Below is a round up of some of the most important cards that were launched or updated and what it means for students.

Financial Aid and Awards Card

 As of October 27, students can now view their financial aid and awards in the new Financial Aid and Awards card in Aurora. Please note that this information is no longer available in Aurora Classic.

The new card is one place to find and manage both general and personalized financial aid details.

Students can use the links in the card to:

• View My Student Aid – Review award details and accept or decline awards.
• Apply for Student Aid – Start a new scholarship or bursary application.
• View My Applications – View or modify existing applications.

Additionally, students can now access their award letters directly from the Financial Aid and Awards card by selecting

• View My Award Letters – View both current and historical award letters.

My Tuition and Fees card

As of November 3, students will use the new My Tuition and Fees card to access their tuition and fee information. This information will no longer have access on Aurora Classic.

They can search for the card using keywords like “tuition” or “fees.” The card is also available on the Aurora Essentials tab of a student’s Aurora dashboard.

The card displays five terms regardless of admission date and includes payment due dates.

• Students will also find links to:
  • Detailed fee breakdowns in Aurora (Account Summary Details)
  • Payment Information
  • Self-Service Account Summary document (the RO will no longer be stamping or signing printed copies)

Declare my Major/Minor/Concentration card

Major, Minor and Concentration declarations are moving out of Aurora Classic on Monday, November 3rd. 

In Aurora, students will locate the Declare My Major, Minor, or Concentration card and click on the link.

“This year’s incoming scholars really impressed the panelists in their interviews, showing incredible potential to lead, inspire, and make a difference — both here at UM and wherever their paths take them,” says Jane Lastra, Associate Registrar and Director, Financial Aid & Awards.

“We are proud to support each and every one of these deserving scholars and future leaders.”

This year, the Indigenous scholarship program celebrates 10 years. UM is committed, with the help of partners like BMO Financial Group, to fostering the development of the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

“This program has been empowering Indigenous students for a decade now,” notes Desiree Morrisseau-Keesick, Director of Indigenous Student Recruitment and Community Relations.

“It’s been very exciting and rewarding to see these new scholars coming into the program each year and as they move through their studies and on to careers. The ongoing success of Indigenous students is key to the strength and vitality of our province and the world,” she says.

These three deserving students are recipients of a BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship: Presley Barnbrook (Westwood Collegiate); Brandt Cochrane (Fisher Branch Collegiate); and Sophie Piché (Gray Academy of Jewish Education).

Six deserving students also have been awarded a BMO Financial Group Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship: Talia Kagan (Gray Academy of Jewish Education); Nathan Jay de Guzman (École Secondaire Sisler High School); Fareedah Folakemi Ibitoye (Dakota Collegiate); Sabrina Mehmood Batla (St. Mary’s Academy); Verina Ibrahim (St. Maurice High School); Mark Nashed (St. Paul’s High School).

Meet four of the recipients, the next generation of scholars who will shape our world’s future.

Brandt Cochrane.

Brandt Cochrane (BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship), a proud Cree student from Fisher Branch, Manitoba, is graduating from Fisher Branch Collegiate and will be pursuing Civil Engineering at UM. He is eager to use engineering to address real challenges in Indigenous communities, such as clean water access, housing and sustainable infrastructure. “I want to design solutions that improve lives while respecting the land and our traditions,” he says.

Cochrane embraces both his Cree identity and the Ukrainian heritage of his community, participating in Ukrainian folk dancing as a celebration of both cultures. He is deeply committed to community, having served as a youth director in the provincial government and as president of his high school where he led food hamper drives and fundraisers. He also has a passion for athletics, coaching various youth teams and playing for the Peguis Juniors, a Junior B team. “Hockey has taught me resilience,” he says, reflecting on overcoming racism on the ice with dignity and determination. “Coaching gave me the chance to mentor young players and encourage teamwork and provides a healthy outlet for their energy,” he adds. His experiences have taught him that “leadership is not just about taking charge but about listening, understanding and acting with compassion.”

