Atlantic Business Leaders of Tomorrow Earn Scholarships
Six University Students in Atlantic Canada Receive 2011 Frank H. Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business Studies and $10,000 Scholarships
STELLARTON, N.S. – Six business students studying at Atlantic Canadian universities will each receive $10,000 as recipients of the 2011 Frank H. Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business Studies. Nominated by the deans of business at each university, the recipients are recognized for academic standing, entrepreneurial interest, extracurricular and community activities, and career aspirations. More than $830,000 has been awarded to aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs since 1989.
“The level of academic excellence and leadership skill shown by these students is truly extraordinary,” said David F. Sobey, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Frank H. Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business Studies. “We take great pride in supporting the university studies of this year’s recipients as they continue to challenge themselves academically, give back to their communities, and advance their overall knowledge of the business world.”
The six recipients of the 2011 Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies are:
Louis Westergard, Saint Mary’s University
Louis Westergard is a fourth-year student at Saint Mary’s University. Louis, originally from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, is fluently bilingual and has become an active leader in the Saint Mary’s student community. As the most senior member of the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) and its current vice president of finance, Louis helped drive a dramatic increase in student membership and expanded program activities. Louis has secured an internship with a professional services firm in Calgary, Alberta, with plans to continue his studies to become a Chartered Accountant and pursue a career in Nova Scotia.
Gorica Kurilic, Dalhousie University
Gorica Kurilic is an MBA student at Dalhousie University who is committed to education and improving the lives of others. Originally from Yugoslavia, Gorica has resided in Halifax, Nova Scotia for the past 15 years excelling in academics and giving back to her community. Gorica has earned numerous scholarships and participated in fundraising initiatives such as the CIBC Run for the Cure and the Salvation Army Santa Shuffle. Upon graduation, Gorica is planning a career in Marketing with an organization that strives to improve the lives and health of Atlantic Canadians.
Timothy Frazer, University of New Brunswick
Timothy Frazer is a second-year MBA student at the University of New Brunswick with a passion for entrepreneurship. He is a team leader of the International Business and Entrepreneurship Centre’s Activator program, which pairs students with entrepreneurs looking to transform their ideas into a business reality. Timothy has created a strong group in each of the three Activator courses, taken initiative to explore new trends and research for clients, and shown extraordinary leadership throughout his time at UNB. He also volunteers at the Harvest House shelter in his hometown of Moncton. In the future, Timothy plans to own and operate a business and obtain a PhD in the field of entrepreneurship.
Samuel Imbeault, Mount Allison University
Samuel Imbeault is a third-year Commerce student at Mount Allison University. Samuel is from Shediac, New Brunswick and spends his free time tutoring other students, coaching youth hockey and lacrosse teams, and working with the Imbeault Family Foundation. Samuel has earned a spot on the Dean’s list at Mount Allison University and ranked top GPA in the Commerce program his first and second years. Samuel hopes to maintain his academic excellence throughout his education and pursue a graduate degree at an Ivy League university. His long term career plans are focused on a leadership role in a multinational company based in Atlantic Canada.
Genevieve Taylor, St. Francis Xavier University
Genevieve is a fourth-year business student at St. Francis Xavier University majoring in Accounting. Originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, Genevieve has proven her commitment to her studies and the community through excellence in academics, recreation, and volunteer work. As a top student, Genevieve has earned a place on the dean’s list annually since her freshman year. Following her current studies, Genevieve is planning to pursue a Chartered Accountant designation and a law degree, with aspirations to work in a corporate financial advisory role in a public company.
Kyle Smith, University of Prince Edward Island
A native of Prince Edward Island, Kyle Smith is a fourth-year student at the University of Prince Edward Island. Since his freshman year, Kyle has not only excelled academically, he has also demonstrated strong leadership through community involvement as a youth leader and embracing unique international learning opportunities. Kyle was selected as one of nine students invited to the UPEI Case Competition class for 2010/2011, has participated in international exchange programs and regularly works with international students to help integrate them into the university’s culture. Following his undergraduate degree, Kyle would like to continue his studies at law school.
In addition to the Award recipients, the following four students each received Honourable Mention and a prize of $1,000.
Matthew Balsor – Acadia University
Sarah Fisher – Memorial University of Newfoundland
Michelle Honsberger – Dalhousie University
Brittany Kerr – Cape Breton University
All finalists, as chosen by their deans, receive a $500 honorarium.
About the Frank H. Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business Studies
Each year, the Frank H. Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business Studies presents six awards of $10,000 each. All full-time business students attending Atlantic universities are eligible for consideration. Deans of Business at each university are asked to nominate candidates – based on academic standing, entrepreneurial interest, extracurricular and community activities, employment history and career aspirations.
Since their establishment in 1989, the Frank H. Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business Studies have awarded more than $830,000 to business students in the four Atlantic Provinces. Each university in the region offering a business program has had at least one recipient of a Frank H. Sobey Award.
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For further information, please contact:
Cynthia Thompson
Director, Communications and Corporate Affairs
Sobeys Atlantic
Phone: 902.752.8371 ext. 8455
