Strength to Strength Campaign Report
The William and Nona Heaslip Scholarships
Gifts to the College take many forms, and all are important, but few have as direct an impact on the lives of deserving students as the William and Nona Heaslip Scholarships.
The Heaslip Scholarships are one of Trinity’s largest-ever student awards, and were one of the first major gifts to the Strength to Strength Campaign. Valued at $15,000 each, the scholarships are awarded to a pair of students entering their second year who demonstrate financial need, academic ability and involvement in College and community life, and they are renewable for the third and fourth years of study.
As the late Mr. Heaslip was not able himself to attend university due to the unfortunate timing of the Depression, it was his intention, Mrs. Heaslip says, to assist promising students who would otherwise have to seek employment to fund their studies. “Instead of using their time outside of class for work, they can get involved in all the activities the College has to offer,” she says. “It makes for a much better university experience.”
Her husband, she says, believed that an important measure of an individual’s success is their contribution to society. “I continue to be impressed by the internationalism of these students. Bill hoped that the recipients of these scholarships would bring their knowledge and their acculturation back to Canada. Their achievements are a wonderful tribute to him.”
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“Peace of mind.” That’s what a Heaslip
Scholarship has meant to Lina Nikolova ’12. |
Raised by a single mom, Daniel Bennett ’12 is certainly no stranger to hard work. |
“Last year I had trouble concentrating on academics because I was working so much,” says the philosophy student. “This year I’ve been able to devote a lot more time to school work and to extracurricular activities.”
Those activities include working with the University of Toronto Philosophy Course Union; helping to promote Trinity events and traditions as resident co-head of second year; and teaching rock climbing - a passion she had to give up last year. Nikolova also has her sights set on grad school, now a realistic possibility because the scholarship means she can finish her undergrad degree without a crippling debt load.
It’s a remarkable journey for a young woman who arrived in Canada from Bulgaria just 10 years ago, speaking no English – and thanks to William and Nona Heaslip, it’s a journey that’s just beginning. |
A neuroscience specialist and psychology major, Bennett worked last year as a research assistant at St. Michael’s Hospital and coached kids’ figure skating.
But thanks to a Heaslip Scholarship, he has seen his grades improve, and has found the time to take on a more dramatic role – literally – as president of the Trinity College Dramatic Society and director of this spring’s The Wiz.
“I want to try to put us back on the University of Toronto drama map, and showcase the talent around Trinity,” he says. He is also involved with Rainbow Trin, and is resident co-head of second year.
Down the road, Bennett is considering specializing in autism, but for now, he is enjoying the opportunity to participate fully in College life. |