Inspired by his great-grandmother, who taught him piano, Cochrane developed a love for music and the arts. He credits his mother and grandmother as the strongest influences in his life, guiding him through personal hardships with strength and love. He says that his biggest goal is to make them proud.

Cochrane looks forward to joining a university that values inclusivity and Indigenous success. He says, “I want to be part of a place that respects everyone and helps students like me return home and lift up our communities.”

Presley Barnbrook.

Presley Barnbrook (BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship) is a proud Métis student graduating from Westwood Collegiate in Winnipeg, who previously attended Abbotsford Senior Secondary School in BC. Having lived in both provinces, she says Manitoba’s warmth and sense of community drew her to the University of Manitoba, where she plans to pursue a Bachelor of Health Sciences.

Barnbrook is an enthusiastic leader and advocate. As a member of the Indigenous Youth Council for her school division, she collaborated with peers to strengthen cultural programming and increase student engagement. “We aimed to improve access to Indigenous support and increase involvement in Indigenous traditions,” she says. She also led her school’s Youth in Philanthropy committee, helping direct grants to local charities, and served on student council, where she organized events that build school spirit and supported various causes. These experiences have shown her the power of community and the importance of giving back.

Barnbrook has a passion for dance and the arts and has been a competitive dancer for over 11 years, participating in advanced ensembles and mentoring younger dancers. Dance has taught her discipline, teamwork and how to express emotion through movement — and the “importance of challenging myself in order to see growth.”

At university, Barnbrook looks forward to participating in ceremonies like the Sweat Lodge and continuing to grow in her Métis identity. Her goals include completing a degree in four years, tutoring fellow students and helping others feel empowered in their academic journeys. “I’m excited to see what I can achieve by continuing to push myself every day,” she says.

Fareedah Ibitoye.

Fareedah Folakemi Ibitoye (BMO Financial Group Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship) is an accomplished, driven graduate of Winnipeg’s Dakota Collegiate with a long-term goal of becoming a gynecologist. To start, she will major in biological sciences at UM,  inspired by Professor Ayush Kumar’s research on Gram-negative bacteria and their antibiotic resistance. “His work made me want to embark on my own research journey with a focus on the female body,” she says.

She chose UM because of its flexibility and available resources, and, she adds, “I’m eager to be a part of a community that understands the importance of diversity.”

As vice-president of the Healthy Muslim Families Youth Club, she has helped lead initiatives such as publishing a simplified Islamic history book, curating a halal map of Winnipeg and organizing cultural events for Muslim youth. She also hosts a community-focused show in collaboration with U-Multicultural Studios and hopes to expand it independently.

In her spare time, Ibitoye enjoys baking and researching the science behind it, and a future goal is to create a cookbook that’s a fusion of Western and Nigerian baked goods. Inspired by her love of baking and her own childhood experience, where cake was a luxury, she also volunteers with Cakes for Kids. “It lets me make an impact on other people’s lives so they can have happier birthdays like everyone deserves,” she says. Ibitoye is involved in other volunteer work as well, including working as a gift shop attendant and way finder at Victoria Hospital.

“I want to be someone other people like me can look up to,” says Ibitoye. “And I will continue to break stereotypes of being a black Muslim girl by trying my best to make groundbreaking achievements and continuing my passion for public speaking, for equity and for a world free of stereotyping and discrimination.”

Nathan de Guzman.

Nathan de Guzman (BMO Financial Group Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship) graduated this June from École Secondaire Sisler High School and plans to pursue studies in dentistry. As an accomplished and high-achieving student in academics and athletics, de Guzman has a passion for the mysteries of science — but his pursuit of a medical career is rooted in his desire to help people. “Out of all its uses, my favourite use of science is its ability to help people both physically and mentally,” he says.

