Ontario's newest university attracts top scholarship winner

OSHAWA, Ont. - The winner of one of Canada's most coveted scholarships has chosen to attend the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) this fall, helping to enhance its already strong reputation for excellence.

Naheed Dosani of Toronto is among eight Ontario recipients of the TD Canada Trust Scholarship, valued at $60,000 over four years. The award is presented annually to 20 high-school students across Canada, recognizing not only their academic achievements, but their exceptional community involvement.

Naheed, 19, is also the recipient of UOIT's top academic award, the Chancellor's Scholarship, which is valued at $28,000 over four years. The student at Dr. Norman Bethune Collegiate Institute in Scarborough added to his impressive total with the $20,000 Millennium Excellence Award, $2,000 from Wendy's Restaurants of Canada, $500 from the Canadian Merit Scholarship program, and $500 from the Toronto Star. He will pursue his studies in the university's Biological Science program, with a specialization in pharmaceutical biotechnology.

Naheed, who achieved a first-term average of 94.4 per cent at Dr. Norman Bethune C.I., called UOIT's friendly, supportive atmosphere "inspirational." He said he was also attracted by its commitment to technology that enriches the learning process. "The fact that it's new and high-tech is very enticing," he noted. "I'm the type of person who loves to innovate and create, and there'll be a lot of freedom to make a contribution."

Less than one year after officially opening its doors, the university is already attracting some of Canada's most gifted students, said Richard Levin, the university's registrar and vice-president, strategic enrolment management. "This is a highly prestigious award, and for UOIT to attract one of 20 award winners nationally, and out of only eight in Ontario, is immensely gratifying," he said. "I believe it reflects the character of the students who choose to come study with us, and in turn our commitment to providing a unique and excellent academic experience."

Levin said UOIT's commitment to great research and teaching, its emphasis on real-world knowledge, and its use of innovative learning technology helped fuel a 30 per cent increase in applications this year, at a time when universities across Ontario saw applications drop.

Naheed was moved by a racist incident in his own school to take action against racial prejudice, and particularly the image of Muslims as terrorists. He launched a fundraising effort for Afghanistan in his high school and four elementary schools. To boost school spirit and reduce absenteeism, he established a school radio station. He also organized several charitable events, including food drives and a campaign to thank healthcare workers during the SARS crisis. He was also vice-president of the students' council, and editor of the school newspaper. He hopes eventually to become a physician, and would like to work for the celebrated humanitarian organization, Doctors Without Borders.

Because the rules of the TD Canada Trust Scholarship restrict students to no more than $5,000 in additional scholarship money, Naheed plans to use his additional funds to establish scholarships at UOIT for other students.

About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology

As the province's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research and hands-on skills. The university offers career-focused degree undergraduate programs and is developing leading-edge research and graduate programs. It is Ontario's only laptop-based university. Sharing selected services with Durham College, UOIT welcomed its first students in September 2003. To find out more, visit www.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.

Media contact
John Schofield
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668, ext. 2162
john.schofield@uoit.ca