Jillian Hayden, a fourth year student in StFX’s Gerald Schwartz School of Business, is a finalist for the first global cohort of McCall MacBain Scholars at McGill University.
The scholarships—the result of a landmark $200 million gift in 2019 by John and Marcy McCall MacBain, the second-largest single donation in Canadian history—are designed to encourage purposeful leadership and enable students to pursue a fully funded master’s or professional degree while participating in mentorship, coaching, and a leadership development program.
Ms. Hayden is among 88 finalists chosen from across Canada and around the world after a first round of regional interviews saw students and graduates from more than 1,200 universities apply for the McCall MacBain Scholarships and 242 participate in regional interviews with local leaders in October and November.
Ms. Hayden will attend the final round of interviews in Montréal from March 8-12, meeting with leaders from academia, business, government, and the social sector.
Up to 30 McCall MacBain Scholars will be selected after final interviews. Those not selected as a McCall MacBain Scholar, are eligible to receive a $10,000 Finalist Award for studies at McGill.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to pursue graduate studies with support from the McCall MacBain Scholarships,” said Ms. Hayden, who leads the Schwartz School of Business student association, planning events and initiatives for 950 students, after two years of involvement. She also serves on the board of Halifax Helpers, a youth-led tutoring organization, raised funds for local organizations, and recently worked to create an accessible job application guide for women in domestic abuse shelters. She has worked in the areas of affordable finance structures, asset allocation, and education accessibility, and aims to continue research in sustainable economic development.
“It was a privilege to hear from other students and listen to a wide range of leadership experiences at the regional interviews,” she says. “I am excited to meet the other finalists in March!”
The McCall MacBain Scholarships program also offered Regional Awards of $5,000 each to 38 more Canadian candidates who were among the top in their region. Two current StFX students, Ethan Draper and Kegan Palmer, earned Regional Awards for use at any public university in Canada.
StFX Academic Vice-President & Provost Dr. Amanda Cockshutt says the university is thrilled with the success of StFX students in this year’s competition for the McCall MacBain Scholarships. “The selection of one finalist and two regional award winners speaks to the strength of the StFX education. These scholarships will be transformational for the success of our graduates as they pursue their education.”
“McGill, Montréal, and Canada attract talented students from all over the world,” said John McCall MacBain, Chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “Our aim is to provide a life-changing opportunity for students who have a track record of contributing to their communities and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.”
“Our committees were delighted to receive great interest from all corners of the world,” said Natasha Sawh, Dean of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “More than 280 volunteers were involved in assessing candidates. They looked not only for academic strength, but for qualities like integrity, kindness, curiosity, and courage.”
StFX Regional Award Recipients
Ethan Draper (BA’23) is studying applied forensic psychology and leads the StFX Psychology Society. As station manager of the campus radio station, he worked to develop a strategic plan, create training materials, and deepen connections with the community. His experience working for a housing support program inspired him to create “winter kits” for clients and create a podcast series to raise awareness of housing instability. He also organized a symposium on homelessness in Atlantic Canada, stage-managed community theatre, and helped run X-Pride, the 2SLGBTQ+ student group. Mr. Draper holds two part-time jobs and worked as a research intern last summer. He hopes to study neuroscience or psychiatry research.
Kegan Palmer (BA’23) is studying political science. He led the Young Liberals student chapter for two years, serves on the board of his federal riding association as youth policy chair, and co-managed an election campaign. This year, he is leading the StFX Political Science Society. Mr. Palmer also works as a regional advisor on Atlantic issues for the Privy Council of Canada. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in public policy. “I am excited to take what I've learned through my community engagement and pursue a public policy graduate degree,” he said. “I learned a lot about myself throughout the interview process, and recommend taking the leap in applying even if you're scared, as I was, that others are more qualified.”
Applications will open in June 2023 for September 2024 admission.
