Undergraduate Student Award Recipients – 2021
Be inspired! Congratulations to this year’s award recipients, not only highly dedicated to their studies, they give back to the community in remarkable ways.
Olava Grunau
R.A. MacKay Award in Political Science
This year, the R.A. Mackay Award was given to Olava Grunau in recognition of her academic achievement and commitment to the Political Science student community. In her first year of studies, she maintained an outstanding CGPA, and also interned with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Indonesia to support its mission to further global peace and security by mitigating drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism. In addition to her academic work, Olava played an instrumental role in planning and hosting AIESEC Carleton’s Women Leading Social Change event for the campus community.
The R.A. MacKay Award in Political Science was endowed by the late Dr. Robert Alexander Mackay (1894-1979), who was a distinguished scholar in Canadian government, a senior member of the Department of External Affairs, professor of political science at Carleton University from 1961, and founding associate director of the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, 1966-68.
Shireen Faisal
Vered Foundation Scholarship
The Vered Foundation Scholarship was awarded to Shireen Faisal in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement in the Political Science program and her leadership and commitment to the Carleton community and beyond. In addition to her dedication to studies, Shireen has been a member of the Carleton Political Science Society executive, and actively involved in planning and organizing academic and professional events for her fellow students. She has also contributed to the broader community through her political advocacy work with Indigenous peoples and First Nations organizations to help restore and enhance self-governance practices, rights, and institutions.
Ryan Pedersen
David J. Bellamy Memorial Scholarship
The Bellamy Scholarship was endowed in honour of David J. Bellamy (1940-2004), who was both a graduate of and valued faculty member in Carleton’s Department of Political Science. The scholarship is awarded to an outstanding undergraduate honours student in their final year of the program. It was awarded to Ryan Pedersen for his academic excellence and his perseverance and dedication to his studies going into his final year.
Shayna Snucins-Earl
Garret Elsey Memorial Award
This year, the Garrett Elsey Memorial Award has been awarded to Shayna Snucins-Earl, who has been a tireless volunteer on campus and off, in addition to maintaining a record of academic excellence throughout her program. Shayna has volunteered with WUSC Carleton and Engineers without Borders Carleton, helping to raise awareness of international development issues and promote youth political engagement within the Carleton and broader communities. She also participated in Carleton Model Parliament and other extracurricular activities in the Carleton University community.
The Garrett Elsey Memorial award was endowed in memory of Garrett Elsey, BAHons/2012, by his family and many friends to celebrate his love of learning, generosity, adventurous spirit, active involvement in Carleton campus life and being a proud Canadian. It is awarded to a student in their graduating year who, in addition to maintaining the academic levels of the degree program, has been an active participant in extracurricular activities at the University.
Shaolin-Rose Gawat
Hume Wrong Scholarship
In addition to academic excellence, this year’s winner of the Hume Wrong Scholarship, Shaolin-Rose Gawat, has contributed to numerous Carleton clubs and organizations, from the Climbing Club to the Carleton University Filipino Student Association to the Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority. She has also contributed her efforts to raising awareness of mental health issues and promoting wellness initiatives on campus, such as through the Student Mental Health Engagement and Advisory Committee, and the Carleton Wellness Fund.
The Hume Wrong Scholarship was established and endowed in 1962 by Mrs. Hume Wrong in memory of her late husband, Humphrey Hume Wrong (1894-1954) who was a distinguished Canadian historian, professor, career diplomat, and Canada’s ambassador to the United States. The Scholarship is awarded to a leading third year student preceding the final year of their program.
Tinu Akinwande
Carl G. Jacobsen Peace Prize
This year, the Prize was awarded to Tinu Akinwande for her work in promoting social justice through advocacy for equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives both on and off-campus. She served as Vice President for Student Issues for the Carleton University Students Association (CUSA) which spearheaded the #GotJustice? and Minwadjiya-n! campaigns. She worked on Carleton’s EDI Action Committee, and she played an integral role in spreading awareness for Nigeria’s #ENDSARS movement. She also worked to raise awareness of mental health issues by promoting the Pop the Stigma campaign on campus.
