Winter Semester Awards
Overview
Most Winter Semester Awards are offered to graduating students only, with a few exceptions that are labeled as follows:
* Non-graduating students only
** Non-graduating and graduating students
To be considered a graduating student: You must meet all of the requirements of the DEC including the passing all of your courses, the English exit exam and comprehensive examination by the end of the Winter 2025 semester.
Note: Graduating students include those who graduated in Summer 2024, Fall 2024 as well as those who will be graduating in Winter 2025.
Application Required
Application-Based awards
During the application period for each of these awards, a link will become active in your Dawson College Omnivox portal (Student Services / Awards and Scholarships) that will lead you to the form you must complete and submit before the deadline, as well as information concerning other materials that may be required.
The application period for Winter semester awards will be from March 27 – April 13, 2025.
Campus Life Leadership Award
This award is given to up to two students who have shown a commitment to improving student life at Dawson, while achieving and maintaining academic success. Students must have demonstrated this commitment through their initiative, leadership, and involvement in activities with the Campus Life department.
- Be a graduating Day student
- Have grades 70% or higher
- Have demonstrated a commitment to enhancing student life at Dawson though initiative, leadership, and involvement in activities with the Campus Life department.
Hellenic Studies Award
Created in 2011 by the Hellenic Studies Centre of Dawson College to recognize and promote students' interest and commitment to Hellenic Studies.
This award is given to a graduating day student who is in good academic standing and has taken or is in the process of taking 3 courses related to Hellenic Studies.
- Be a graduating Day student
- Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
- Be in good academic standing
- Have taken or be in the process of taking 3 courses related to Hellenic Studies while studying at Dawson
- Demonstrate an interest in and a commitment to Hellenic Studies
Jeff Barnaby Award for Film Production
This award was created to honor the innovative Mi’gmaq filmmaker and Dawson Cinema|Communications alumnus, Jeff Barnaby (1976-2022). The funds for this award were contributed as part of the Romany Eveleigh Gift for Students in the Arts.
The award is given to a graduating student in the Arts, Literature and Communication program as seed funding for script development or the production of a short film.
- Be a graduating student in good standing in the Arts, Literature and Communication program at Dawson
- Have demonstrated excellence in script writing and/or film production
- Must provide a pitch for a film or treatment for a script, and examples of recent work by the application deadline
Any supporting documents must be in PDF format and submitted to the Awards Office before the application deadline.
Jennifer Harris Memorial Humanities Award
The Jennifer Harris Memorial Humanities Award aims to acknowledge the formative impact of the humanities on Dawson College students and to reward one student with formal recognition for their superior academic achievement.
This award is given to a graduating day student who either did well in all their Dawson Humanities courses or who showed substantial improvement in their Humanities courses during their time at Dawson.
- Be a graduating Day student in good academic standing
- Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
- Plan on continuing beyond the DEC at the university level, or pursuing creative or performing arts, studying art or design at the college level, or doing humanitarian work, or engaging in other noteworthy projects during the year immediately following graduation from Dawson
- Must provide 2 letters of reference by teachers or mentors who can attest to their all-around character (in terms of academics, athletics, community services, etc.). Ideally one letter should be from a teacher of Humanities at Dawson, and one letter from a second person of their choosing. Reference persons may email their letters directly to awards@dawsoncollege.qc.ca.
Any supporting documents and letters must be in PDF format and submitted to the Awards Office before the application deadline.
Mahsa Amini Scholarship - Winter **
This scholarship was established by the Dawson Student Union (DSU) in collaboration with the Mahsa Amini Initiative and with the support of the Student Academic Growth and Enrichment (SAGE) fund. The Mahsa Amini Initiative is a continuous, student-led project started in Fall 2022 by the DSU and its volunteers and supported by Dawson community members. One part of this project is a monetary award aiming to support resilient international and refugee students affected by conflict and in need of financial aid. Though often overlooked, these crises can have a significant negative impact on students’ personal and academic lives.
Given to up to two students, the Mahsa Amini Scholarship aims to help resilient international and refugee students in financial need. Priority is given to students who identify as women and non-binary people to honour Mahsa Amini, movements fighting for women’s freedom, and to recognize the persisting economic and social gender gap. All international and refugee students are encouraged to apply, regardless of gender.
- be an international student or refugee
- be in financial need or in need of extra financial support
- priority will be given to candidates who identify as women or non-binary people
- students who are tuition-exempt are not eligible for this award
Applicants may also submit additional documents to the selection committee such as a picture, a piece of writing, or anything they wish to add. This is completely optional.
Any supporting documents must be in PDF format and submitted to the Awards Office before the application deadline.
Raymond Ellis Memorial Award
This award is named after Raymond Ellis who was killed in 2005 in a tragic case of mistaken identity. Raymond graduated from Social Science in 2001 and at the time of his passing was a local business man.
