Receiving scholarship support has allowed her to focus on her studies, and on immersing herself in learning opportunities outside the classroom, says Katrina Bahnam.

A third-year student in the law and politics program, she earned a president’s entrance award, a Lumley scholarship, and a bursary named for late political science professor Martha Lee.

“One of the biggest worries for me in high school was how I would afford a university education,” Bahnam recalls. “The scholarships allowed me to afford school, but I still need to work.”

She holds campus jobs as a teaching assistant and a research appointment through the Outstanding Scholars program.

“If I could speak to some of the donors who support these funds, I would want to let them know how much I appreciate the opportunities they have given me,” says Bahnam. “It may not seem big to them, but to me it’s helping me make a difference.”

She plans a career in environmental law, acknowledging the ecological challenges facing her generation, but Bahnam isn’t waiting until she graduates to take on responsibility.

She serves as president of the UWindsor Mock Trial Association; the Society for Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; and WE Students United — a campus offshoot of the United Way charity.

“Any sort of involvement can make a difference,” Bahnam says. “I feel very privileged to have received these honours.”

The Annual Giving Program supports UWindsor students, ensuring their access to post-secondary education and enabling them to achieve their potential. Employees may direct their gift to the area they feel most passionate about, including any faculty, department, or scholarship.

For a chance to win one of these incentive prizes, donations to the faculty, staff, and retiree campaign must be made by Jan. 17:

• a free vacation day;
• two subscriptions to University Players;
• a UWindsor sweater, courtesy of the Campus Bookstore;
• tickets to concerts by the School of Creative Arts.

To make a tax-deductible donation online — including by convenient payroll deduction — visit uwindsor.ca/donate or contact Annual Giving Program co-ordinator Chris Knack at 519-253-3000, ext. 4279, or cknack@uwindsor.ca.