Two U of M students receive Canada’s largest STEM scholarship
Viktor Popp // Photo: Katie Chalmers-Brooks
Grant Legaree and Viktor Popp have been named the University of Manitoba’s recipients of the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarships.
Created in 2011 by Canadian business leader and philanthropist Seymour Schulich, this annual scholarship program encourages promising high school graduates to embrace STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) in their future careers. This year, there were over 1,500 Schulich Leader nominees from across Canada vying for 50 scholarships, valued at up to $80,000 each. Since inception, 220 students have received this celebrated scholarship.
Viktor Popp, 18, is a recipient of the $80,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship. A graduate of Erickson Collegiate Institute in Erickson, MB, Popp will be entering the Faculty of Engineering this fall. Popp was selected for his outstanding academic and extra-curricular achievements: while maintaining exceptional grades he lead a campaign to raise money for cancer research and he facilitated a 4-H fun day for children in his community.
Grant Legaree // Photo: Schulich Leader Scholarships
Grant Legaree, 18, is a recipient of the $60,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship. A graduate of Atikokan High School in Atikokan, ON, Legaree will be entering the Faculty of Science this fall. Legaree was selected for his outstanding academic and extra-curricular achievements: achieving the highest grades in his school while playing on four sports teams, and raising over $8,000 for melanoma research after he lost his sister to the cancer.
“It is very important that we support exceptional students that demonstrate great leadership and embrace STEM fields,” says Schulich. “It is an investment not only in their future, but the future of our country. Their pursuits are sure to lead to key innovations in the years ahead.”
Schulich Leader Scholarships are prestigious entrance scholarships awarded to high school graduates enrolling in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) undergraduate program at participating universities in Canada and Israel. Recognizing the increasing importance and impact that STEM disciplines will have on the prosperity of future generations, businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich established this $100 million scholarship fund in 2011 to encourage our best and brightest students to be the next pioneers of global scientific research and innovation. This program awards 100 scholarships annually, valued at more than $5.5 million. Schulich Leaders can devote their full time and attention to their studies, as all of their financial needs are covered over the course of their degree. As a result, many of our highest potential students are winning these scholarships and will make great contributions to society.