Two incoming SFU undergraduates net prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarship

Evan Dyce and Maya Rink, two of Simon Fraser University’s newest undergraduate students, are recipients of the Schulich Leader Scholarship, one of Canada’s largest and most prestigious awards for high school graduates pursuing a university education in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM).

Dyce is being awarded a $80,000 mathematics scholarship and looks forward to studying computer science, while Rink will receive a $100,000 engineering scholarship and is looking to major in engineering science.

Both students are thrilled to be chosen for such a competitive award and grateful for the opportunities it will provide.

“The support of the Schulich Leader Scholarship means so much to me,” says Dyce. “I’ll be able to fully immerse myself in my studies and focus on becoming a part of my new community while I’m at SFU. It also allows me move and live closer to campus rather than commute from Aldergrove,” he says.

Rink expresses similar sentiments. “I’m so appreciative of the support and opportunities the Schulich Leader Scholarship brings. I’m grateful to be so well-supported as I start focusing on my interest in engineering technology.”

When asked if she has any particular areas she’d like to focus on, Rink notes that backpacking on Vancouver Island recently and working as a lifeguard have made her think about the importance of building innovative and sustainable technology for clean, potable water.

“Right now, I’m really interested in advancing water filtration,” says Rink. “I find the technology for filtering water that would otherwise be unsafe to drink to be very interesting and I think the engineering science aspect of that field will be really fascinating.”

Dyce’s interest in computer programming—which comes partially from his dad—was ignited while he completed online schooling during the pandemic.

As a capstone high school project, he developed Find-a-Pet, an app that connects adoptable pets around North America with people seeking furry companions. “It included a feature where you can swipe right or left on a photo of pets you like or don’t like—much like Tinder. It was a fun way to exercise my coding skills,” he says. Dyce also looks forward to furthering his software engineering and computer sciences skills when he starts at SFU in the fall.

Dyce and Rink are among just 100 recipients across the country, chosen out of a pool of 1,400 student nominees throughout Canada. Of the 100 recipients, half will receive $100,000 to pursue an engineering degree and half will receive $80,000 to pursue a science, technology or mathematics degree at 20 Canadian partner universities.

“We are proud to celebrate more than 10 years of Schulich Leader Scholarships, the premiere STEM scholarship program in Canada and the world,” says program founder Seymour Schulich.

“This group of 100 outstanding students will represent the best and brightest Canada has to offer and will make great contributions to society, both on a national and global scale. With their university expenses covered, they can focus their time on their studies, research projects, extracurriculars, and entrepreneurial ventures. They are the next generation of entrepreneurial-minded, technology innovators.”

About Schulich Leader Scholarships Canada

Recognizing the increasing importance and impact that STEM disciplines will have on the prosperity of future generations, businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich established this $100+ million scholarship fund in 2012 to encourage our best and brightest students to become Schulich Leader Scholars: the next generation of entrepreneurial-minded, technology innovators.

Through the Schulich Foundation, these prestigious entrance scholarships are awarded to 100 high school graduates enrolling in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) undergraduate program at 20 partner universities in Canada. Every high school in Canada can submit one Schulich Leader Nominee per academic year based on academic excellence in STEM, entrepreneurial leadership and financial need.