On January 17th, 2015 the CFUW Victoria chapter had the pleasure of hosting 12 student award winners from The University of Victoria, Royal Roads University and Camosun College. Attendees had the opportunity to celebrate these students’ inspiring achievements and listen to a presentation by Dr. Elizabeth Vibert, Professor in the Department of History at The University of Victoria.
Anna Podhorodeski, is a 1st year astronomy student at the University of Victoria and the recipient of the CFUW Entrance Scholarship. Podhorodeski also volunteers weekly with Girl Guides of Canada as a Brownie leader for girls aged 7-8 and at the Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre in Metchosin. In 2016, Anna plans on travelling to Mongolia to volunteer at the Mary Ward Center in Ulaanbaatar.
Anna Shkuratoff, a Bachelor of Fine Arts student at The University of Victoria and the recipient of the CFUW Pat Martin Bates Scholarship in Visual Arts. Currently working on a double major in Visual Art and History of art, Shkuratoff has a flare for video art and new media, recently having had the opportunity to present at the 2014 Victoria Integrate Arts Festival. Looking forward Shkuratoff plans to pursue her Masters of Fine Arts.
Brie-Ann Briggs is a 2nd year Bachelor of Athletic and Exercise Therapy at the University of Victoria and a recipient of the CFUW Geraldine Symons Memorial Award. Briggs has appreciated gaining experience studying in emergency conditions and field preparations; as well as fulfilling a practicum with a Victoria Junior hockey team.
Heather Lougheed is a 4th year Nursing student at The University of Victoria and recipient of the CFUW Esther Gardom Scholarship. Lougheed enjoys keeping busy with her passion for travel, and studies in nursing, planning to pursue opportunities in remote and rural nursing.
Kassandra Schantz is a 3rd year music student at UVic and a recipient of the CFUW Judith Harreman Scholarship in Music Award. With a background in acting and musical theatre, currently studying vocals under the guidance of Benjamin Butterfield, Schantz aspires to one day be an opera singer at the Teatro alla Scalla in Milan.
Celina O’Connor is a Master of Arts in Professional Communication graduate at Royal Roads University and recipient of the CFUW Elsie Stapleford Scholarship. An active volunteer and community builder, O’Connor is a recipient of several awards for her work and currently co-producing a video on the local efforts to protect the Salish Sea from tanker traffic and Alberta tar sands expansion. Looking forward, O’Connor will be attending the Langara College Publishing Diploma program.
Jill Van Gyn is a Masters in Human Security and Peacebuilding student at Royal Roads University and the recipient of the CFUW Helen Joy Russel MA Human Security and Peacebuilding Award. Van Gyn has created volunteer–based programs bringing first aid skills to individuals living in high-risk environments, studied the development of the oil industry in Northern Uganda and delivered emergency medical supplies to Gulu. Recently, Van Gyn was hired to write a Justice and Security Research program paper with the London School of Economics, planning to pursue a PhD, continuing her work and research.
Kayleigh Harrison is a dual-degree JD/MBA student at UVic and the recipient of the CFUW Margaret Lowe Memorial Scholarship. With a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Masters degree in Opera Performance, Harrison brings a musical background to her current work with the UVic Law Chapter of Pro Bono students Canada. Harrison plans to become a representative for artists, athletes and talented individuals with legal and businesses services.
Lisanne Collet is a Masters in Tourism and Hospitality student at Royal Roads University and the recipient of the CFUW Helen Joy Russell MA Tourism Management Award. With a passion for adventure, Collet was a baker, a cycling guide for a luxury travel company in Provence, a chef to the stars and established entrepreneur of a catering company. Now, Collet enjoys being a role model for her children by showing them that education is valid at any stage of life.
Megan Clarkson is a current UVic student and recipient of the CFUW Centennial Endowment Fund. Clarkson is a member of the Sayisi Dene First Nation and has spent the majority of her life volunteering and working in Aboriginal communities; primarily in the areas of youth engagement, cultural retention and community development. Clarkson has a keen interest in the area of social enterprise and hopes to combine her front-line work experience with business education for community focused opportunities.
Madeline Reid is a Bachelor of Music student and a recipient of the CFUW Bertha Wilson Scholarship in Law. Reid has extensive experience as a violinist and performer with Victoria Symphony, Galiano Ensemble of Victoria, Symphony Orchestra Academy of the Pacific and Orford Academy Orchestra. In addition to continuing performing for enjoyment, Reid is pursuing her Juris Doctor with UVic Faculty of Law.
Rae Gallimore is a Diploma in Viola Music Performance student at Camosun and the recipient of the CFUW Helen Joy Russell Diploma. Gallimore has had the privilege to study with multiple talented instructors, currently working with Michael van der Sloot. Gallimore is a current member of the Victoria Conservatory of Music Collegium Program and the VCM Senior Strings Orchestra.