Previously enrolled in a dual-credit course with the university, de Guzman has already experienced campus life and values the opportunity to meet more like-minded people in a community that helps him grow in both character and knowledge. He sees UM as the best combination of the necessary academics and an encouraging student environment that will feed his strong desire to improve, learn and explore.

Art has been a lifelong pursuit for de Guzman, leading him to enhance and expand his skills with different tools and new mediums. He especially appreciates the flexibility and self-healing aspect of art. As an extension of his creativity and interest in art, he volunteers with St. Boniface Hospital’s Art at the Bedside Program, offering patients the same creative outlet.

de Guzman enjoys opportunities to give back to community. He has been a co-leader of INSPIRE, a student group focused on literacy and educational equity, and a volunteer with Harvest Manitoba, preparing food for families in need.

For him, leadership goes beyond the ability to give instructions. Rather, it is based in service: “Leadership is one’s ability to thrive under pressure, remain calm in the face of conflict and guide others in a way that tends to their individual needs and brings about the best in each person,” he says.

He looks forward to continuing his academic and creative journey at the University of Manitoba.

Become a BMO Financial Group Leader of Tomorrow

Visit Financial Aid and Awards for more information on the BMO Financial Group Leader of Tomorrow scholarships and the BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow scholarships.

The Schulich Leader Scholarships have been awarded to UM students since 2012 to high school graduates starting their studies in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) at the university. The Schulich Leader Scholarship is a national scholarship awarded annually to high school graduates starting their studies at one of 20 participating universities from across the country. Students receive awards valued at $100,000 for science, technology or math and $120,000 for engineering.

Schulich Leaders are students who demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset, strong leadership qualities and academic excellence. The Schulich Foundation recognizes the roles Schulich Leaders play in pushing the STEM field and forward supports students in their studies. Through the scholarship, the Foundation supports future leaders and encourages students to continue to be leaders in their respective fields.

Landon Reid, Schulich Leader Scholarship recepient

Reid’s passion and interest in engineering and science more generally dates back to his leadership experience at school and in his community. Through his school, Reid tutored students, notably helping those in French immersion online during 2021 to 2022, demonstrating creativity and resilience in the face of virtual teaching and support. He worked with students as young as those in first grade, supporting their educational needs and helping them with their homework. In the community, his leadership extends to his three years volunteering as a hockey coach with younger and older players.

By being a leader, Reid has demonstrated his ability to take initiative. In his industrial arts courses, he started an engine repair club and used his experience in his courses to start a small business venture designing and fabricating products for sale out of scrap materials. He even designed custom jigs to assist in an efficient creation process. From the design, fabrication, and marketing, Reid was heavily involved in all the stages of production, which he cites as a great source of motivation for his goals to one day have his own engineering firm.

Outside of his studies, Reid’s initiatives in the industrial arts extends to his leadership role in designing and repairing. He helped with both the design and the construction of a 7,000-square-foot greenhouse in his community, which was built to maximize solar radiation intake. He also took on a leadership role at his local ice rink, teaching himself the ins and outs of the rink’s ice re-surfacer and fixing it by himself as an aside to his coaching duties.

The Schulich Leader Scholarships have been awarded to UM students since 2012 to high school graduates starting their studies in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) at the university. The Schulich Leader Scholarship is a national scholarship awarded annually to high school graduates starting their studies at one of 20 participating universities from across the country. Students receive awards valued at $100,000 for science, technology or math and $120,000 for engineering.

Schulich Leaders are students who demonstrate an entrepreneurial mindset, strong leadership qualities and academic excellence. The Schulich Foundation recognizes the roles Schulich Leaders play in pushing the STEM field and forward supports students in their studies. Through the scholarship, the Foundation supports future leaders and encourages students to continue to be leaders in their respective fields.

Gregory Petryk, Schulich Leader Scholarship recepient.

