Top scholarship winners to be hosted by Ontario's newest university

OSHAWA, Ont. - Great minds will gather on the campus of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) tomorrow, Friday, July 16, as its top scholarship winners meet to dine with the president and tour its attractive, state-of-the-art facilities.

The four recipients of UOIT's most valuable entrance scholarships - Naheed Dosani of Scarborough, Manja Pope of Port Hope, Lisa Wagar of Whitby, and Chris Boyko of Uxbridge - will don hard hats at 11 a.m. to get a closer look at the university's rapidly unfolding campus.

Naheed is this year's recipient of the Chancellor's Scholarship, valued at $28,000 over four years. Manja has been awarded the $24,000 President's Scholarship, while Lisa and Chris will each receive Founders' Scholarships, worth $20,000 each. The scholarships recognize not only the students' academic achievements, but also their contributions to their schools and communities.

Tomorrow's tour will include the brand new, showpiece campus library, due to open in late August, and the university's huge geothermal well field, an advanced, environmentally friendly heating system that draws on the warmth of the earth. Those in the group who will be living on campus will also have an opportunity to see their suites in one of UOIT's modern, amenity-laden residence halls.

At noon, the students will sit down to lunch with Dr. Gary Polonsky, the university's President and Vice-Chancellor, as well as David Zekveld, the recipient of last year's Chancellor's Scholarship, and Sarah Rowe, who was awarded the President's Scholarship last year.

"UOIT has been fortunate enough to attract some of the country's brightest minds, and we are honoured that students of this calibre have chosen to entrust us with their education," said Kathy Kimpton, UOIT's Associate Registrar, Recruitment and Admissions. "It means that students are hearing our message that, at UOIT, they can come and contribute to our campus community and to the greater community."

Each scholarship recipient cited various reasons for choosing the University of Ontario Institute of Technology over other competing offers.

"People there are absolutely amazing," said Lisa, 18, who graduated from Sinclair Secondary School in Whitby this spring with a 93-per-cent average overall. She will enter the university's Biological Science program this September, specializing in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. "They really care about you," she added. "You're not just a number, like you are at a lot of other places."

Manja, who accomplished a 95-per-cent average at Port Hope High School this year, said she was drawn by UOIT's youth and promise. She will study Commerce this fall. "I really like the idea of laptop-based learning and the whole newness of the university," said the 18-year-old. "I'm not into old-school spirit. It's the kind of person I am."

Naheed, 19, who recorded a first-term average of 94.4 per cent at Dr. Norman Bethune Collegiate Institute, also said he was attracted by UOIT's commitment to technology that enriches the learning process. "I'm the type of person who loves to innovate and create," he said, "and there'll be a lot of freedom to make a contribution." Like Lisa, he will be studying Biological Science this September, with a specialization in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.

Chris, who will be entering the Commerce program, said he was swayed by the university's newness, as well as a friend's recommendation and UOIT's proximity to home. "I'd like to have the opportunity to be part of starting something," said the 18-year-old, who graduated from Port Perry High School this year with a 93 per cent average.

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 undergraduate degree programs in the fields of business and information technology, health sciences, social science, applied science, the pure sciences, engineering, and education. It is also developing leading-edge research and graduate programs, and is Ontario's first 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
905.721.3111, ext. 2162
john.schofield@uoit.ca