FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND STUDENT AWARDS

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Deadlines:
May 15, 2010 (Entrance Awards)
June 30, 2010 (Returning Student, Continuing Scholarships and Bursaries)

STUDENT AWARDS
Numerous awards are available to students through St. Mary’s University College as well as through external funding sources. High school students should consult with their guidance counsellors for more details on available awards. Other sources of information include public libraries and websites such as www.studentawards.com and www.scholarshipscanada.com. A binder entitled Fees, Finances & Awards is available outside the Enrolment Services Office listing awards opportunities available to students attending St. Mary’s University College.

DEFINITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Scholarship: A scholarship is awarded primarily on the basis of academic achievement, although other criteria such as contribution to community or campus life, faith involvement, extracurricular activities, or financial need may be considered in the selection process. Students must normally present a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Bursary: A bursary is awarded primarily on the basis of financial need, although other criteria such as academic standing, contribution to community or campus life, faith involvement, or extracurricular activities may be considered in the selection process. Students must present a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Award: An award is given on the basis of academic achievement or other conditions stated in the descriptions. It is generally focused on a specific subject area or extracurricular activity. Awards may be in the form of funding or books.

APPLYING FOR AWARDS  [back to top]
Most awards require the submission of an application. For awards made by non-University College agencies, application forms and deadlines may differ. Inquiries should be directed to those agencies. Awards distributed by St. Mary’s University College are listed in this section.

Award application forms are available from the Enrolment Services Office. They must be received by the University College by the specified application deadline dates. All supporting documents for the application, such as transcripts, letters of reference and resumés, are also due by the application deadlines. The decisions of the Awards Committee are final.

PAYMENT OF AWARDS
Unless otherwise noted, students in receipt of awards administered by the University College must maintain registration in at least nine credit hours per term. Awards will first be applied to any tuition and fees owed to the University College, and the balance will be given to the recipient by cheque.

The University College assumes liability for the payment of awards only to the extent that gifts from donors or returns from particular investments for these purposes will permit. If a student is granted an award, St. Mary's University College reserves the right to release pertinent information to provincial funding bodies.

EXCEPTIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is automatically awarded to students who achieve an average of 80 per cent or higher on the five high school courses used for admission. To be eligible for this award, students must not have completed more than two courses at the post-secondary level and must be enrolled in at least nine credit hours per term at St. Mary's University College.

Students with an entry average of 90 per cent or higher will receive $250 per 3-credit course up to a maximum of $2,500 in their first year.

Students with an entry average of 85-89.9 per cent will receive $175 per 3-credit course up to a maximum of $1,750 in their first year.

Students with an entry average of 80-84.9 per cent will receive $100 per 3-credit course up to a maximum of $1,000 in their first year.

ST. MARY'S UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AWARDS  [back to top]

ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIPS
Frank Buckley Entrance Scholarship - Full Tuition
Robert Spence Foundation Scholarships (2) - $2,500
Nicole Gagnon Scholarship - $2,000
Maughan Family Scholarship - $2,000
Joseph and Maria Dobish Scholarship - $1,000
St. Vincent Pallotti Entrance Scholarship - $1,200
Barry-Dewaele Family Scholarship - $1,000
Notre Dame des Rocheuses Scholarship - $1,000
Bishop O'Byrne Entrance Scholarship - $1,000
Special Vice-President Academic Scholarship - $1,000

CONTINUING SCHOLARSHIPS
Providence Scholarship - $2,000
Dr. David J. Lawless Scholarship - $1,250
Dr. Allan P. Markin Continuing Student Scholarships (5) - $1,000
The Yvette DeGagne Leadership Scholarship - $1,000
Queen of Peace Scholarship - $1,000
Fogolar Furlan Di Calgary Scholarship - $1,000
Willis & Betty O'Leary Undergraduate Degree Program Scholarships (5) - $1,000
Barry-Dewaele Family Scholarship -- $1,000
Fr. Rupert MacLellan Scholarship - $500
Hafith Jergeas Memorial Scholarship - $500

BACHELOR OF EDUCATION DEGREE SCHOLARSHIPS
Guillaume and Antoinette Biron Scholarship (BEd second year students only) - $1,500

GENERAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Irene Kelemen Memorial Scholarship - $1,000
Calgary Juventus Scholarship (2) - $750
Leonard C. Hergott Scholarship - $500
Cluny St. Mary's Parish Scholarship - $500