Petryk’s leadership skills started with his time at Oak Park High School. He was a member of the Oak Park Peer Tutoring program helping students with math, science, and physics. For Petryk, his interest in science comes from “how they can be applied to daily problems, making life easier.”

By being a leader and a role model for the field of STEM through tutoring, he demonstrated communication skills and creativity to help his school’s community. His tutoring continues to this day, being there to help those who may otherwise not seek out guidance for their studies.

He was a member of Oak Park’s Philanthropy committee which helped school events. Here, Petryk bridged the gap between the school and the community. As one of the students involved with interviews, it is with his input that the committee could assess organizations’ capacities to contribute to the school and the community.

Although a student in STEM, Oak Park High School was also a space for Petryk to get involved with the arts, specifically music. Serving as a section leader for three bands at Oak Park, his music experience taught him valuable communication skills and how to both provide and receive feedback, often being a guide for the band. His musical pursuits have continued into university where he was accepted into the UM’s Wind Ensemble where he will participate in an outreach tour to inspire students in Northern Manitoba.

Petryk hopes to use these skills he developed as a leader in high school to pursue his passions and his studies in Mathematics to reach more people and support them where they are at. As a Schulich Leader, Petryk is one student of many in a network of students wanting to help bring positive change to their communities: “[The Schulich Leader Scholarship] connects me to other Schulich Leaders, who can show me issues they are passionate about, which allows me to help more people, as the first step in being able to help is knowing there’s a problem.”

With the rising cost of living, more and more students are struggling to afford their basic needs, while trying to focus their studies. Some students are trying to pay bills and forgoing meals – no student should study on an empty stomach. We have all felt the strain of rising prices at the supermarket – what used to fill a trunk now barely fills a bag. The U of M Food Bank, can, and has helped to alleviate this stress by providing non-perishable food items and personal hygiene products to students in need. Our ability to support students and learners relies directly on donations from the community and there has never been a greater need for these donations than right now.

Two students who visit the UM Food Bank noted the crucial difference the food bank has made for them. One shared: “I would like to applaud the initiative of the school to reach out to donors for their support in feeding students. The food bank has been helping me with my academic pursuit because I have the assurance that there is something for me at the end of the month, as such I fully concentrate on my studies. Also, I would like to gratify the inclusion of high-protein varieties of food in the bank.” Another stated: “The food bank has been a great help in easing some of my financial concerns, especially as an international student, and allowing me to focus more on my studies.”

You can find lists of needed items on the U of M Food Bank website – but food bank coordinator, Mauricio Munoz, noted that people shouldn’t hesitate to stray from the list! Munoz mentioned that, especially with the holiday season coming up, things like chocolates, cookies, candy, and other themed treats and items are greatly appreciated by students using the food bank. If items are shelf stable, they are welcome, this includes bulk packages of individually wrapped items. Some other high demand items include baby items such as diapers, baby food, and formula. The food bank team confidentially coordinates with students and learners to arrange the collection of donations. Munoz shared that it doesn’t matter how much or what you are able to donate – everything helps as it all goes directly to aiding students in meeting their basic needs. He stated, “[you] can make a student’s month complete by just donating to the food bank.”

Donations of food or personal hygiene items can be delivered directly to the food bank in room 518 UMSU University Centre Building on the Fort Garry Campus, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Bannatyne Campus, donations can be brought to the UMSU Answers Booth on the main level of the Brodie Centre, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (calling before-hand is recommended – 204-789-3993). One-time financial donations or payroll deductions are also appreciated, more information is available on the  U of M Food Bank website.

Donations, in any form, make a tangible difference in the lives of so many in the UM student community, so, if you are able, please consider donating.

To increase awareness and support the growing need, drives and fundraising events are currently being planned. Follow the UM Food Bank on Instagram [at]uofm_foobank, check out their website, and keep an eye out for future UM Today articles to find out more about upcoming events, but know that donations are accepted and appreciated at any time. If you have questions about donating or facilitating a pickup on Fort Garry campus, please contact the team at foodbank[at]umanitoba[dot]ca.

