Generosity in Action: Scholarships and Awards at Victoria University

^{Photos by Ethan Mckibbon}

By Sally Szuster

From its earliest days, Victoria University in the University of Toronto has been guided by a clear purpose: to remove barriers to education and open doors for students with talent, curiosity and drive. That founding commitment continues to shape who we are today, reflected most powerfully in one of the most generous scholarship and bursary programs in Canada. 

That legacy was on full display at the Victoria University Student Awards Gala, held Jan. 9 in the Old Vic building. More than a celebration, the evening was a reminder of what becomes possible when students are supported academically, financially and by a community that believes in them. 

The gala brought together 425 undergraduate students from Victoria College and postgraduate theology students from Emmanuel College who received scholarships and awards, celebrating achievement across academic levels and disciplines. In Fall 2025, Victoria College students received approximately $495,000 in admission scholarships and $1.67 million in in-course awards, including renewed admission scholarships. Tuition waiver and in-course scholarships awarded to Emmanuel College students in Fall 2025 were approximately $321,430 

Students gathered for photos, enjoyed a Vic U-inspired mocktail dubbed the “Elixir of Excellence,” and watched a slideshow featuring their reflections that captured the gratitude, pride and momentum that come with being recognized. 

Those words tell the story best. 

“I am incredibly grateful for this award, not only for its financial support, but also for the reminder that the work I do and the subjects of my academic passions are valued by the Victoria College community,” said Ella Lombardi, recipient of the Mary Isabel (Park) Hodgkinson Scholarship. 

For Kaiden Beskers, recipient of the Ruby M. Jolliffe Scholarship, the award reinforced a sense of belonging. “Victoria College has become a place that feels like home,” Beskers shared. “With the support of this community, I can achieve anything I set my mind to.” 

Other students spoke about the continuity of care across generations.

“Receiving an award connects me to past generations of Vic students and affirms that they care about current Vic students and Vic as an institution,” said Katrina Eilender, recipient of the Bader Scholarship in Spanish. “It’s a way of passing the torch.” 

Lea Liao, recipient of the Elizabeth (Eastlake) Vosburgh Scholarship, described the award as both recognition and motivation. “It reminds me why I push myself,” she said. “It gives me confidence to become the person I want to be.” 

Emmanuel College theology student Khulood Khan was inspired to be tied to the university’s history of student support.  

“The honour is a tremendous source of motivation," said Khan. "Knowing that others believe in my potential and that my achievements are a continuation of someone else's legacy is inspiring, pushing me to strive for even greater success and make a positive impact on my own community.” Khan is the recipient of The Sakina Degani and Sarah Stationwala Scholarship. 

For many students, scholarships and awards do far more than ease financial pressure. They create space to focus on learning, to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom, to participate fully in university life and to imagine futures that might otherwise feel out of reach. 

“Student funding is truly transformative,” said Yvette Ali, registrar of Victoria University. “It gives students the freedom to focus on their studies, to engage deeply with their community and to pursue their ambitions with confidence. When our students are supported, they don’t just succeed, they continue to soar.” 

That support is made possible by a remarkable culture of generosity, much of it led by alumni who understand first-hand the impact of their investment.  

“Our donors, many of whom are Vic alumni, give because they believe in the power of education and in the potential of today’s students,” said Louise Yearwood, Executive Director of Alumni Affairs & Advancement.

“Their generosity and investment ensure future generations of Vic U students will thrive. We are very grateful to every donor who supports students through legacy gifts, major gifts or annual gifts. No matter the size, every donation has an impact.”  

President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda N. McEwen placed the evening within Victoria University's longer history and mission. 

“From our founding, Victoria University has understood education as a public good and access as a responsibility,” she said. “Scholarships and bursaries are one of the most meaningful ways we honour that legacy today. By investing in our students, we invest in their ideas, their leadership and the future they are shaping.” 

Each year, more than 35 per cent of Victoria College’s incoming first-year class receives a scholarship, with over $500,000 awarded annually to incoming students alone, alongside extensive in-course awards and bursaries throughout their undergraduate years. 

At Victoria University, support is not an add-on. It is foundational to who we are and it continues to change lives, one student at a time.