Success fuelled by philanthropy
It’s official: a dozen new undergraduate and graduate awards were inducted before a beaming audience at Concordia’s Donor and Student Awards Celebration.
Close to 400 guests soaked up the evening at Le Centre Sheraton on March 15 for the university’s premier student and benefactor event, which was organized by Concordia’s Advancement and Alumni Relations.
This year’s was even more special as Rhodes Scholar and varsity wrestler Michael Noonan took the podium.
“When I applied to Concordia for my undergraduate studies, I applied because of the great mix of academia and athletics,” said Noonan, a BSc student in Honours Ecology. “I have been incredibly fortunate with my choice.”
Concordia Provost and Vice-President Academic Affairs David Graham said the night was a celebration “fuelled by philanthropy” and hailed benefactors as both investors and visionaries. “Students receiving a scholarship or bursary often talk of feeling a sense of accomplishment. As benefactors, your support is vital.”
Susan Hawke, a librarian at Concordia’s Career Resource Centre, enjoyed a brush with fame. “I was delighted to find myself sitting next to the recipient of my organization’s award,” she said. “It was the best donor and student awards ceremony I have attended.”
The ceremony inducts bursaries, scholarships and fellowships and recognizes benefactors who help create the awards. “Each gift towards student support is vital,” said Marie Claire Morin, vice-president of Concordia’s Advancement and Alumni Relations.
The night is often a platform to talk up Concordia successes, too.
“Concordia is proud to have some of the brightest minds in academia today,” said Graham Carr, interim vice-president, Research and Graduate Studies. He spoke proudly of students who earned other accolades including the Governor General's Gold Medals.
As one of those bright minds, Noonan, who is also a recipient of a Nicholas Racz Memorial Scholarship and Campaign for a New Millennium Student Contribution Scholarship, is a man of humility, too.
“One of our greatest challenges is the ability to focus on our studies,” said Noonan. “We can’t do all this alone. I’ve been fortunate to have had the support of a number of donors.”
Watch the video from the event:
Related links:
• Giving to Concordia
• Financial Aid and Awards Office
• Graduate Awards
• Career Resource Centre