Paul Choquette describes himself as a former crack-head and heavy drug user. Today, the 37-year-old has successfully been through rehab, earned his grade 12 diploma, completed the counseling diploma at Red River College and is now in his second of three years of the University of Manitoba’s Bachelor of Social Work program offered at The William Norrie Centre.

Paul Choquette shakes hands with Winnipeg Foundation board member, Spencer Duncanson

Along with 14 other students, Paul recently received the Polly and Derek Riley Bursary: a $1,800 award based on financial need for students living within geographic proximity of the William Norrie Centre. The William Norrie Centre provides post-secondary training opportunities for mature students living in the inner city to become professional social workers and teachers.

Bursary recipients stand with members of The Winnipeg Foundation and William Norrie Centre board and staff

“Last year I had to rely on the generosity of one of my friends just to get by,” Choquette said when explaining the award’s impact. He said the bursary will help support him through this school year.

“[The bursary] provided me with lots of opportunities that I wouldn’t have had years ago,” Choquette said.

The Rileys set up their named bursary fund at The Winnipeg Foundation in 2006 to assist students with housing and living costs while attending the William Norrie Centre. The recipients are selected each year by Centre staff. More photos from the award presentation are on The Winnipeg Foundation’s Facebook page.

Tenesha Lawson grew up wanting to be an actress, then a teacher, and finally settled on pursuing a career as a television broadcaster. Whatever she chose, it was important to her that her career involved communicating with people and learning something new every day.

Tenesha graduated from Murdoch MacKay Collegiate and received the Lindon Barrett Scholarship: an award held at The Winnipeg Foundation. The scholarship was set up in memory of Lindon Barrett, a former Winnipegger who became a professor at the University of California.

“Money is a huge stress on students and their families, and I am truly glad and grateful that people understand that, and are so generous. These scholarships are more than money; they are a helping hand to a bright future.” Tenesha said during a speech at The Winnipeg Foundation’s 2011 scholarship reception. The reception highlighted scholarship donors, schools and recent recipients.

Tenesha shared her plans to complete the joint communications degree offered by the University of Winnipeg and Red River College and attend the Explore program. Explore is a Canada-wide language-exchange program that helps thousands of students improve their fluency in French and English.

“I am super excited for my future and my chosen career! I know I can say—along with others—that scholarships have a great impact on people’s lives, and they brighten many futures,” she said.

The rising costs of post secondary education can be a challenge and many students are forced to juggle classes, homework and a part time job—a tall order for these young adults! Receiving a scholarship can give a student the courage and means to pursue his or her dreams.

In 2011, The Winnipeg Foundation distributed more than $1.2 million through 850 awards. Where do these awards come from? The Foundation has the privilege of administering more than 313 scholarship funds set up by individuals, groups and organizations. Scholarship funds are created to celebrate the life of a family member, support a skill such as music, encourage excellence in academic studies or for a variety of other reasons. Whatever the motivation, a scholarship fund offers donors flexibility and the opportunity to create criteria that reflect their values.

Our role at The Winnipeg Foundation is to manage the investment of funds and ensure awards are distributed according to the donor’s wishes. We do not select recipients, but we do work closely with the sponsoring school or organization, which accepts applications and selects award recipients.

For more information about scholarship funds established at The Winnipeg Foundation, or to inquire about starting your own fund, please visit the Scholarship Funds page on our website. Alternately, you can phone the Foundation office at 204.944.9474.

Written by Pat Lilley, Student Awards Officer at The Winnipeg Foundation