Adrienne Tessier, Ruth Dickinson, © UWinnipeg
A lifelong learner and volunteer Ruth Dickinson and avid debater and human rights advocate Adrienne Tessier have earned the Dr. and Mrs. Roderick Hunter Scholarship (valued at $4000 for each student). Both students have come to UWinnipeg on separate paths but are united in their commitment to positively impacting their community and their passion for motivating others to become engaged citizens.
Ruth Dickinson, photo supplied
Dickinson describes herself as curious and someone who leads by example. She wants to influence in a manner that inspires continuous learning. She encourages others to take action, advocating for collective goals, one person at a time. She is generous with her time in volunteering for various organizations, including Canadian Blood Services on campus; as Vice-President of the UWinnipeg Alumni Council, and as Vice-President Events & VP Marketing of the UWinnipeg Golden Key Society, to list just a few. Dickinson, who graduated with the Chancellors Gold Medal, Geography Major Gold Medal, and the Classics Major Gold Medal in 2015, has returned to UWinnipeg to upgrade her BA degree to an Honours Classics degree. She plans to pursue an MA and future PhD in Classics, alongside incorporating her Geography studies with her interest in studying women, and women’s issues, in the ancient world.
“This University has been an integral part of my lifelong learning,” expressed Dickinson. “As a student, I have been honoured to achieve much success in my courses due to the exceptional experiences I have had in the classrooms. This has not only been rewarding, but has inspired me to contribute as a teaching assistant, research assistant, and most recently, again, as a note taker for Accessibility services.”
Adrienne-Tessier, © UWinnipeg
Adrienne Tessier is a fourth year Honours student who has always been deeply interested in current events and harbours a love of history—specifically, how people make decisions over time and who has the power to make those decisions. In June 2015, she attended a week-long United Nations (UN) Intensive Study Program offered through Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. She currently serves her community through The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association as Arts Director, and the Youth Parliament of Manitoba as House Leader.
“I have chosen to make an impact by motivating youth to be involved, particularly in political processes,” shared Tessier. “My sincere belief in the capabilities of youth have led me to be involved in organizations which center on youth empowerment and engagement.”
She has also been a long-time member of Winnipeg’s Speech and Debate community, both as a competitor and as a coach. Passionate about debate and critical thinking, she hopes to pursue human rights law upon graduation.
The Dr. and Mrs. Roderick Hunter Scholarship was established in memory of Dr. R.O.A. Hunter, Third Chancellor of The University of Winnipeg, and his wife, Doris Hunter. It is awarded to a continuing, undergraduate student with high academic standing, outstanding leadership qualities, and significant extracurricular involvement on campus.
