editor-in-chief at Pro Tem, Glendon’s student newspaper. “You need to learn to maintain a balance of managing your time and juggling different activities. You have to be flexible and adjust to constantly changing responsibilities and priorities. But you also need to make sure that you have some time for yourself.” Ross is thinking of taking a Master’s degree in journalism, as he has discovered his love of writing through his work at Pro Tem.
More than $1 million has already been disbursed to Glendon students through scholarships, awards, bursaries and grants this year.
Right: Tamaisha Eytle (left) and Sabina Khan
“This is really a good school. The professors are friendly and they know every student in the class,” said second-year math student Sabina Khan, a recipient of a continuing scholarship for overall academic achievement (with last year’s average at 8.25 GPA). Tamaisha Eytle, a second-year international studies student, added, “Glendon is a busy, friendly, enjoyable place. I don’t know yet what my future holds. After graduation, perhaps I will return to Jamaica and start an NGO for youth employment or a school of performing arts. My Glendon education will be a good preparation for whatever I choose.”
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Left: Kiruthiga Shanmuganathan (left) with her mother
First-year entrance scholarship recipient Kiruthiga Shanmuganathan is taking business economics with the prospect of possibly becoming a chartered accountant. “I have family living in France and I love the opportunity of practising my French and taking courses in French. It will be wonderful to be more fluent the next time I visit,” she said.
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Right: Ashley Thomas, recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship
Ashley Thomas received the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship, a first-year entrance scholarship for outstanding marks in high school. She is studying linguistics and hopes to become a French teacher. “I think the courses are fun and I am at the right place to pursue my future plans.”
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Left: Sarah Jansen
Sarah Jansen comes to Glendon from Calgary, Alberta, having received a Harris Steel scholarship and is studying international studies. “My current thinking is that I would like a career as a diplomat, but I am only at the beginning of my studies,” said Jansen. The Harris Steel Entrance Scholarships have been created to encourage gifted students from British Columbia, Alberta or Quebec to study in Ontario and thereby promote Canadian unity.
“Getting through the general education requirements is a bit of a chore,” said first-year international studies and Hispanic studies student Jonathan Kates. “But I love the feeling of community and residence life and I know that I will be pursuing my passion for language studies and the diplomatic service through the courses I will be taking here.”
Right: Jonathan Kates
Also present at this year’s reception, as in many previous years, were donors Mr. and Mrs. Marshall, whose daughter, Lori Ann Marshall, was a third-year student at Glendon when she passed away due to chronic illness. The Lori Ann Marshall bursary, given out twice annually, was established by them in 1989 to honour her and to assist other students with financial need and a permanent disability.
Submitted to YFile by Marika Kemeny, Glendon communications officer.