At MacEwan University’s annual Grateful Gathering, donors and students came together in celebration and gratitude to mark the impact of the more than 6,500 scholarships, awards and bursaries – totalling almost $10 million in financial support – distributed to students during the last academic year.

“Grateful Gathering brings together the people whose generosity makes scholarships, awards and bursaries possible, and the students whose lives have been changed because of them,” said Lara McClelland, vice-president, University Relations. “We are reminded that generosity can shape a student's path in ways that extend far beyond the classroom and create opportunities and experiences they may never have imagined possible.”

During a fireside chat, MacEwan President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Annette Trimbee invited current students Ryan Korbutt and Maya Langevin, and alum Kass Green to share their experiences as recipients. Lisa Savill from Rupertsland Institute shared her valuable insight as a donor – in partnership with the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Métis Education Foundation, the institute has contributed more than $2 million to the university through the Métis Scholar Awards, supporting Métis students in achieving academic, artistic and athletic excellence.

“Events like this remind us that MacEwan is built on relationships between our students, our donors, our alumni, government and the wider community that supports our university,” said Dr. Trimbee. 

She wrapped up the discussion by asking each person to choose a word to describe the impact of scholarships, awards and bursaries. Their responses? Success. Relief. Value. Reciprocity.