Nipissing University Hosts Student Awards and Donor Social
left to right: NU donor, Professor Jack Jones, students Ryan Yeung and Dylan Schmidt, and NU Chancellor, Dr. Scott Russell at the event
Last week, Nipissing University celebrated the generosity of its donors and the achievements of student award recipients at the annual Student Awards and Donor Social, held at the NUSU Student Centre.
Hosted by the University’s Advancement team, the event brought together students who have received scholarships, bursaries, and awards and the donors who made these opportunities possible. The celebration offered a meaningful space for students to share their appreciation, and for donors to connect with the students whose education they helped support.
“This event is one of the most meaningful moments in our year,” said Steven Smits, Manager of Alumni and Advancement. “It puts faces and stories to the generosity of our donors and reminds students that there’s a community behind them, invested in their success. Those connections are what make this event so special.”
For donors, these awards are often established in honour of loved ones, personal connections to the University and the City of North Bay, or a shared belief in the power of education to strengthen communities.
“I feel motivated to continue to support Nipissing University because I see the benefits to students,” shared Karen Charles, donor and Nipissing University interim Director of Finance. “I’m constantly reminded of the stresses that they are under and I don’t want financial difficulties to be one of those concerns.”
For many students, scholarships, bursaries, and awards play an important role in making their post-secondary education possible. Beyond easing financial pressures, these supports allow students to dedicate more time to their studies, research, leadership opportunities, and community involvement.
“It’s amazing to know that there are people who support the student community and want to give back to the community,” said Angelique Obrecht, recipient of the Coleen Joanne Whitford Memorial Bursary, “It’s really inspiring for me to keep working hard and do my best.”
For more information about student awards and how to become a donor, visit giving.nipissingu.ca/student-awards