Becoming a Golden Hawk means more than just cheering on our (really good) varsity teams – it means being a student who cares about your community, who works hard in the classroom, and who takes advantage of all the learning opportunities that can happen outside the classroom, too.
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The Scholars Award program is Laurier’s most prestigious entrance scholarship. The program supports high-achieving students in their studies and career development through mentorship, experiential learning opportunities and community engagement.
Scholars receive $40,000 for their degree, with $7,500 per year for up to four years and $10,000 for an experiential learning opportunity such as a summer research assistantship, international exchange or other hands-on learning opportunity.
Beyond the scholarship, students join a supportive community of scholars. Each Scholar is paired with two mentors – a senior student in their faculty and a faculty member in the same department or with similar interests. They also participate in:
One incoming undergraduate student from each faculty is chosen per year. Students must have a final admission average of 90% or higher and must have demonstrated leadership in extracurricular activities and accomplishments.
Below, Laurier’s scholars share a little bit about themselves, their accomplishments and their experiences in the Scholars Award program.
First-year students:
Second-year students:
Human Rights and Human Diversity, Brantford campus, first year
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Laurier offers a unique Human Rights program, and I was interested in the pathways it provides into fields like international development and non-profit organizations. Laurier's Brantford campus is what I was looking for, as it is quaint, compact and surrounded by city life. I also enjoyed seeing pride among those who attend Laurier; that made me want to become a part of the community.
In high school, I co-founded an organization called Students for Period Change (SFPC), which provided free menstrual products in our school’s bathrooms and provided increased education about menstruation. At graduation, I won the Social Justice Award for SFPC and my anti-oppression work.
I am looking forward to developing my skills as a student and leader while working alongside other unique, passionate and dedicated individuals making valuable contributions at Laurier and in the scholars' community. I also look forward to planning an experiential learning trip that will provide me with valuable hands-on experience in a field that I want to dedicate my life to.
Music, Voice Studies, Waterloo campus, first year
Hometown: Squamish, British Columbia
It was a tremendous honour to receive the Laurier Scholars Award. To me, receiving the award felt like a celebration of my years of commitment and hard work. I am incredibly passionate about social action and working to make my community and world a more equitable place. The Laurier Scholars Award will provide me with the opportunities and support I need to pursue this passion.
An academic achievement that I am proud of is receiving the Most Outstanding Student Award in my high school for the 2021-22 school year. I received the award for having exemplary grades and being an active member of my school community. I have also received accolades for music, including placing first in categories at the Performing Arts BC Association of Provincial Festivals in 2019 and 2021 and receiving the 2021 Royal Conservatory of Music’s regional Celebration of Excellence medal for the highest mark in Grade 8 voice.
I joined the Association of Black Students as a general member, and I will be performing in Laurier Musical Theatre’s production of High School Musical.
"It has been a privilege getting to know everyone involved in the program. We have such varied interests because we are in different faculties and programs, and that is what makes this program so special."
Sociology, Waterloo campus, first year
Hometown: London, Ontario
To be recognized for any work that you do is such an amazing feeling, but to be chosen among so many for such an esteemed award initially felt surreal. I was with a few of my friends when I received the good news, and that moment is one I will never forget. The proudest moment of all was when I told my mother. The happiness that I was able to share with her made all my efforts over the years suddenly feel incredibly rewarding. Beyond anything else, this scholarship brings me a great sense of pride.
From the first time I visited the school, I knew that Laurier was a place where I wanted to be. The sense of community is something that Laurier takes pride in, and that was an important factor in my decision to attend. I could feel that the students genuinely loved being at Laurier, and I knew that I wanted to share that feeling.
I have always been very involved in school – in my courses and extracurriculars. I was involved in many of my high school’s councils including the student council, athletic council and unity council, among others. I also represented my student body at the board level as a part of the student senate. I take the most pride in being able to say that I started my high school’s Black Students’ Association, which is still active. I did all of this while maintaining good grades.
Health Sciences, Waterloo campus, first year
Hometown: King, Ontario
One of the main reasons why I chose Laurier was because of its tight-knit community. During the campus tour, I could see that Laurier's campus support systems and level of care for students were unmatched. Between the smaller class sizes and positive school environment, this school has allowed me to form genuine connections with my peers, which helped me during my transition to university. I was also drawn to Laurier's numerous research opportunities for undergraduate students, as I am excited to participate in research.