BURSARIES
Alice Austin Memorial Bursary - $2,000
Louise Hughes Bursary - $2,000
Regina and Peter Fridgen Memorial Bursary - $1,000
Gerry Watkins Bursary - $1,000
Margaret Soloski Memorial Bursary - $1,000
Violet C. Risling Memorial Bursary - $1,000
Guido and Julia Blasetti Family Bursaries - $1,000
Bishop Paul O'Byrne Bursary - $600
Michael J. Beaton Memorial Bursary - $500
Agnes and Norman Dawson Memorial Bursary - $500
George Alloro Memorial Bursary - $250
Bursaries for Students with Financial Needs - Varies
Endowment Bursary - Varies
Other Bursaries - Varies

ACADEMIC AWARDS  [back to top]
Gertie Bastedo Award - $400
Michael Duggan Social Justice Award - $350
Dr. Ved Madan Math and Computer Science Award - $500
St. Mary's University College Gold Medal - Gold Medal

St. Mary's University College is grateful to the many donors who have made financial contributions that assist students in furthering their education.

AWARDS DESCRIPTIONS (in alphabetical order)  [back to list ]

AGNES AND NORMAN DAWSON MEMORIAL BURSARY
VALUE: $500
Norman and Agnes Dawson were longtime Calgarians. During their 51-year marriage they were excellent role models for family and friends, demonstrating honesty, integrity, fairness, compassion, community awareness, volunteerism, and religious faith. This bursary is awarded to a continuing full-time student with a strong work ethic, financial need, and a dedication to his or her education. The successful candidate will be involved as a volunteer in the community and will demonstrate active participation in his or her faith community.

ALICE AUSTIN MEMORIAL BURSARY
VALUE: $2,000
Alice Austin was committed to lifelong learning and the mission of St. Mary's University College. This bursary is a reflection of that commitment. The Alice Austin Memorial Bursary is awarded to a continuing student in financial need.

barry-dewaele family scholarship
VALUE: $1,000
This scholarship is awarded to a full-time student with a documented disability who has been granted academic accommodations. Full-time status is generally understood as registration in nine credit hours per academic term although there may be occasions when academic accommodations require a reduced course load. Preference is given to a student who has demonstrated leadership and/or service to the community.

BISHOP O'BYRNE ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP
VALUE: $1,000
This scholarship is awarded to a student from one of the high schools in the Diocese of Calgary who demonstrates outstanding scholastic achievement and who has been active in his or her parish in ministry or another formal parish program. A candidate must submit a letter from his or her parish priest describing level of involvement in activities such as liturgy, music, ministry, catechetics, or other parish activities. This scholarship is provided by the Knights of Columbus Council 9658 of the Monsignor John S. Smith Council.

BISHOP PAUL O'BYRNE BURSARY    [back to list ]
VALUE: $600
Funds for this award have been made available from the Assembly of Women Religious, Calgary Diocese. This bursary is awarded to a female student in financial need who, while not necessarily Roman Catholic, is involved in her community faith tradition.

Calgary Juventus Scholarship
VALUE: $750 (2 awarded)
This scholarship is awarded to full-time St. Mary's University College students with good GPAs who are members of the St. Mary's University College futsal teams. Preference given to former Juventus players. A scholarship will be awarded to one male and one female student.

CLUNY ST. MARY'S PARISH SCHOLARSHIP
VALUE: $500
The rural parish of St. Mary's in Cluny offers a permanent scholarship fund to assist a rural student to attend St. Mary's University College. Applications will be accepted from students with good academic standing who come from a rural area.

DR. ALLAN P. MARKIN CONTINUING STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS (5)
VALUE: $1,000 EACH
St. Mary's University College, in recognition of the contributions of Dr. Allan P. Markin, awards five scholarships to continuing students. These scholarships are automatically awarded to the five students with the highest GPA in the previous academic year who carried a course load of 30 credit hours or more. To be eligible for this award, students must register for a continuing year at St. Mary's University College and carry a minimum course load of 30 credit hours.

DR. DAVID J. LAWLESS SCHOLARSHIP    [back to list ]
VALUE: $1,250
This scholarship honours the life work in Catholic education of Dr. David Lawless, who spent the last three years of his career in higher education helping to establish St. Mary’s University College and serving as its President. This scholarship is awarded annually to the student of the University College in a first undergraduate degree program who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement on completion of the first full year of studies. Preference will be given to a student who has demonstrated a commitment to St. Mary’s and its educational philosophy through active participation in campus life and activities. Applicants must submit a brief letter outlining their campus involvement or letter(s) of recommendation attesting to their participation in campus life.

