Highland Secondary school graduate Jeffrey Travis is focusing on his studies at Vancouver Island University (VIU) with few financial worries.
That’s because he received a tuition-free President’s Entrance Scholarship for Scholar Athletes valued at approximately $3,500 each and renewable for up to five years.
Travis, enrolled in VIU’s Bachelor of Science program at the Nanaimo campus, is a member of VIU’s Mariner men’s soccer team, which recently won a national silver medal. He graduated from Highland Secondary in Comox last June.
“Receiving the scholarship is great,” said Travis. “It eases my financial burden significantly and allows me to concentrate on my studies and playing soccer for the Mariners.”
Travis said he’s enjoying his second semester at the Nanaimo campus where, “There’s a good sense of community and everyone is friendly and welcoming.”
Travis and 12 other scholarship winners were formally recognized at a president’s reception at VIU on March 6.
“We are very proud of these top academic students and delighted to support them with scholarships,” said VIU president and vice-chancellor Dr. Ralph Nilson. “These students have worked very hard and we believe they deserve recognition and support in continuing their post-secondary studies without financial stress.
“As VIU grows and evolves, our priority remains directed toward the needs of our students,” Nilson added. “We anticipate many ‘Presidential Scholars in the years to come.”
The President’s Scholarship program was created in 2008 when VIU became a full university. Awards are designed to encourage and support top scholars to continue and complete their post-secondary studies locally at VIU.
Under the program, President’s Entrance Scholarships are awarded annually to the top academic student in each public high school on Vancouver Island and in Powell River.
VIU issues up to eight annual President’s Entrance Awards for Scholar Athletes. Eligible students must be top academic varsity athletes as selected and recruited by the coaching staff in the men’s and women’s volleyball, basketball, soccer, badminton and golf programs.
Up to six Chancellor’s Award Scholarships for aboriginal students are awarded each year to top academic applicants from First Nations communities, Friendship Centres and Métis organizations on Vancouver Island and in Powell River. Applicants can be recent graduates or mature students who are returning to school.
Top students in each academic faculty at VIU receive scholarships if they continue their post-secondary studies into their third year.
The president’s scholarship program covers tuition only. Additional fees, including student union fees, student activity fees and medical/dental plans must be covered by the student.
Providing students continue to meet course load requirements and maintain a first-class standing, their scholarships may be renewed for the duration of their four-year degree to a maximum of five years.
For more information, contact VIU’s Financial Aid and Awards office at 250-740-6423 or FinancialAidInfo@viu.ca
For more about VIU, visit www.viu.ca.
— Vancouver Island University