Receiving the Laurier Scholars Award was a privilege and honour that I could not be more grateful for. The Laurier Scholars team has provided me with support and guidance during a time of significant transition. Students who receive this scholarship are given the opportunity to engage in mentorship and experiential learning opportunities while surrounded by like-minded individuals committed to making the world a more compassionate and inclusive place.
I have joined the Pre-Med Society, the Laurier Biology Association and the Association for Black Students. I am also the first-year representative for the Society for Undergraduate Research and Outreach.
"The faculty mentorship is a highlight for me. Through this component of the program, I continue to receive ongoing, one-on-one advice and guidance, which has provided a clearer direction toward my academic and professional goals."
Game Design and Development, Brantford campus, first year
Hometown: Kingston, Ontario
I made the honour roll throughout high school and received many subject excellence awards. I was also involved with several extracurriculars including swimming, badminton, music and math clubs. I received a silver and bronze medal at the Frontenac, Lexington, Addington Science Fair two years in a row. I have also volunteered with the Kingston Humane Society and drive-through COVID-19 vaccination sites.
I was thrilled when I found out that I was receiving a Laurier Scholars Award. It will provide excellent opportunities to advance my skills and knowledge.
I look forward to the peer and faculty mentorships that are a part of the Scholars Award program, as I think they will be insightful and helpful experiences.
I am proud of all the students I have connected with and the friends I have made. The transition from high school to university can be scary, but I have found a wonderful group of friends that I can rely on and continue to meet amazing new people every day.
Bachelor of Business Administration, Waterloo campus, first year
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
“Your future is created by what you do today” is a statement I live by. I constantly strive for self-improvement, whether it be in my academics, athletic performance or extracurricular involvement. Being selected as a Laurier Scholar means the world to me. Receiving this title is one of my proudest achievements, and it serves as a constant reminder that hard work does not go unrecognized. I see this award as an opportunity for growth and to create a positive community impact on a greater scale.
I look forward to building connections with innovative thinkers, visionaries and professionals with diverse experiences and insights. I believe that sharing knowledge is an effective way to encourage mutual growth, and there will be ample opportunities to do so through this program. In addition, as someone who appreciates exploring different cultures and perspectives, I look forward to participating in opportunities such as an international exchange.
I am a first-year representative with the Laurier Consulting Club. Consulting has intrigued me ever since my business mentor introduced it to me in Grade 10, and I am excited by the opportunity to become more involved with this field and help others do the same. I am also competing in the Laurier Case Team case competition. Outside of academics, I have participated in my Residence Learning Community dodgeball and volleyball intramurals.
"Between the smaller class sizes and positive school environment, this school has allowed me to form genuine connections with my peers, which helped me during my transition to university."
Communication Studies, Waterloo campus, first year
Hometown: Woodbridge, Ontario
Coming from a smaller high school and unsure of the change that university would bring, I was attracted to a school that felt smaller and more intimate.
Getting the news that I had received the scholarship was a huge boost for my confidence and motivation. It makes me want to work for my goals instead of thinking they are beyond my reach.
I’m very excited about all the opportunities this scholarship offers — from peer mentorship to experiential learning. I believe these opportunities will help me make the most of my undergraduate student experience at Laurier. As someone still figuring out their future, I also think networking opportunities and chances for hands-on learning will help me find my way.
I have registered with the Association of Black Students and Taste of Asia club, and I have participated in events organized by each. The events were a lot of fun, and I’m really looking forward to participating in more during my time at Laurier.
User Experience Design, Brantford campus, second year
Hometown: Milton, Ontario
I am working with other scholars on a podcast focused on student life. My role includes script writing, podcast art and design for social media graphics. Our podcast aims to help other students with mental health, academics and helpful university tips.
My favorite part is the peer mentorship. The ability to connect with upper-year students has been extremely helpful for academics and campus life. The connection with my peer mentor has helped improve my academic writing for the Brantford Foundation courses. I have benefited from having another student help me transition from high school to university.
During my transition from high school to university, I created Saving Students 101, a resource designed for high school students. It provides access to reliable websites, apps and programs to help students find jobs, manage schoolwork and plan for post-secondary education.
