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"Congratulations to all our winners of 2018 scholarships. We wish you all the best in your education and future pursuits." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
Ottawa (11 Sept. 2018) — Each year, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) offers 5 $1,500 scholarships that reflect its pursuit of equal opportunity for all workers. They are offered to the children/grandchildren and foster children/grandchildren of the current 390,000 members of the National Union or of its retirees. Applicants must be starting a post-secondary education in a public educational institution. The National Union is pleased to announce the winners of these awards.
Brian Fudge Memorial Scholarship
Jimmy Yan’s parent is Chester Jianjun Yan, who is a member of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE). Jimmy is entering the general medical sciences in order to study immunology, as he plans a career in public health. He acclaims the role of this vital public service in protecting the health of all Canadians:
"Prevention of disease is a core function of public health. The success of immunization is important for all Canadians to stay protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. The success of immunization depends on the concerted efforts of all levels of government, of researchers, health care professionals and the public. I’d like to do whatever I can to contribute," wrote Jimmy.
Upon learning of his scholarship award, Jimmy responded by email saying, "I am incredibly honoured and thankful to be the recipient of the Brian Fudge Memorial Scholarship. I will continue to work hard at my studies in the Medical Sciences Program at Western University this year and aim to develop a career around helping the public in the area of health care. This scholarship helps open more opportunities to allow me to be successful in my field by providing financial flexibility, and I am so grateful for that. "
Scholarship for Indigenous Students
Caleb Coulter’s parent is Greg Coulter, who is a member of OPSEU/NUPGE. As a member of the Blackfoot Nation, Caleb commented on how public services are needed to support the Indigenous peoples of Canada to overcome the intergenerational trauma of colonization:
In his essay, Caleb wrote, "Because of the long and dark history of oppression that Canada has with Indigenous people, it is very important that high-quality public services are continually made available for Indigenous Canadians. To preserve a fair and just society, these issues cannot be ignored or simply left in the past."
Scholarship for Students of Colour
Jereka Jiaying Hudyma Yu’s parent is Bo Nancy Yu, who is a member of the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE). Reflecting upon personal experience as a new immigrant in Canada, Jereka ended her essay by commenting: "The dedication of public services to making sure every Canadian has access to health care, education, emergency responders, and equal employment opportunities, is what truly makes the country a better place to live and benefits all people of colour who engage and participate in our evolving society."
Terry Fox Memorial Scholarship
Adrianna Ochitwa’s parent is Paula Ochitwa, who is a member of the B.C Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE). .Adrianna wrote a very personal essay and committed herself to ensuring that as a teacher she will fight to ensure the equality of opportunity for students with disabilities in her classroom.
"People with disabilities of all kinds need public services that accommodate them so that they can live life as fulyl as able-bodied people can," wrote Adrianna.
Tommy Douglas Scholarship
Jenae Roehl’s parent is Christi Roehl, who is a member of Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA/NUPGE). Jenae not only recognized Tommy Douglas’s role in contributing to a more generous, just and equitable society in Canada but commented that "through the decisions made by Douglas and his party while in power, the state of labour unions was much improved. The Trade Union Act was noteworthy as it guaranteed workers the right to organize and bargain collectively. This in turn increased equitability as it allowed workers to make demands of their employers for more favourable working conditions …and it caused employers to be held accountable for their actions.… Tommy Douglas created a lasting legacy that Canadians still benefit from today."
"Congratulations to all our winners of 2018 scholarships," said Larry Brown, NUPGE President. "We wish you all the best in your education and future pursuits."