Sakif Mohammed and Meriel Fitzgerald, two incoming first-year students at Memorial, have been named 2015 recipients of Schulich Leader Scholarships.

Created in 2011 by Canadian business leader and philanthropist Seymour Schulich, the annual scholarship program encourages high school graduates to embrace science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines in their future careers. This year, there were 1,250 Schulich Leader nominees.

Two scholarship recipients, Schulich Leaders, are selected at each participating university each year. One undergraduate scholarship, valued at $80,000, is designated for a student pursuing a degree in an engineering program. The second undergraduate scholarship, valued at $60,000, is awarded to a student pursuing a degree in a science, technology or mathematics program (non-engineering based). 

Mr. Mohammed is the recipient of the $80,000 award. A graduate of Prince of Wales Collegiate in St. John’s, Mr. Mohammed comes to Memorial with plans to achieve a bachelor of engineering.

“When I was nominated for this scholarship, I had no high hopes that I would win, considering the impressive accomplishments of previous winners,” he said. “So, when I received a letter from Memorial congratulating me on winning this award, I was beyond surprised, as I had never before achieved something so great. Above all, I am grateful to my guidance counsellors for supporting me throughout the application process and to the Schulich Foundation for funding this generous program.”

Mr. Mohammed is also grateful for the opportunity to stay close to home while he pursues his studies and research.

“What drew me to Memorial is the amazing opportunities,” he said. “During high school, as part of the concurrent studies program, I took two undergraduate psychology courses here. In addition, last summer, I got to work in a biochemistry laboratory alongside a graduate student. I gained experience as a university student and realized that Memorial was the right university for me.”

Ms. Fitzgerald is the recipient of the $60,000 award. A graduate of J. L. Ilsley High School in Halifax, N.S., Ms. Fitzgerald comes to Memorial with plans to pursue a bachelor of science with a major in biology.

“In the first moments after receiving the letter about this scholarship, I was in disbelief,” she said. “After getting over my initial shock and extreme excitement, I felt truly honoured and grateful to have been chosen as one of this year’s recipients.”

The location of the St. John’s campus was a major draw for Ms. Fitzgerald.

“St. John’s seems like such a beautiful place, surrounded by an amazing natural environment,” she said. “I am so very excited to live and learn in this culturally unique city and I am thrilled to become part of this vibrant community. What finally convinced me to choose this excellent school was the gorgeous campus, helpful staff and of course my exciting offer for a Schulich Leader Scholarship.”

For more information on the Schulich Leader Scholarship program, visit shulichleaders.com.