CSSE scholarship winners
In 1986 outgoing executives of the Vancouver Island Branch of the Engineering Institute of Canada (now the Canadian Society for Senior Engineers) established a Scholarship Society. An endowment fund was established at the Victoria Foundation and scholarships are administered by the Vancouver Island Branch Scholarship Society Board. By 2009, the society had provided awards totaling $67,000 to 63 students. Scholarships are awarded on the first Friday of November each year.
The recognition for students receiving these awards extends beyond simply monetary gifts; recipients are deeply affected by the recognition they receive from their seniors.
“I want to use the natural resources around us to help research and develop sustainable energy sources as an electrical engineer,” said Daniel Fortin, the society’s first aboriginal applicant and 2009 CCSE EIC Scholarship award winner. “The financial help this will give me…will make it possible for me to reach my educational and career goals. I am so grateful.”
Most recently, the Scholarship Society met in August of this year to select two worthy recipients for the society’s $2,000 scholarships from among 12 applicants.
The award criteria state that candidates must be entering second or third year at an accredited Canadian Engineering program. Selection is based on a matrix of academic standing, demonstrated strong financial need, leadership in sports and/or volunteer activities and work experience.
The society is pleased to announce that the winners of this year’s awards are Katelyn Currie and Robert Jackson.
Katelyn Currie is a second year Mechanical Engineering student in the Mechatronics option at UBC with an interest in robotics. She has volunteered through Rotary Interact at children’s camps, highland dance and community events as well as fabricating a robot for Skills Canada competitions. Katelyn is currently on the UBC Supermileage Team as chassis Co-Lead for 2011-12; this follows her work on the 2011 version which achieved 214 mpg. Katelyn is an Executive Member of UBC Engineers Without Borders with responsibility for keeping the chapter connected with overseas volunteers and staff working in Africa. Katelyn won the National Scholarship and the President’s Entrance Scholarship.
Robert Jackson completed the Civil Engineering Technology and “Bridge Program” at Camosun College. He is entering third year Civil Engineering at UBC with an interest in clean drinking water and sanitation services for developing countries. Robert has a strong background as a voluntary leader in sports and community work. He volunteered at churches and orphanages in China, India and Nepal, and also worked with a team that built two homes for needy families in Ensenada, Mexico. At Camosun College, Robert won the Technology Award of Excellence, the 1st Team Consulting Civil Award of Excellence, and the Irving K. Barber University Transfer Scholarship.
The Victoria Foundation congratulates Katelyn and Robert and wishes them all the best in their future endeavours.