In celebration of the Adler University 2022-23 scholarship recipients and the generous donors who made them possible, students and friends of the institution gathered together for the inaugural Vancouver Scholarship Award Reception.
The Nov. 1 event also helped raise awareness of donor- and University-funded scholarships available to students and the work of the Adler University Vancouver Foundation.
“The inaugural scholarship celebration was meaningful on so many levels,” said Brad O’Hara, Ph.D., executive dean of the Vancouver Campus. “Not only were we able to spotlight the University’s commitment to student scholarships and the Foundation’s excellent work in raising money for this important issue, but we were also able to recognize our students, along with their friends and families, and thank our faculty, staff, donors, and Board of Trustees for their generosity and support of students. It was a joy to celebrate Adler University together.”
The recipients of the Dash Richardson Scholarship and Brad O’Hara, Ph.D., executive dean of the Vancouver Campus (left), celebrate at the inaugural Vancouver Scholarship Award Reception.
The donor-funded scholarships celebrated during the Vancouver Scholarship Award Reception included:
- Dash Richardson Scholarship: Established in 2020 and funded by Pamela and Dave Richardson, this multi-year scholarship was awarded to five Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology students in honour of their son, Dash Richardson. The 2023 recipients were Shelley Walker, Shahin Sanaei Seisan, Colleen McCutcheon, Carly McDonell, and Yasaman Madanikia. The value of the award was $30,000 per recipient over three years.
- Kelty and Riley Dennehy Scholarship: Established in 2020 and funded by Ginny and Kerry Dennehy, this endowed scholarship is awarded to up to two students whose program focuses on children and youth. This year’s recipient is Shawna Dash, who recently completed her Master’s in Counselling Psychology. The value of the award was $1,000.
- Younger Scholarship: Established in 2019 and funded by Alastair Younger and the Younger family, the $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a continuing Psy.D. student. This year’s recipient is Oluwatosin Alli Ayisat.
- Joy MacPhail Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) Leadership Scholarship: Established in 2023 and awarded to a domestic or international MPPA student who identifies as female and demonstrates a commitment to change and leadership, the $10,000 scholarship was awarded to Pamela Kaye Tuazon.
- Clair Ladner Hawes Scholarship: Established in 2018 and funded by David Kirkpatrick, the $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a full-time second-year student in the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology or Master of Counselling Psychology programs. This year’s recipient is Becky Bradley.
- Dean’s Equity and Impact Scholarship: Established in 2021 and funded by a leadership gift from Dr. O’Hara and annual donors, the $5,000 scholarship is awarded to five students conducting their Social Justice Practicum. This year’s recipients are: Antoinette Andoh-Quayson, Rebecca Watt, Shovon Banik, Vano Jalabadze, and Zahra Lakhdir.
In addition to these donor-funded scholarships, the event also celebrated over 120 recipients from 11 University-funded scholarships such as:
- Alum Scholarships: Designed to support alums and recognize their achievements.
- Community Partner Scholarship, awarded to full-time employees at one of Adler University’s community partner sites who are accepted to the MPPA program.
- Hogan’s Alley Scholarship: Awarded to students who show a commitment to community building or activism as portrayed in their admissions application materials.
- Indigenous Student Scholarship: Awarded to indigenous students upon acceptance to any program at the University.
- International Student Scholarships: Awarded to international students who are committed to social interest and dedicated to improving their local community.
Scholarship recipients and donors pose for a group photo during the inaugural Vancouver Scholarship Award Reception.
The event included remarks from Dr. O’Hara, Marc Dubé, general manager at Together We Can, and several student speakers who shared their stories, highlighting the importance of the scholarships and continued support from generous donors.
“At Adler University, our mission is to prepare future mental health practitioners and graduate social justice leaders while creating an equitable and inclusive community,” Dr. O’Hara said. “It is a pleasure to see our students in action, and I’m so grateful to our community for supporting them in their journey.”