The Carl G. Jacobsen Peace Prize is named in honour of Carl G. Jacobsen, who was Professor of Political Science (International Affairs and Conflict Studies) and Director of the Eurasian Security Studies Research Unit at Carleton University, and former Director of the Independent Committee on War Crimes in the Balkans. It is awarded to an outstanding student who is studying in the area of peace and conflict resolution.
The Honourable Walter Baker Memorial Scholarship
in Political Science
The Honourable Walter Baker Memorial Scholarship is given in memory of The Honourable Walter Baker (1930-1983), a distinguished graduate of Carleton University and Canadian Parliamentarian. The award is granted to students who have demonstrated high academic standing and political leadership or involvement in politics with the Carleton community and beyond. In addition to their academic achievements, we have listed some of the inspiring work our 2021 recipients have accomplished.
Rianna Lim
Rianna in the final year of a double major in Political Science and Journalism and has applied her knowledge and skills to promote and enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives in the Carleton community, especially among student clubs and societies, including the Carleton International Relations Society and the Carleton University Debate and Speech Club.
Stella Oliver
In addition to academic excellence, Stella is a dedicated athlete and committed to representing Carleton as a member of Carleton’s women’s varsity soccer team. Through her hard work and sportsmanship, and her contributions at the campus Sports Medicine Clinic, Stella helps make Carleton an encouraging and supportive environment for students to excel in both academics and sport.
Rachel Fiset
Rachel is an excellent student and dedicated member of the Carleton community. In addition to her high academic achievement, she is an active member of the Carleton Political Science Student Society (CPSSS), first serving as the second-year representative and now as the incoming Vice President (Academics), providing opportunities for students to engage in academic, professional, and social activities on campus. She has also volunteered as Director of Volunteer Engagement with the Campus Activity Board and as Peer Mentor during Orientation.
Sophie Ehlebracht
Sophie is dedicated student-athlete, demonstrating leadership and commitment to both sport and academics. She is an active member of Carleton’s Varsity Women’s Soccer team, and also volunteers her time with the Paul Menton Centre, Carleton’s Athletes Combatting Racism organization, and a number of campus events to raise mental health awareness. Sophie has also contributed to the broader community by coaching budding young soccer players through the Junior Ravens program and local soccer clubs.
James Prowse
James is an excellent student and valued volunteer with the Department of Political Science and the Faculty of Public Affairs. He is an FPA Ambassador and has lent his enthusiasm to new student recruitment and outreach. He also served as the Chairman and Chief Executive of Carleton’s Academic Student Government and volunteered with the Paul Menton Centre. James is dedicated to raising awareness of homelessness and alleviating some of the hardships faced by many in our local community. To this end, he co-founded Carleton’s CU for the Homeless initiative to inspire Ravens to act on assisting our community’s most vulnerable citizens.
Charlene Herrera
Charlene has been very involved in extracurricular activities on and off campus throughout her three years at Carleton. She has volunteered with and participated in the annual Carleton Model Parliament that is organized by the Carleton Political Science Student Society. She is also an active member of the Carleton United Nations Society and the Carleton University New Democrats. Charlene is a tireless advocate for lasting peace in the world. She is a community organizer with the Ontario Human Rights Committee of the Philippines, Migrante Ottawa, and the Anti-Imperialist Alliance Ottawa, and has helped organize anti-war events and demonstrations in Ottawa.
Fatima Al-Anazi
Fatima has demonstrated commitment and perseverance in her academic work and achieved high academic standing despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. She is a co-op student doing a double major in Political Science and Law.
Scholarships for Current Students
In addition to entrance scholarships, there are a number of scholarships available for students currently enrolled in the Political Science program. The awards and their value are announced each spring. Eligible students are encouraged to submit a nomination and application to the Department when the announcement is made. For more information about these Awards, please refer to the University’s extensive scholarships list.
Additional information about entrance scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid can be found through the Awards and Financial Aid website, or you can contact the Awards Office.