If you are seeking support

If you need support and are enrolled as a student (full or part-time) in the current academic term, you may be eligible to access the UM Food Bank services once every four weeks. Find out more about the food bank here.

Nine remarkable and well-rounded students who demonstrate strong leadership, community involvement and high academic achievement have been selected as BMO Financial Group Leaders of Tomorrow and BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leaders of Tomorrow. Each scholarship is valued at $16,000 over four years of study.

“Incoming scholars impressed our interview panels with their potential to inspire and lead both in academia and beyond, promising to be influential role models at UM and in their future endeavors,” says Jane Lastra, Associate Registrar and Director, Financial Aid & Awards.

2024 BMO FINANCIAL GROUP LEADER OF TOMORROW SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Feliciaa Baldner (École Secondaire Kelvin High School), Celina Casiano, (Fort Richmond Collegiate), Larry Denisiuk (Springfield Collegiate), Kultaj Kaur (Miles Macdonell Collegiate), Aliyah Ogunfowora (Kildonan East Collegiate), Hargun Uppal (Maples Collegiate Institute)

Larry Denisiuk

Larry Denisiuk is graduating from Springfield Collegiate in Oakbank, MB, where his natural curiosity led him to an interest in Morse code and microscopes. While Morse code is more of a hobby, his interest in microscopy is leading him to pursue a career in the field of medical microbiology and infectious diseases, with the first step working towards his Bachelor of Science (Honours) with the Co-op option in Microbiology.

He’s excited to come to UM and grateful for receiving the scholarship.

“The Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship provides major support for me financially… allowing me to focus more on my studies,” says Denisiuk. “In addition, it serves as an inspiration for me to challenge myself and dream big.”

Honing his diplomatic skills in his high school’s Youth Parliament, Denisiuk has learned it’s important to make all participants feel included when discussing the issues of the day.

Denisiuk spent a summer as an intern at the Experimental Lakes area, learning about the emerging issues affecting lakes and this summer he is interning at Selkirk Hospital.

He also tutors fellow students in math and science, teaches percussion at his high school band camp, takes part in his school’s “Halloween for Hunger” food drive and volunteers at the Oakbank Animal Hospital. He enjoys playing badminton and hockey.

Aliyah Ogunfowora

For Aliyah Ogunfowora, the University of Manitoba’s interdisciplinary health program from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Arts seems like a natural fit. With an enthusiasm for the sciences and the humanities, she is confident this program will allow her to pursue both her interests. She is also excited about taking advantage of the research opportunities available at UM.

“This scholarship means a lot to me. It would not only alleviate financial barriers but also empower me to further contribute to my academic and community pursuits,” says Ogunfowora.

Graduating from Kildonan East Collegiate, Ogunfowora has been active in her high school as a grade representative for four years, a student organizer for the Black History Month committee, and as the leader of a delegation for the Model United Nations in her school.

She has a love of literature, language and theatre, and is intrigued by the way these can promote understanding between cultures.

She has participated in Youth for Community, fundraised for winter essentials for the Main Street Project, and raised money and wrote letters in support of Ukrainian families that were affected by the war. She also volunteers at Concordia Hospital.

“I look forward to using this opportunity to pursue my goals and contribute to my community,” she says.

2024 BMO FINANCIAL GROUP INDIGENOUS LEADER OF TOMORROW SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Mackaila Bruce-Tapley (Centre Scolaire Léo-Rémillard), Ava Kriskovic (Collège Garden City Collegiate), Ethan Temmerman (Collège Churchill)

Mackaila Bruce-Tapley

Mackaila Bruce-Tapley is a proud member of the Red River Métis from St. Laurent, Manitoba. She is graduating from Centre Scolaire Léo-Rémillard.

Bruce-Tapley says her involvement in the Sun Dance ceremony, as well as other sacred ceremonies, has inspired her to pursue a career in medicine. “My goal is to braid together Western medicine with my traditional teachings,” she says.