This award is offered to a Black Social Science student in good academic standing who aspires to have a career in business or as an entrepreneur and has a caring attitude towards others.
- Be a Black student in the Social Science program
- Be a graduating student in good academic standing
- Aspire to have a career in business or as an entrepreneur
- Have exhibited entrepreneurial aptitude, dedication, and commitment to hard work, and demonstrate a positive, passionate, caring attitude towards others
- Provide one letter of reference by the application deadline date (reference persons may email their letters directly to awards@dawsoncollege.qc.ca)
Any supporting documents and letters must be in PDF format and submitted to the Awards Office before the application deadline.
Rob Springer Memorial Award
This award is named after Rob Springer an employee of the Dawson Helpdesk/IST who lost his life in February 2015. Rob was larger than life, both throughout the College in his role in IST and at PARC where he was known as Bear for his tireless support of and help to the teams, especially the women's hockey team. His legacy lives on through this award.
Given to a graduating member of the women's hockey team who has demonstrated a sense of True Blue spirit.
- Be a full-time graduating Day student
- Be a member of the women's hockey team
- Have demonstrated a sense of True Blue spirit, commitment, encouragement, and integrity during participation on the women's hockey team
Eligible students will receive a MIO with information on how to apply, when the application period opens.
Tony Proudfoot Outdoor Education Award - Winter **
The Tony Proudfoot Outdoor Education Award is granted in honour of Tony Proudfoot, who made significant contributions to the Dawson College Physical Education Department as a teacher, coordinator of Outdoor Education, and chairperson of the department. It was established to enable students to take an intensive outdoor education course that they may not otherwise be able to afford. This fund will allow more students, as future leaders of our community, to pursue an educational experience that promotes leadership, adventure, cooperation, teamwork, and environmental awareness.
Given to a student who has taken an eligible Outdoor Education course during which they demonstrated any or all of the following qualities: exemplary leadership, a sense of adventure, teamwork, environmental awareness, the ability to overcome adversity, the initiative to support other people in challenging situations.
- Be a Day student
- Have taken an eligible outdoor education course offered by the Physical Education Department in the previous semester
- Have demonstrated exemplary leadership, a sense of adventure, teamwork and/or other qualities, during the eligible outdoor education course
Students who have taken an eligible course will receive a MIO with with information on how to apply when the application period opens.
William McCallum Memorial Scholarship
The William McCallum Memorial Scholarship for the study of Law was established in 1977 in recognition of the contribution and many years of service given to Dawson College by the late William McCallum, Chairman of the Board of Governors from 1971 to 1977.
This award is given to a graduating day student who will be studying Law in university in the upcoming fall and who shows a high probability of responsible citizenship, and academic and professional success. The recipient is selected based on scholarship, character, leadership, and community involvement.
- Be a graduating Day student
- Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
- Be in good academic standing
- Provide proof of admission in a Law program at university for the upcoming fall semester
- Provide 2 letters of reference by the deadline (reference persons may email them directly to awards@dawsoncollege.qc.ca)
Any supporting documents and letters must be in PDF format and submitted to the Awards Office before the application deadline.
Application Not Required
These awards are either Nomination-Based or Grade-Based.
Nomination-Based awards:
You cannot apply for these awards. If you have been nominated, we will contact you directly to let you know. However, if you feel you would be a good candidate, you could discuss a particular award opportunity with a teacher. In most cases teachers and staff members can nominate.
Anastasia De Sousa Memorial Award
This award commemorates the intelligence, drive, and determination of Anastasia De Sousa, who was killed during the shooting tragedy at Dawson College on September 13, 2006.
This award is given to a full-time (or deemed full-time) graduating student, who has a learning disability and has been able to overcome one or more major obstacles on the road to academic success. They must be studying at the Cegep level for the first time and have an overall average of at least 70% in every semester they have been at Dawson.
- Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident
- Be a Day or evening full-time (or deemed full-time) graduating student
- Be studying at Cegep for the first time
- Have a learning disability (does not need to be registered with the AccessAbility department)
- Have maintained an overall average of at least 70% while studying at Dawson
- Be able to attend Convocation (if applicable) where the award will be presented by the De Sousa family
Bruno Mital 'B' Positive Scholarship
Bruno Mital was a graduate of the Community Recreation and Leadership Training (CRLT) program here at Dawson College whose life was cut short by pancreatic cancer in the summer of 2014. He believed in community and worked with organizations such as Kids Help Phone, Scouts Canada, and CCS. He later became involved with the Dawson College board of governors and was the chairperson of the board for two years. Bruno always had a kind word or deed for all (including strangers) and he was there for many people when they needed help.