ENDOWMENT BURSARY
VALUE: VARIES
Students who have been awarded a loan through the Canada Student Loans Program, or a similar program administered by the Student Loan Service of Alberta Learning or equivalent agency in any Province or Territory in Canada, may be eligible for a bursary. Up to $8,000 will be awarded in the amounts of $4,000 or $2,000 to those with greatest financial need. Each recipient must maintain full-time status and be registered in a minimum of four courses per semester. Beyond these criteria, the bursary will be automatically granted solely on the basis of financial need as determined by the Student Loan Service.

FOGOLAR FURLAN DI CALGARY SCHOLARSHIP
VALUE: $1000
This scholarship is awarded to a full-time continuing student in good academic standing.

Fr. Rupert MacLellan Scholarship
VALUE: $500
The Fr. Rupert MacLellan Scholarship is awarded to a full-time student in his/her third or fourth year at St. Mary's University College. This scholarship is based on excellent academic performance.

FRANK BUCKLEY ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP
VALUE: FULL TUITION
This scholarship is awarded annually to a student entering St. Mary's University College in September who has graduated from a Catholic high school in the Calgary Diocese. Candidates should provide evidence of superior academic performance, community involvement, and leadership. Leadership may be demonstrated through participation in student governance, athletics, community programs, or other activities. Community involvement may include activities in the parish, diocese, or wider community, such as volunteering with health centres, the elderly, children, the disadvantaged, and/or other service groups.

GEORGE ALLORO MEMORIAL BURSARY   [back to list ]
VALUE: $250
George Alloro was best known to the people of Calgary as the man who lit up Confederation Park with an annual display of Christmas lights. He also worked tirelessly as a community volunteer to help others less fortunate. This memorial bursary in his name is awarded to help a student of good moral character who is involved in volunteer and community work and who is in need of financial assistance.

GERRY WATKINS BURSARY
VALUE: $1,000
In recognition of the contribution of Gerry Watkins, a faithful volunteer in the early years of St. Mary's University College, the University College awards this bursary to a student in serious financial need.

GERTIE BASTEDO AWARD
VALUE: $400
The Gertie Bastedo Award is awarded to a full-time continuing St. Mary's University College student who has achieved the greatest increase in grade-point average. No application required.

GUIDO and JULIA BLASETTI family BURSARies
VALUE: $1,000 (2)
The Guido and Julia Blasetti Family Bursaries are awarded to continuing full-time St. Mary’s University College degree program students in good academic standing who demonstrate financial need.

GUILLAUME AND ANTOINETTE BIRON SCHOLARSHIP
VALUE: $1,500
This scholarship is awarded to a student enrolled in the second year of the Bachelor of Education (Elementary) degree program at St. Mary ’s University College who demonstrates high academic performance, a strong commitment to the vocation of teaching and a commitment to parish work. The commitment to parish work must be long-term and ongoing. Letters of reference must accompany the application, one from each of the following: 1) a parish priest, and 2) the Director of the Bachelor of Education program.

HAFITH JERGEAS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP   [back to list ]
VALUE: $500
The Hafith Jergeas Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a continuing full-time student at St. Mary's University College who demonstrates high academic performance with a minimum GPA of 3.3.

IRENE KELEMEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
VALUE: $1,000
This scholarship is awarded to a full-time student in good academic standing who has overcome personal challenges. Preference will be given to a student from rural Alberta. A brief submission regarding the personal challenges and one letter of reference from an instructor, teacher or counsellor are required.

JOSEPH AND MARIA DOBISH SCHOLARSHIP
VALUE: $1,200
This scholarship is awarded to a first-year full-time student at St. Mary's University College who demonstrates commitment to parish work as well as scholastic achievement. Commitment to parish work must be long-term and ongoing. Letters of reference must accompany the application, one from each of the following: 1) a parish priest, and 2) a current high school principal or instructor at St. Mary's University College.

LEONARD C. HERGOTT SCHOLARSHIP
VALUE: $500
This scholarship is intended for students studying religious education or theology. Applicants must demonstrate superior academic performance and involvement in the community and parish.

LOUISE HUGHES BURSARY    [back to list ]
VALUE: $2,000
The Louise Hughes Bursary will be given to a continuing student (full- or part-time) in financial need. Preference will be given to a single parent or a student from Saskatchewan.

MARGARET SOLOSKI MEMORIAL BURSARY
AMOUNT: $1,000
Margaret Soloski enjoyed life and was a positive role model to everyone who knew her. To honour her faith and dedication, the Margaret Soloski Memorial Bursary is awarded to a continuing full-time student who is in financial need and who is taking a Religious Studies Course. Preference will be given to a student active in St. Mary's University College Campus Ministry.