Bruce-Tapley has been active in her school community. She led the creation of an Indigenous student art gallery in her school, developed a presentation to educate elementary school children about the numbered treaties between Canada and Indigenous peoples, and led smudging and drumming ceremonies to support health and wellness.

An avid athlete, Bruce-Tapley plays box lacrosse, serving as assistant captain for Manitoba’s North American Indigenous Games U19 female team, as well as playing for Manitoba’s provincial U22 box lacrosse team. She also plays, and refs, hockey.

Outside of school, she is a youth representative in the Manitoba Métis Federation and participates in Manitoba’s Student Advisory Council.

“I am excited to meet many more Indigenous people like me who have the same goals and passions that I do,” she says. “I’m also excited to be able to celebrate my culture through the immense selection of ceremonies the University of Manitoba has to offer, such as sweat lodges, smudging ceremonies, as well as learning lessons from the elders and the aunties at Migizii Agamik.”

Ava Kriscovic

Ava Kriskovic plays clarinet in the Collège Garden City Collegiate Institute’s high school band. She is excited to come to UM to start her studies in biology and connect with members of the Indigenous community at UM.

“I am half Ojibway and half Croatian,” says Kriskovic, “both of my cultural identities are extremely crucial to me.”

Every summer, Kriskovic is involved in helping organize her home community of Skownan First Nation’s Treaty Days activities. She has also been learning how to bead and was asked to make a beaded set for someone’s regalia.

Kriskovic also participates in the Croatian pavilion in Folklorama and is a science, English and clarinet tutor to other students in her school.

“When I learned that I was selected for the award, I was extremely happy and proud of how far I have come,” says Kriskovic. “This scholarship will help with my future plans by allowing me to focus on my academics, instead of worrying about the costs of school.”

One of her goals is to become the first person in her family to complete university, while maintaining her cultural values.

“I continue to reach these goals by recognizing that it requires more than having a willingness to complete things,” says Kriskovic. “You need practice and self-discipline which I have taught myself over the years.”

Ethan Temmerman

Ethan Temmerman is graduating from Collège Churchill in Winnipeg, where he was the captain of the football team, and played hockey and basketball. He will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Manitoba.

“I want to attend the University of Manitoba for its science related research programs,” says Temmerman who has toured the Bannatyne and Fort Garry Campuses, learning more about Ongomiizwin – Education and Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge.

A band member of Ebb and Flow First Nation, one of Temmerman’s goals is to “learn more about my culture and heritage through learning, growing and connecting with my community and through Indigenous Teachings.”

In addition to his participation in sports, which he says has “helped me grow as an athlete and a person, teaching me work ethic, commitment, accountability and teamwork,” Temmerman has a keen interest in animals – especially reptiles and amphibians and has volunteered at a pet store and a veterinary office.

Temmerman has also volunteered at his local community centre and was part of a project that planted over a thousand trees along the riverbank in his community.

“I feel honoured to be chosen as an Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow and plan to continue to develop my leadership abilities at the University of Manitoba,” he says. “One of my goals is to one day mentor others to support and benefit them in accomplishing their goals.”

Become a BMO Financial Group Leader of Tomorrow

Visit Financial Aid and Awards for more information on the BMO Financial Group Leader of Tomorrow scholarships and the BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow scholarships.

The McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies. They are the result of a landmark $200 million gift in 2019 by John and Marcy McCall MacBain, the then-largest single donation in the country’s history. Designed to encourage purposeful leadership, the scholarships enable students to pursue a fully funded master’s or professional degree while participating in mentorship, coaching, and a leadership development program.

More than 700 Canadians applied for the scholarships. Of those, 159 participated in a first round of regional interviews in November and December, and 55 attended final interviews in Montreal. Every scholar participated in six different interviews over the course of seven months.

