Two accomplished University of Winnipeg students are the recipients of the Sir William Stephenson Scholarship this academic year.
In addition to their outstanding academic success, Jenna Allison and Liam Reid have also demonstrated superior leadership qualities through volunteering and the potential to make valuable contributions to their community.
Jenna Allison
Jenna Allison wants to inspire the next generation of leaders.
Receiving this award is an affirmation of my leadership abilities and an encouragement to continue investing in those around me.
Jenna Allison
Allison, who is now in her fifth year of studies at UWinnipeg, is an education student majoring in mathematics with a minor in psychology.
“I feel humbled to be recognized for this scholarship in honour of Sir William Stephenson,” said Allison. “Receiving this award is an affirmation of my leadership abilities and an encouragement to continue investing in those around me. I would not be in this place today without the support of my family, friends, mentors, professors, and, most importantly, my faith.”
Despite the challenges posed by a global pandemic the last three years, Allison has remained dedicated to growing her leadership potential. Her passion for seeing young people thrive has led her to lead the Adventurers Day Camp hosted by the Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church and complete a leadership intern program at Green Bay Bible Camp.
She says the support from this scholarship will help ensure that she’s able to continue volunteering with young people. And that’s something she wants to do her entire life.
“I see incredible potential in the next generation. One of my passions is equipping and supporting young leaders” she said. “I love working with young people and I am currently working as a youth worker at my church. My job includes mentoring high school students and co-leading a Friday night activity program for students in my local community.”
“My goal is to continue to be a voice of hope for the next generation in the years to come.”
Liam Reid
Liam Reid is an aspiring public servant.
Scholarships such as this are a rare and meaningful recognition of years of effort and communicate a sense of trust in the character, leadership abilities, and future potential of the recipient.
Liam Reid
A third-year political science major, Reid is a former professional ballet dancer and graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. He also has a cumulative GPA of 4.382 and his essay, Human Rights and the European Refugee Crisis: A Poststructuralist Analysis on the Power of Discourse, was nominated for the Claudia Wright Essay Prize.
“To have been selected as a recipient of the Sir William Stephenson Scholarship has been an immense honour,” Reid said. “Scholarships such as this are a rare and meaningful recognition of years of effort and communicate a sense of trust in the character, leadership abilities, and future potential of the recipient. Receiving this award will not only serve to motivate me to pursue graduate school, but in fact will help to secure that pathway as a result of the financial support.”
The scholarship will also allow him to continue volunteering with the Political Science Students’ Association, where he focuses on bringing the University’s vibrant community together to discuss important issues and events.
After he obtains his undergraduate degree from UWinnipeg, Reid plans on attending the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs to pursue a Master’s in International Affairs.
“I will then dedicate my career to promoting interdepartmental cooperation on the topics of terrorism, foreign affairs, and economic security.”
These scholarships, established in 1984 by Sir William Stephenson through The Winnipeg Foundation, are awarded annually to one or two students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, superior leadership qualities on or off campus, and the potential to make a valuable contribution to Canada.
Learn more about the Sir William Stephenson Scholarship and view past recipient profiles.
