Opinions
 |
|
Paul Sarte,
|
WINNIPEG – On December 8, chemistry and mathematics student, Paul Sarte received the University of Winnipeg’s prestigious Sir William Stephenson Scholarshipfor demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities and the potential to make a valuable contribution to Canada. He was one of three UWinnipeg students, including Matthew Morison and Natalie Fitkowsky, who each received $6,500 to assist them in completing their undergraduate degrees.
“These three students are not only exceptional scholars, they bring a well-rounded curiosity to everything they do in life, and a commitment to making the world a better place,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Winnipeg. “The 2011 Maclean’s magazine University Rankings places UWinnipeg third nationally for nurturing Leaders of Tomorrow. It is clear that Paul, Matthew and Natalie exemplify what leadership is all about.”
Growing up in a new immigrant household with a single mother encouraged Paul Sarte to work hard.
“My mother was born in the Philippines and she taught me to save my money to pay for university. Receiving a scholarship now really relieves a lot of financial stress for me,” said Sarte, who shares his love of science by volunteering with Let’s Talk Science, which engages inner-city youth.
Sarte also likes to work with new immigrants and volunteers at UWinnipeg’s Global Welcome Centre, helping neighbourhood teens with their high school chemistry problems.
“I love teaching, and because I am fluent in French I am able to help some of the teens from Africa. It’s good to have a place to come and learn.”
Sarte is completing a four-year Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and three-year Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He plays piano, soccer and hopes to become a chemistry professor in the future.
In 1984, Sir William Stephenson made a significant gift to The University of Winnipeg to establish the scholarships in his name. Stephenson started off as a poor Winnipeg hardware salesman but later became the spy legend of World War II known by his code name Intrepid and the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s hero, James Bond.
Sir Winston Churchill appointed Stephenson Director of British Security Coordination in the Western Hemisphere and his personal representative to President Roosevelt. He was knighted for his services to the Commonwealth in 1945.
In 1979, Sir William received an Honorary Doctorate degree from The University of Winnipeg. He passed away in Bermuda in 1989.