MAUGHAN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
VALUE: $2,000
This scholarship is intended for a graduate from one of the Calgary Catholic School District high schools and will be awarded to a student living within the Calgary area who shows superior academic achievement and a demonstrated commitment to the Catholic faith. Letters of recommendation must come from 1) the student's guidance counsellor and 2) the high school chaplain or the student's religious education instructor.

MICHAEL DUGGAN SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD
VALUE: $350
This award honours Michael Duggan's extensive work in social justice activities. It provides support to a student who shows leadership in working for social justice locally, nationally, or internationally.

MICHAEL J. BEATON MEMORIAL BURSARY
VALUE: $500
The Michael J. Beaton Memorial Bursary is awarded to a full-time St. Mary’s University College student in financial need.

NICOLE GAGNON SCHOLARSHIP   [back to list ]
VALUE: $2,000
This scholarship is awarded to a student who is entering his or her first year of study and shows high academic achievement combined with service to the community and/or demonstrated leadership. Letters of reference must testify to the applicant’s community involvement or leadership. A preference will be given to students involved in social justice initiatives within the community.

NOTRE DAME DES ROCHEUSES SCHOLARSHIP
VALUE: $1,000
This scholarship is awarded to a student entering St. Mary's University College. Applicants must demonstrate good academic achievement and be registering as a full-time student.

PROVIDENCE SCHOLARSHIP
VALUE: $2,000
The Sisters of Providence have owned and operated Father Lacombe Care Centre – formerly Lacombe Home – since 1909 and they have a particular predilection for ministry among the less fortunate in our society.
The Providence Scholarship is awarded to a continuing student with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who is registered as a full-time student at St. Mary’s University College and who has demonstrated active participation in a volunteer activity over the past year with either children or the elderly. A letter of reference must accompany the scholarship application.

QUEEN OF PEACE SCHOLARSHIP
VALUE: $1000
This scholarship is awarded to a continuing student who is intending to pursue a science or mathematics major. The student must demonstrate excellent academic achievement and show interest in teaching. Preference will be given to a graduate of St. Mary's High School, Calgary. The donor hopes that the recipient will one day endow his or her own scholarship.

REGINA AND PETER FRIDGEN MEMORIAL BURSARY    [back to list ]
VALUE: $1,000
This bursary is awarded to a recent high school graduate with financial need and a good academic standing in Grade 12 subjects. Single mothers and students with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply; however, the award is not restricted to these groups.

ROBERT SPENCE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS (2)
VALUE: $2,500 EACH
Robert Spence operated a well-known retail shoe business in Calgary. He and his wife, Annette, were very active in the Francophone community in Calgary and in the Ste. Famille Roman Catholic parish. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Spence set up a scholarship endowment foundation from the proceeds of the estate in order to ensure in perpetuity the original objective of Mr. Spence, which was to assist needy students with their post-secondary studies. These scholarships are awarded to students who have good academic standing (a minimum average of 70%) in Grade 12 subjects and who are in financial need. Preference is given to residents of Alberta.

special vice-president academic scholarship
VALUE: $1,000
This scholarship is awarded to a full-time student entering St. Mary’s University College who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement.

St. Mary's University College Gold Medal
AWARD: Gold Medal
Awarded annually to the student graduating from a St. Mary's University College degree program with the highest grade point average. You must have a GPA of 3.50 or higher to be considered.

ST. VINCENT PALLOTTI ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP   [back to list ]
VALUE: $1,200
This scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates a deep commitment to parish ministries and academic pursuits. While academic excellence is important, this scholarship's principal criterion is service within the student's parish and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary.

DR. VED MADAN MATH AND COMPUTER SCIENCE AWARD
VALUE: $500
This award is made annually at the end of the Fall term to a student with the highest academic achievement in mathematics or computer science. No application is required.

VIOLET C. RISLING MEMORIAL BURSARY   [back to list ]
VALUE: $1,000
This bursary goes to a student registered in his or her second year of studies at St. Mary's. The student must have completed a first year of studies at St. Mary's University College and demonstrated good academic achievement. Financial need is the primary criterion for this bursary.

THE WILLIS & BETTY O'LEARY UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS (5)  
VALUE: $1,000 each
The Willis and Betty O’Leary Undergraduate Scholarships are awarded annually to the student with the highest grade point average in each of the five St. Mary’s undergraduate degree programs. Students must be enrolled on a full-time basis in a St. Mary’s University College degree program. One $1,000 scholarship is awarded for each of the following degrees: English (4 year), English (3 year), General Studies (3 year), History (3 year) and Psychology (3 year). No application is required.

