Canada's newest university awards first-ever top scholarships to seven exceptional students

OSHAWA, ON - Canada's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, has awarded its first-ever top scholarships to seven exceptional students in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements.

"These exemplary scholars represent the kind of first-class students that the university is attracting. In addition to their academic accomplishments they have all shown community commitment and leadership, and we are proud to have them in our founding class," says Richard Levin, vice-president of Strategic Enrolment Management and Registrar of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

The university's top honours include one Chancellor's scholarship valued at $28,000, three President's scholarships, each valued at $24,000, and three Founder's scholarships, each valued at $20,000. Scholarship funds are disbursed over four years and require students to maintain certain academic standards.

Eighteen-year-old David Zekveld, a graduating student at R.S. McLaughlin Vocational Institute in Oshawa, Ontario, is the proud recipient of the university's first-ever Chancellor's scholarship, its highest academic honour. The Whitby resident has been accepted into the university's Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Nuclear Engineering program - the first program of its kind in Canada.

"It's very exciting to be part of the first class," says Zekveld, who hopes to …"be a leader in influencing other students to attend the university."

President's scholarships were awarded to the following students:

Lisa Culbert, Belleville, Ontario, Moira Secondary School, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Integrated Justice Studies program;

Shane Hart, Blackstock, Ontario, Cartwright High School, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Nuclear Engineering program; and

Bayden Pritchard, Greely, Ontario, Osgoode Township High School, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Nuclear Engineering program.

Founder's scholarships were awarded to the following students:

Kelsey Dermott, Sundridge, Ontario, Almaguin Secondary School, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biological Science program;

Sarah Rowe, Whitby, Ontario, Sinclair Secondary School, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biological Science program; and

Matt Van Wieringen, Whitby, Ontario, Sinclair Secondary School, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Manufacturing Engineering program.

In addition to these top honours, students at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology may also be awarded entrance scholarships, as well as awards of recognition.

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology offers nine degree programs in areas of business and information technology, sciences, engineering, nursing, justice studies and education. The university will welcome its first class of students in September 2003. For more information or for further details about 2004-05 scholarship opportunities, visit www.uoit.ca, e-mail admissions@uoit.ca, or call 1.866.844.8648.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.