At McMaster University, they believe that leadership doesn’t start and end with the school’s exceptional MBA program; it starts in undergraduate studies. This year, the Wilson Foundation established a new awards program hosted at McMaster, which will nurture and cultivate the country’s next generation of leaders. The Wilson Leadership Scholar Award recognizes Canada’s elite group of undergraduate students who are expected to tackle some of society’s most perplexing issues.
In a recent press release from McMaster, Lynton Wilson, chairman of the Wilson Foundation, spoke about the award. “Our hope is that an award of this kind will arm young students with the skills they need to address national and international issues that affect the prosperity and well-being of Canadian citizens and of those beyond our borders,” he said.
The awards are open to students at McMaster across all disciplines who are heading into their final two years of undergraduate study. Recipients receive a $50,000 award to cover the cost of education over the next two years, and they immediately join a community committed to excellence in leadership and character. Wilson leaders are paired with mentors to help guide their potential career trajectories. They are also granted access to extracurricular opportunities and leaders across Canada that will stretch their leadership potential and help push them to the next level.
“We are very grateful for the support of the Wilson Foundation,” McMaster President and Vice Chancellor Patrick Deane said in the press release. “McMaster aims to cultivate leadership and public service amongst our students and this awards program, unique in Canada, is a significant step forward. Red Wilson’s advocacy and support for young scholars continues to make a remarkable impact on campus.”
This leadership program is just one of many such programs available at McMaster University and the DeGroote School of Business. McMaster is also home to the Dr. Mary E. Keyes Certificate of Leadership Development, MacLEAD and the Student Success Leader Program. To learn more, visit the Student Success Centre.