THE YVETTE DEGAGNE LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP
VALUE: $1,000
This scholarship is awarded to a continuing full-time St. Mary's University College student in good academic standing who shows leadership in many areas of their education through volunteerism and participation in extracurricular cultural and/or recreational activities.

EXTERNAL AWARDS NOMINATED BY ST. MARY'S UNIVERSITY COLLEGE  [back to top]
There are several awards for continuing students which are administered by external sources requiring students to be nominated by their post-secondary institutions.

JASON LANG SCHOLARSHIP
VALUE: $1,000
This scholarship was established in the memory of Jason Lang, a 17-year-old high school student who was killed in a school shooting. The purpose of this award is to reward the outstanding academic achievements of Alberta post-secondary students. To be eligible, students must:
· have a minimum GPA of 3.2;
· be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant and a resident of Alberta;
· be entering their second, third, or fourth year of post-secondary studies;
· have completed at least 24 course credits in the previous academic year (Sept. to April);
· be enrolled full-time in at least one term in the current academic year.

All eligible students will be nominated by the Office of the Registrar and contacted by the end of August to complete an application form. If you are not contacted and believe you are an eligible candidate, please contact the Registrar.

LOUISE MCKINNEY POST-SECONDARY SCHOLARSHIP
VALUE: $2,500
The purpose of this award is to recognize exceptional academic achievement and encourage outstanding students to continue their studies at the post-secondary level. Up to 950 scholarships are awarded annually. The Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund Endowment Program established this award in honour of Louise McKinney. The eligible student(s) must:
· have the highest undergraduate GPA;
· be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant and a resident of Alberta;
· be entering their second, third, or fourth year of post-secondary studies;
· be enrolled in a minimum of 24 credits during the previous academic year (Sept. to April).

The eligible student(s) will be nominated by the Office of the Registrar and contacted by the end of August to complete an application form.

LAURENCE DECORE AWARD FOR STUDENT LEADERSHIP
VALUE: $500
The purpose of this award is to recognize those post-secondary students who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and leadership to fellow students and to their community. The award was initiated by the Alberta College and Technical Institute Student Executive Council (ACTISEC) in honour of Laurence Decore, former Edmonton mayor and leader of the Alberta Liberal party.

Applicants are selected on the basis of involvement in student government, student societies, clubs, or organizations. In addition, candidates may be involved in student organizations at the provincial or national level or in non-profit community organizations.

Applicants must be Alberta residents currently enrolled in a minimum of three full courses at a designated Alberta post-secondary institution. Eligible students will be nominated by Student Services. Students who wish to be considered should contact the Student Services office. Consult the current year's Academic Calendar for deadlines.

OTHER EXTERNAL AWARDS  [back to top]
ALBERTA TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION LOCAL #55 SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is awarded to a Calgary Catholic Board of Education high school graduate who attends St. Mary's University College the year following high school graduation. This award was instituted to assist the student in funding tuition costs at St. Mary's University College and to give recognition to deceased teachers for their significant involvement in the Alberta Teachers' Association and/or Local #55. For additional information on this scholarship and to obtain an application form, visit the Alberta Teachers’ Association Local #55 website, www.ataloc55.ab.ca. Consult the current year's Academic Calendar for deadlines.

ALBERTA SCHOLARSHIP AND BURSARY PROGRAMS
Funded by a $100 million endowment from the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, the Alberta Scholarship Programs are designed to stimulate the pursuit of excellence by recognizing outstanding achievement and by encouraging and assisting Albertans to achieve their fullest potential – whether intellectual,cultural, social, or physical. A list of scholarships is available from the Alberta Learning Information Services (ALIS) website, www.alis.gov.ab.ca.

ALEXANDER RUTHERFORD SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship, valued at up to $2,500, is available to a variable number of first-year students who are Alberta residents and who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement throughout high school. Contact your high school counsellor for further information.

ALBERTA OPPORTUNITIES BURSARY
The Alberta Opportunities Bursary program was created in response to student concerns about the rising cost of post-secondary education and related student debt loads. This program provides non-repayable assistance from $500 up to a maximum of $3,000 annually to qualifying students.

The bursaries are cost-shared between the Government of Alberta and individual post-secondary institutions, which in turn raise the funds from the private sector.

You must be enrolled as a full-time post-secondary student and qualify for an Alberta student loan of at least $4,000. If you meet these requirements, you will automatically be considered for a bursary. You do not need to apply for an Alberta Opportunities Bursary. Since funding is limited, not everyone who qualifies for a student loan will receive a bursary. Priority will be given to students with the highest need, such as single parents, married students with families, and students with higher living costs as a result of having to move away from home to attend school.