“I was getting ready to head to class when I received the news,” said Bazin. “I thought my heart would be racing but instead I felt overwhelming gratitude and peace. I think it’s still sinking in that I’ll be part of this community of incredibly dedicated and passionate individuals.”

Recipients were chosen based on exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity.

Bazin co-leads communications for the Electrochemical Society student chapter, organizes educational and volunteering opportunities for her sorority, and sings alto in a community choir. Bazin also worked as a recreation support worker at a rehabilitation centre supporting teens with disabilities. In addition, she is a workshop instructor for a science outreach program. She spent a summer assisting with research on electrochemical detection of chemoresistance in cancer. For her master’s degree at McGill, Bazin hopes to pursue electrochemistry for environmental and women’s health applications.

“To me, this scholarship means more opportunities to grow as a leader and collaborate with other scholars in understanding how we can enrich each others’ perspectives on current global issues,” said Bazin.

“These students inspire us with their compassion and drive,” said Dr. Marcy McCall MacBain, Chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “Our shared mission is to provide them with an unparalleled graduate education, leadership development opportunities, mentors and lifelong connections. We hope to accelerate their ability to make an impact in communities across Quebec, Canada, and around the world.” 

The new cohort consists of 20 Canadians and 10 international students. The McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill also offered 117 entrance awards ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 each to top candidates who were not selected for the cohort.

Matthew Band

University of Manitoba student Matthew Band was also a national contender for this award, earning a McCall MacBain Finalist Award valued at $10,000.

Applications will open in June 2024 for the 2025 cohort. More information about the McCall MacBain Scholarships can be found at mccallmacbainscholars.org. 

Eligibility information and application for the scholarship can be found online on the University of Manitoba’s Financial Aid and Awards website.

The 2023-2024 competition is based on course work completed between May 1, 2023 and April 30, 2024.

The scholarships are the result of a landmark $200 million gift in 2019 by John and Marcy McCall MacBain, then the largest single donation in Canadian history.

Designed to encourage purposeful leadership, the scholarships enable students to pursue a fully funded master’s or professional degree at McGill University while participating in mentorship, coaching, and a leadership development program.

Katherine Bazin and Matthew Band are among 91 finalists from around the world. More than 700 Canadians applied for the scholarships, and of those, 159 participated in a first round of regional interviews in November and December.

They will travel to Montreal to attend final interviews in March, with travel expenses covered by the scholarship program. “I am excited to see the beautiful architecture and landscapes of Montreal,” said Matthew. “On top of this as an NHL fan, if the timing works out, seeing a Canadians game and chanting ‘Ole, Ole, Ole!’ at the Bell Centre would be incredible.”

Each finalist was chosen based on their character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity.

Matthew Band, from Winnipeg, is a computer engineering student. He co-created a council of first-year students as part of the engineering society, and has continued to contribute to the society in various executive roles. Matthew also started a chess club, volunteered at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, and played on several intramural sports teams. He works for a baking business and is looking at ways to classify sleep apnea patients through sound transfer. Matthew is applying to master’s programs related to electrical and biomedical engineering.

“I was already thrilled to have made it to regional interviews, but then getting the call to come to finals raised my emotions to where I had no words,” said Matthew. “It’s an honour to get another opportunity to share my personal journey with the next set of interviewers, and possibly make it to the scholarship cohort.”

Katherine Bazin, also from Winnipeg, is completing her bachelor’s degree in chemistry. She co-leads communications for the Electrochemical Society student chapter, organizes educational and volunteering opportunities for her sorority, and sings alto in a community choir. Katherine also worked as a recreation support worker at a rehabilitation centre supporting teens with disabilities. In addition, she is a workshop instructor for a science outreach program. She spent a summer assisting with research on electrochemical detection of chemoresistance in cancer. For her master’s degree, Katherine hopes to pursue electrochemistry for environmental and women’s health applications.

