Jolly Sandhu’s in-laws, first two from left, and parents. Photo: Concordia University
To commemorate her vibrant spirit, the university has renamed a graduate student bursary in her honour. The award in Sandhu’s name is one of six funded through Concordia’s Memorial Golf Tournament. The bursaries are valued at $1,000 each and are awarded to students in financial need.
“This Jolly Sandhu Desai Memorial Bursary for Graduate Studies means a lot to our family. Jolly and I came as international students to Concordia — we know how costly it can be,” says Chirad Desai, MASc 11, Sandhu’s widower.
Sandhu’s family — including brother, Ajit Singh Sandhu, MASc 05, her parents and in-laws — joined a ceremony in her honor in the J.W. McConnell Building on August 19. Sandhu’s friends and coworkers were among attendees that included Daniel Houde, director of Campus Retail Stores.
Sandhu, a native of India, moved to Montreal in 2004 to study in the Department of Political Science at Concordia. Desai moved to Montreal in 2007, where the two eventually met.
“The decision to rename the bursary was unanimous,” said Tony Patricio, administrator in the Department of Studio Arts and one of the organizers of the Memorial Golf Tournament.
“Renaming this bursary presents the opportunity to share Jolly’s story with future generations,” said Roger Côté, vice-president, Services.
This year, the Memorial Golf Tournament took place at the Hemingford Golf Club. In 2013, the event raised $8,000. All members of the Concordia community and friends of the university are welcome to attend in support of students.
Related links
- Concordia University Memorial Golf Tournament 2014
- Concordia Campus Retail Stores
- Concordia’s Department of Political Science
- Concordia’s Faculty of Fine Arts
- Concordia’s Advancement and Alumni Relations