New bursary to empower courageous independent students at Concordia
Mike James Ross, BA 96
Mike James Ross, BA 96 and current PhD candidate, has helped to establish the Inflection Point Bursary to support undergraduates who started at Concordia as independent students and are now pursuing bachelor’s degrees at the university.
The bursary is funded by donations from more than 50 individuals, many of whom were themselves students at Concordia. It now stands at more than $80,000, meaning that it is endowed in perpetuity.
While the initiative has surpassed its original goal of being able to provide one $2,500 bursary per year, with additional funding it could support even more students, and remains open to other donations.
“I wanted to help create a bursary that supports ambitious and courageous students as they take the leap to the next level and realize their potential,” says Ross. “I hope it gives these students the flexibility and support they need to pursue their studies, take risks and follow their own paths.”
Ross began his undergraduate studies as an independent student, a path that allowed him to rehabilitate himself after a failed first attempt at university. After a series of other degrees and various working identities, he is now pursuing a PhD at Concordia on how we find meaning in our work and currently focuses on leadership advisory at Egon Zehnder.
Ross has also co-authored Intention: The Surprising Psychology of High Performers (Wiley, 2024), a book that explores how human potential can be harnessed and optimized.
“Throughout my career, I’ve focused on helping others realize their potential — whether through discovering themselves, developing their skills, exploring new ideas, or navigating the inevitable challenges of life and work,” says Ross. “Often the most important thing that people need is permission and moral support, and this scholarship is one way that we can collectively show independent students that we believe in them and want to help them achieve their goals, whatever those may be.”
Reflecting this philosophy, the Inflection Point Bursary provides tangible support to students who demonstrate determination and initiative in continuing their studies. It is expected to help recipients cover tuition and materials while allowing them to focus on their learning and engagement with the university community.
“The experience of being an independent student at Concordia shaped my journey in profound ways,” says Ross. “Education is part of a process of self-discovery, and we wanted to celebrate those who are committed to their own growth and make it a little easier for them to forge their own path.”