Introducing UCalgary’s 2020 Schulich Leaders

The University of Calgary is pleased to introduce the Schulich Leaders joining our community this fall. Three outstanding students are enrolled in the Faculty of Science and three are enrolled in the Schulich School of Engineering.

Created in 2012 by Canadian businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich, the Schulich Leader Scholarship encourages promising high school graduates to embrace STEM in their future careers. Fifty students in 20 partner universities across Canada receive the scholarship every year.

Faculty of Science leaders

Shubh Patel, Grande Prairie, Alta.

Shubh Patel is joining UCalgary from Grande Prairie with the goal of pursuing research as a career.

Patel got a taste of research when he participated in Alberta Innovates’ HYRS program, a six-week summer research program for Grade 11 students. This experience really cemented Patel’s desire to do research, and it made his decision to attend UCalgary an easy one. 

“I was drawn to UCalgary because of its renowned research program and its overwhelming support for students," says Patel. "UCalgary speaks for itself."

Patel describes receiving the Schulich Leader scholarship as a dream come true. In fact, learning he was a recipient left him speechless, he says. Aside from being a top student, Patel was active at school with sports, clubs and student council. Within his community he was part of the city’s youth council and 3D Child’s Society, a local charity that supports sick children and their families with the cost of medical treatment. He hopes to be as active in the UCalgary community.

For Patel’s mom, Sonali, his departure for UCalgary is bittersweet, but a necessary step in his journey.

“This is a great achievement for him and his bright future,” she says.

Raunak Sandhu, Calgary

As a student with a long-time passion for STEM, receiving the Schulich Leaders scholarship is fitting.

Raunak Sandhu says he received support for his interest in STEM, particularly math, since Grade 6 and is excited to continue his studies at UCalgary.

“I’m looking forward to focus on studying something I’m interested in and meeting like-minded people,” he says. “I’m really thankful and excited.”

Sandhu has already had some experience with UCalgary. He travelled to the European Innovation Academy in Portugal for an education startup launch with Haskayne School of Business professor Noreen Irvine, and enjoyed his interactions with the instructors and students on the trip.

Staying close to home means he can also keep up with his extracurriculars. In addition to being an accomplished student, Sandhu plays badminton competitively both at the provincial and national levels. He launched the badminton club at his school, where he mentors other students, he was captain of the volleyball team in high school, and hopes to help coach at school during this upcoming school year.

His dad, Rupa Sandhu, is a UCalgary alumnus and is excited for what lies ahead.

“I’m truly proud. This is a huge accomplishment,” he says.

Philippa Madill, Drayton Valley, Alta.

Hands-on learning, opportunities to study abroad, internships, and numerous student clubs were some of the reasons Philippa Madill wanted to attend UCalgary. She joins us this fall as a Schulich Leader.

Madill, who hails from Drayton Valley, is aiming for a dual degree in computer science and software engineering.

“I hope to work in robotics and AI, a field with a lot of potential to break barriers for women in [STEM],” she says.

Madill’s parents say the application for this scholarship put her accomplishments into perspective. She has been hosting fundraisers for the Stollery Children’s Hospital since 2006, was president of her high school’s student union, has been on the grad committee, worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor, and competed in lifesaving sport provincially for seven years. This summer, she’s spent time making face coverings for members of her community who are immunocompromised.

“We could not be any prouder of Philippa. Being awarded the Schulich Leadership scholarship is a massive honour and will open doors for Philippa that may not have been possible,” say Susan and Sean Madill. “We know she will take this opportunity and continue to make a difference in her community.”  

Schulich School of Engineering leaders

Cole Roberts, Calgary

Becoming a Schulich Leader has been a goal several years in the making for Cole Roberts.

The born-and-raised Calgarian began his scholarship research in Grade 10. When he saw the Schulich Leaders criteria, Roberts says it made him realize this was a network of scholars he wanted to be a part of. He arrives at UCalgary with several accomplishments that include being a member of student council and leading a charity initiative for Operation Eyesight, an organization that aims to eliminate avoidable blindness.

Roberts hopes his UCalgary engineering degree will open new opportunities to be a part of global projects that focus on sustainability.

“I’m looking forward to working towards something I’m passionate about,” Roberts says.

Receiving the Schulich Leaders scholarship and beginning his studies at UCalgary is cause for twice the excitement for Roberts’ parents — his mom is a proud UCalgary alumna.

“Cole will be able to share and expand upon his passion for engineering with his peers within an excellent academic setting and a vibrant school community,” say Carey and Michelle Roberts. “He will be able to pursue his interests as a Dino this fall, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what the future holds for him.”

Jenna Murphy, Canmore, Alta.

Inspired by the success of two of her high school alumni, Jenna Murphy is now the third Schulich Leader to come out of her Canmore school and the second to attend UCalgary.

Murphy, who is looking to specialize in mechanical engineering, is excited to be in Calgary and part of the Schulich network.

“UCalgary has a really great engineering program, resources, and engineering clubs,” she says.

Murphy was involved in many extracurriculars in her community and at school. She is a competitive highland dancer, was part of her high school sustainability club, and a committee leader on her high school student council. She’s also competed at iGem, an international competition hosted at MIT that UCalgary’s own undergraduate students compete in. During her iGem experience she won the Chairman’s Award, an award that goes to the team that most embodies the competition’s values.

“We are incredibly proud of Jenna. It’s wonderful to see her hard work recognized and rewarded with this outstanding scholarship,” say Leah and Dean Murphy. “We hope she meets great people and discovers areas of interest that she really enjoys, and that she has a great time with the amazing opportunity of being a Schulich Leader.”

Michael Kohlman, Calgary

With the emphasis on strong academics, leadership and volunteerism, Michael Kohlman found that the Schulich Leaders scholarship was the perfect award for him to apply for.

UCalgary was Kohlman’s top choice of universities to attend. He was impressed by all it had to offer its students, particularly the community support which he’s already received from upper classmen. He’s looking forward to being as active at UCalgary as he was in high school, where he was an executive on several student clubs. Kohlman also hopes that he continues to make a difference in his community with the projects he works on in the future.

“I hope the things I build help people or inspire people,” he says, adding it would be a dream come true to have the opportunity to contribute to building the new arena in Calgary.

To Kohlman’s parents, it’s no surprise he’s on this career path.

“From Grades 10 to 12, he consistently challenged himself both in academics … and in volunteering to take on additional responsibilities,” say Linda and Gerry Kohlman. “He has always been a determined, dedicated learner. We are not surprised he chose engineering and the [STEM] field of studies.”

Schulich Foundation doubles its endowment

With the Schulich Foundation doubling its endowment for this scholarship, UCalgary is welcoming triple the number of Schulich Leaders, three in science, and three in engineering. These undergraduate scholarships of $100,000 or $80,000 each encourage high-achieving students to pursue a future in STEM.