RBC names first recipients of RBC Royal Bank scholarship
for new Canadians
Award recognizes young people who have been through the
immigration experience
TORONTO, November 17, 2007 — Seven students
from British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec were selected
from among hundreds of applicants to be the first recipients
of the RBC Royal Bank Scholarship for New Canadians. Each
will receive $2,000 toward their post-secondary education
expenses and were honored at a special dinner in Toronto this
evening.
Recognizing the important role immigration plays in Canada's
social, cultural and economic development, RBC launched this
scholarship program specifically for young people who have
been through the immigration experience. Recipients of the
scholarship were selected for their understanding of the role
that immigration played in Canada's history, compelling accounts
of their personal experiences, commitment to educational excellence
and desire to help other new Canadians.
"Our award winners come from India, China, and South
Africa, and have career aspirations in medicine, finance and
the arts," said Mark Whitmell, director, Cultural Markets.
"The willingness of our winners to share their personal
experiences is worthy of recognition and we applaud their
resourcefulness and perseverance during a time of change in
their lives. It is a pleasure to be acknowledging them through
the RBC Royal Bank Scholarship for New Canadians."
The winners of the RBC Royal Bank Scholarship for New
Canadians for 2007 are:
Elaine Deng, age 18
Country of Origin: China
Hometown: Burnaby, British Columbia
Program: Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, Vancouver
Ambition: Graphic Designer
Shradha Gaikwad, age 18
Country of Origin: India
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario
Program: Business Administration, York University, Toronto
Ambition: Accounting, Finance or Economics
Aravind Ganesh, age 17
Country of Origin: Kerala, India
Hometown: Red Deer, Alberta
Program: Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences), University
of Calgary
Ambition: Medicine
Kate Greeff, age 18
Country of Origin: Cape Town, South Africa
Hometown: Lethbridge, Alberta
Program: Bachelor of Science (biochemistry), University of
Lethbridge
Ambition: Health or Education
Kimberly Koch, age 18
Country of Origin: Cape Town, South Africa
Hometown: Merrickville, Ontario
Program: Biochemisty, McGill University, Montreal
Ambition: Medical Research
Nischal Ranganath age 18
Country of Origin: India
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario
Program: Bachelor of Health Science, McMaster University,
Hamilton
Ambition: Medicine
Mo Zhu, age 18
Country of Origin: Qingdao, China
Hometown: Barrie, Ontario
Program: Commerce, Queen's University, Kingston
Ambition: Financial Analyst
"The RBC Royal Bank Scholarship for New Canadians was
created to help new immigrant students go that much further
towards realizing their fullest potential," added Whitmell.
"We have always recognized the importance new Canadians
place on education and that many immigrant families consider
their children's education as one of their greatest priorities.
However, when we commissioned a survey of new Canadians this
year we learned that the great majority place saving for their
children's education as a greater priority than saving for
their own retirement or paying down a mortgage. It was information
like this that makes us even more pleased to recognize the
accomplishments of our seven winners."
Applicants were asked to share their views on how immigration
has shaped Canada, including personal experiences, and advice
to others going through a similar experience. The selections
were made by a judging panel comprised of school educators,
industry experts, RBC Royal Bank employees, and an independent
scholarship administrator.
For more information on award recipients along with details
about the application deadline for 2008, visit www.rbcroyalbank.com/scholarships/newcanadians/index.html
For further information on financial goals of new immigrants,
visit www.rbc.com/canada/index.html
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Media Contact:
Irene Tang, Dynasty Communications,
(905) 907-6911, ext. 220
Judi Levita, RBC Media Relations, (416) 974-8810
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