“My university experience has allowed me to explore my abilities academically, discover what drives me, and rise as a leader on campus,” said Katherine. “The mentors and communities I have connected with have transformed my experience, constantly inspiring me with their support and wisdom.”

For fellow students, Katherine added, “The application process calls on you to share who you are, where you’ve been, where you’re headed, and why. It’s less daunting when you shift your focus away from the pressure of the outcome, and instead be present throughout the process. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on yourself, personally and academically, and see how far you’ve come.”

“Integrity, kindness, curiosity, and courage are the characteristics we want to see in the next generation of leaders,” said Dr. Marcy McCall MacBain, Chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “By connecting emerging talent to an outstanding graduate education and a community of peers and mentors, we hope to encourage positive leadership for Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and the world.”

“More than 300 senior volunteer leaders were involved in selecting this year’s finalists,” said Natasha Sawh, Chief Executive Officer of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “Our team is very much looking forward to welcoming the finalists – who have already distinguished themselves as the top candidates globally – to Montreal in March. We extend our warmest thanks to the universities that nominated them for this opportunity.”

A cohort of up to 30 McCall MacBain Scholars will be selected after final interviews. Canadian finalists who are not selected for the cohort will be eligible to receive a $10,000 Finalist Award.

Applications will open in June 2024 for the 2025 cohort. In addition to the 30 fully funded McCall MacBain Scholarships each year, up to 100 additional awards, valued at $5,000 to $20,000, are offered to candidates. More information about the McCall MacBain Scholarships can be found at mccallmacbainscholars.org.

A one-hour information session including a short presentation, followed by time for Q&A for UM students will take place in-person on Thursday, Febraury 15 from 12 – 1 p.m. The 2024 finalists, Matthew Band and Katherine Bazin, along with the 2022 McCall MacBain Scholar Bryden Bukich will attend the session to share their experiences.
Learn more about the information session and register in advance.

If you’re struggling right now, please know there’s support available for eligible students.

“We know students are facing financial stresses, especially as the holidays approach,” says Jane Lastra, Associate Registrar and Director, Financial Aid & Awards. “Some students are eating smaller meals or skipping them altogether, to be able to pay their bills. What we want to say to you is, there is help available. The University of Manitoba has support programs that can help you.”

Please check out the following resources:

UM FOOD BANK

Eligible students undergoing financial distress are welcome to use UM Food Bank services once every four weeks, at no cost to you, to help offset the costs of groceries during these times. To be eligible to use the food bank, students must be enrolled (full or part-time) in the current academic term. Find out more about the food bank here.

UM EMERGENCY LOANS

UM’s emergency loan program provides short-term assistance to students who experience unexpected and immediate financial expenses or constraints. This includes, but is not limited to, unanticipated personal living costs, and unexpected delays in government loans and other award funding. Find out more about UM emergency loans here.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Emergency food support is available through Harvest Manitoba’s food banks each month. To see if you’re eligible, have your Manitoba Health card handy and reach out to their food support line. If you’re an international student, you can use your student ID. Find out more about Harvest Manitoba’s services here. 

The Christmas Cheer Board provides hampers to Winnipeg households during the holiday season that include groceries and gifts for children 14 years and under. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply on the Christmas Cheer Board website.

Show your Bison spirit and help a fellow student this holiday season

Since 2020, use of the UM Food Bank has increased from 75 students monthly to now over 600 student each month. If you’re in a position to be able to support a fellow student, the UM Food Bank welcomes donations. You can make a financial gift online or donate non-perishable food items and hygiene supplies. The food bank’s most-wanted items include:

• Canned fruit and vegetables
• Canned soup and beans
• Canned fish and sandwich meat
• Cereals and oatmeal
• Coffee and tea
• Dried lentils and beans
• Pasta, pasta sauce and rice
• Baby food
• Deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and body wash
• Feminine hygiene products (pads and tampons)

We accept donations at both the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses. Find out how to donate here.