Ten incoming first-year students will receive the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarships, which provide significant funding to undergraduates studying science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM).
Businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich established the $200-million scholarship fund in 2012 to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurial-minded, technology innovators. Scholarships are awarded annually to first-year STEM students at 20 partner Canadian universities.
Recipients pursuing an engineering degree receive $120,000, while those pursuing a science, technology, or math degree receive $100,000.
“Schulich Leader Scholarships enable Canada’s top universities to attract and retain our exceptional STEM talent here at home, empowering them to become the innovators and entrepreneurs our country needs,” says Schulich. “When these scholars go on to drive prosperity and strengthen our economy, Canada must ensure the right economic conditions exist so they can build their promising futures here. Supporting their entrepreneurial ambition is essential for turning Canadian ingenuity into lasting national success.”
The 10 recipients joining Queen’s this fall are:
- Yamen Abuelyazed, Kingston, Ont.
- Phoenix Allen, South Slocan, B.C.
- Aden Blanchette, Timmins, Ont.
- Andrew Chisholm, Belleville, Ont.
- Levi Driscoll, Charlottetown, P.E.I.
- Tori Elkington, Kingston, Ont.
- Regan Lane, Tecumseh, Ont.
- Callum Otten, Jordan Station, Ont.
- Daniel Quintero, North York, Ont.
- Sophia Sangiuliano, Collingwood, Ont.
“We are incredibly proud to welcome this year’s Schulich Leaders to Queen’s,” says Corinna Fitzgerald, Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs. “These students have already distinguished themselves through their leadership, curiosity, and determination to make a difference. We are excited to support them as they continue to grow and contribute to our campus and communities beyond. We are also deeply grateful to the Schulich Foundation for its continued investment in Canada’s future through its support of young leaders in STEM.”
For 2025 recipient Andrew Chisholm, the award is more than just financial support – it’s a launchpad for purpose-driven innovation.
“Receiving the Schulich Leader Scholarship means the world to me,” says Chisholm. “It has given me the freedom to pursue engineering with a full heart and a clear focus – not only to explore sustainable solutions through design, but also to start building projects that will leave lasting impact. I’m incredibly grateful to be joining such a supportive and inspiring community at Queen’s.”
Like Chisholm, Callum Otten sees the scholarship as an opportunity to move forward with confidence and focus.
“The Schulich Leadership Scholarship is a gift I am truly grateful for,” says Otten. “It provides significant financial relief while also setting me up for success with excellent networking possibilities. Receiving the award shows the vote of confidence the Schulich Foundation has in me, and I hope to do them proud in my studies at ĂŰĚŇ´«Ă˝ and in my career.”
Every high school in Canada can submit one Schulich Leader nominee per academic year based on entrepreneurial leadership and financial need. This year, out of a pool of 350,000 potential candidates, more than 1,400 students were nominated, of which 100 received the award.
More information is available from the .
Just as the Schulich Leader Scholarships support young people at the start of their academic journeys, Seymour Schulich’s book Get Smarter was written to share key life lessons, wisdom, and strategies with young people embarking on their careers. Read his new addendum to Get Smarter here.
