Awards Night 2020

Awards Night 2020 Unveils Two New Scholarships

Burman presented 96 scholarships and awards that totaled $181,740. Diane Southcott, director of donor and alumni relations, reports that two new scholarships were added to the roster this year: The Service Scholarship for Education Majors and the Edith Fitch Memorial Volunteer Scholarship.

In mid-March, Burman University encouraged all students President emeritus J. D. Victor and Gem Fitch established the to return to their places of permanent residence in response Edith Fitch Memorial Volunteer Scholarship. This scholarship to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the annual Awards Night, honours Victor’s sister Edith’s life of service through eight recognizing student excellence, took place on March 26 years of teaching in the public school system followed by 33 as scheduled—only in a unique years in Adventist education. format. The entire program was run by live stream on the university website and was well-attended (virtually, of course) by students, faculty, staff, and community members. President and Mrs. Fitch explain, “In addition to teaching, volunteering in the church and community was always integral to Edith’s life. After retirement, she volunteered for almost 20 years in the archives The Service Scholarship for department of Burman University Education Majors, new this year, for a total of over 20,000 hours.” acknowledges and encourages volunteerism in the community as a habit of life and awards five students $1,000 each every year. This annual $1,000 scholarship was established to recognize a student who, while pursuing fulltime studies, is actively involved The anonymous donor writes, in volunteer activities either on or “Contributing to the community off-campus. results in increased skills, selfconfidence, and self-esteem. “Awarding student excellence People who are active in their local community are known is a great honour. Each year our to experience positive physical outstanding students receive the and mental health benefits as acknowledgement they deserve they provide needed support for because of our many donors various causes. Each weekend who have firmly committed to Burman students faithfully serve in their churches, neighbourhoods, strengthen Burman’s mission. and schools. This scholarship We are so very grateful for their acknowledges this selfless service.” generous and whole-hearted Students applying for this support.” scholarship must identify and President Loren Agrey describe the service projects they have been involved in. Those scoring highest in service will be Alumni—keep in touch at www.burmanu.ca the successful candidates. Although presenters and recipients were separated by hundreds to thousands of miles, the annual Awards Night was carefully crafted to be a very personal event. Via the Zoom streaming service, awardees were recognized for both academic and service achievements with the added benefit of families and friends joining the festivities.