"I could feel that the students genuinely loved being at Laurier, and I knew that I wanted to share that feeling."
Health Sciences, Waterloo campus, second year
Hometown: Richmond Hill, Ontario
Currently, I’m exploring my passion for women and children’s health and interest in cultural arts by networking with Laurier professors and staff members with experience in these areas. I hope to continue learning about the different ways I can contribute and lead projects regarding child education and increasing cultural competency on campus.
Many have made an undeniably positive impression on me, such as my scholarship coordinators James Southworth and Ada Sharpe; my faculty mentor, Professor Robb Travers; all the wonderful Health Science professors whom I had the pleasure of meeting last year; my course professors and so many other people. Professor Richelle Monaghan gets a shoutout for making learning anatomy a joyful experience.
The faculty mentorship is a highlight for me. My faculty mentor, Professor Robb Travers, has shown me unwavering support and commitment to student mentorship. Through this component of the program, I continue to receive ongoing, one-on-one advice and guidance, which has provided a clearer direction toward my academic and professional goals. Words cannot express my gratitude for him and this enriching experience.
Psychology, Waterloo campus, second year
Hometown: Saugeen Shores, Ontario
I have volunteered extensively with youth and religious groups, schools, health and childcare centres, and non-profit organizations. I have also held leadership roles focused on diversity, inclusion, accessibility and fostering youth leadership. I have served as an ambassador for Rotary and Hugh O’Brian Youth Canada leadership conferences and have since held executive positions. Some of the honours I have received include the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award for Students, Rotary’s Service Above Self Award and the Principal’s Leadership Award from Saugeen District Senior School.
I entered my first year in the Bachelor of Music program and switched disciplines due to health conditions. I can truly say that Kimberly Barber, professor of voice and associate dean of External Affairs, Partnerships and Graduate Studies in the Faculty of Music, is one of the reasons I chose Laurier. She is brilliant and phenomenal and has the kindest heart. The most important piece I have learned from her is to “always trust myself and prioritize my well-being. The rest will fall into place.” I have learned so much from her that I will continue to take with me throughout my life.
Once I complete my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue a graduate degree in physical therapy and specialize in pediatric care. I hope to work in a specialized clinic and dream of opening my own pediatric practice.
Community Health, Brantford campus, second year
Hometown: Simcoe, Ontario
As a member of the Scholars’ Colloquium, I regularly participate in leadership and team-building activities during our monthly meetings. I am currently developing a proposal for how I will use my experiential learning award, which involves researching neighbourhood characteristics and their relationship to crime or health outcomes.
Although I love each component of the Scholars Award program, I have particularly enjoyed my faculty mentorship. Through my faculty mentor, Assistant Professor Tarah Hodgkinson, I have developed a passion for conducting action research in the city of Brantford. Professor Hodgkinson challenges me to expand my academic network by interacting with my professors. As a result, I have gained greater respect for the immense value of academic research. Currently, I am collaborating with Professor Hodgkinson to conduct research on social disorders in Brantford.
Following the completion of my undergraduate degree, I intend to pursue graduate studies in criminology, community health or social epidemiology. I am particularly interested in conducting research on the nexus between social disorder and disease outcomes in micro-locations.
Bachelor of Business Administration, Waterloo campus, second year
Hometown: Waterloo, Ontario
Prior to joining Laurier, I was an executive member of my high school’s DECA chapter. I competed in DECA and was an international finalist at DECA’s International Career Development Conference. I was also really involved in musical extracurriculars. I was a concertmaster in my school’s orchestra and received the Royal Conservatory of Music Gold Medal for the pipe organ. I also started a student initiative called Know Your Finance, which aims to increase financial literacy in students across Canada.
My favourite part of the Laurier Scholars Award program is the amazing community of people that I have met through the program. This includes Laurier staff members James Southworth and Ada Sharpe, who run the program; my faculty mentor Associate Professor Karin Schnarr and the incredible community of Laurier scholars. It has been a privilege getting to know everyone involved in the program. We have such varied interests because we are in different faculties and programs, and that is what makes this program so special.
I always thought I would pursue law school but have become more open to other avenues since completing my first year at Laurier. I am interested in consulting and am a member of Laurier’s JDCC competition club. Keeping my options open is important to me.