This scholarship is designed to recognize a graduating student from Dawson College who has gone above and beyond to help their community, their fellow students, or the Dawson community, without seeking recognition.
- Be a graduating Day student
- Have gone above and beyond to help their community without seeking recognition.
Lieutenant Governor's Youth Medal **
The Lieutenant Governor’s Medal recognizes the voluntary involvement, determination and dedication of Quebecers who make or have made a difference in their community or Québec nation.
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Reside permanently in Quebec
- Be under 29 years of age
- Be registered in a program recognized by the MInistère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur
- Have demonstrated sustained volunteer involvement in social or community activities OR have shown an inspiring attitude, had a positive influence on a group or community
- Be able to achieve the objectives of their program of study
- Provide a letter of intent
- Be nominated by Dawson College
Dawson College will select up to two students to nominate for this award. The Lieutenant Governor's Office will contact the recipients directly.
Paul Gallagher Award
This prestigious award is named after Dawson College's first Director General.
Given to up to three graduating students in recognition of community involvement, leadership, and academic achievement.
- Be a graduating Day student in good academic standing
- Have actively contributed to college life and demonstrated leadership by having participated in student government, sports, or other college activities
Grade-Based Awards
You cannot apply for these awards. If you become a recipient, we will inform you in June.
Governor General's Collegiate Bronze Medal
The Governor General’s Academic Medal was first awarded in 1873 by the Earl of Dufferin, and has since become one of the most prestigious awards that a student in a Canadian educational institution can receive. The governor general of Canada continues this tradition of encouraging scholarship across the nation and recognizing outstanding students.
The COLLEGIATE BRONZE medal is awarded to the student who achieves the highest overall average upon graduation from a diploma-level, post-secondary program (minimum two-year, full-time duration).
- Be a graduating Day student
- Have the highest overall average upon graduation from a diploma-level, post-secondary program (minimum two-year, full-time duration)
- Meet the conditions of the Academic Honours ISEP Policy
Department Awards
These are awards that are offered to students in certain programs. Some information is here, but the recipient selection is taken care of through each specific department. Please contact your Program Coordinator for more information.
Community Recreation Leadership Training
Josie Gotfrit Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was created as a living memorial by the friends of Josie Gotfrit who was a CRLT faculty member, in order to help support a student who has demonstrated the the kind of human values that Josie personified: warmth, caring and strength.
This scholarship is given to a student graduating from the CRLT progam and continuing on to study recreation and leisure or other human services.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be a graduating CRLT student
- Be continuing on to the study of recreation and leisure or other human services at the university level this upcoming fall
For more information contact crlt@dawsoncollege.qc.ca
Interior Design
Michael Hendy Award *
The award commemorates the intelligence, drive and creativity of Michael Hendy, a graduate of the Interior Design program who passed away in 2010, at the age of 24, from meningitis.
This award is given to a first year student who has demonstrated academic promise in Interior Design at Dawson College and financial need.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be a first year full-time Interior Design student
- Have obtained an average of at least 70% in their first semester
- Be able to demonstrate financial need
For more information contact the program coordinator.
Journeys
Journeys Award **
The Journeys Award recognizes a Dawson student who self-identifies as Indigenous and demonstrates a remarkable dedication to reaching their educational goals, a commitment to serving their community, and a positive influence on peers.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Self identifiy as Indigenous
- Have demonstrated a remarkable dedication to reaching their educational goals, a committment to serving their community and having been a positive influence on their peers
Note: Students do not have to be part of the Journeys program to be eligible for this award.
For more information contact the profile coordinator.
Nursing
Rose Pearlman Award
This award was founded by Beryl Moser in 1997, in honour of her mother, Rose Pearlman's 90th birthday. Rose was a former Winnipegger who studied and graduated with her Registered Nursing degree in the 1920's at the California Lutheran Hospital and practiced in Los Angeles until 1930 when she returned to Canada to marry Sidney Pearlman. During the depression she practiced nursing in the homes of terminally ill patients. When questioned on the award requirements, Rose replied "the person should be pleasant". As such the main criteria became bedside excellence.
Given to a graduating student with outstanding empathy, communication skills and competent bedside manner.
For more information contact the program coordinator.
Professional Theatre
Bertrand A. Henry Memorial Award
This award was created to honour Bert Henry, a founder of the Professional Theatre program, by supporting graduating students who wish to create a production using the skills they acquired and refined at Dawson College.
This award is given to a graduating Professional Theatre student who wishes to create a production using the skills they acquired and refined at Dawson College.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be a graduating Professional Theatre student
- Be in good academic standing
- Have demonstrated determination, initiative, and creativity in their projects
- Provide an appendix about the project, including a budget, which they intend to produce following graduation
For more information contact the program coordinator.
