St. Paul’s College at the U of M held its Mass of the Holy Spirit and Opening Academic Exercises on Sunday, Sept. 28, at the Christ the King Chapel to kick off the school year.
Christopher Adams, rector of the college, welcomed the gathering and provided an overview of the program. The annual tradition brought together faculty, staff and alumni for a celebration and recognition of student achievement.
The mass was presided over by Fr. Mark Filips, the college’s priest chaplain. As part of the liturgical service, the centennial model was blessed as the college celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Following the mass, 14 named scholarships were awarded to 25 students, totaling $47,209, according to Timothy Penner, acting dean of the college.
Matthew Wardrop, a third-year student in the faculty of science, received the Denny-Newman Strong Prize.
“The emphasis that the award puts on language diversity made it especially meaningful to me as French and English have been part of my education since childhood, and I’ve made a point of continuing it in my studies in university,” Wardrop explained.
Julian Brennan, one of the two recipients of the Eileen M.G. LeSarge Scholarship, described the recognition as “a tremendous honour.”
“I would encourage anyone in financial need or simply wanting to subsidize their education to put their name forward,” he said. “By getting involved, you might even get awarded.”
Like Brennan, Wardrop also expressed gratitude to the individuals who made the award possible and hoped “to carry that encouragement forward throughout [his] studies.”
Nine entrance scholarships were awarded to newly admitted U of M students who graduated from a Catholic high school and were recommended by their former headteachers for their academic excellence.
Nathaniel Casiano, senior stick of the college students’ association, explained how students can get involved with the college.
Membership costs $19 per academic year and includes access to lockers at no cost and occasional free food events.
“We also have a lot of […] events,” he said. “For new students it is a really great time to join.”
Aside from scholarships, St. Paul’s College also offers bursaries to students which Casiano said it is “a great way to get [some] money”. He added that receiving a scholarship award is a great opportunity to “receive appreciation for [hard work] in the university.”
“St. Paul’s College not only provides students a community […] but it offers many opportunities and events for students to get involved and meet new people,” Wardrop highlighted.
Brennan noted that the college welcomes students across all departments, religious beliefs and backgrounds.
Through campus ministry, the college also supports students’ spiritual needs.
The ceremony concluded with a luncheon at Hanley Hall, providing attendees an opportunity to network.
Students can follow the college and association Instagram pages, @spc_college and @spcsa, respectively, for updates. More information about membership and funding opportunities is available on the college’s website.
