Meet Cape Breton University鈥檚 First McCall MacBain Scholarship Finalist: Rebecca Seymour
For Rebecca Seymour, leadership has always been about showing up for her 福利免费在线看. Whether chairing Students Nova Scotia, serving on the board of directors at the Glace Bay Food Bank or working as Executive Vice President of the CBU Students鈥� Union, the Political Science student has consistently found ways to create meaningful change for those around her.
Now, Rebecca is preparing for what she describes as a surreal next step: traveling to Montreal as a national finalist for the at McGill, Canada鈥檚 largest leadership-based scholarship program for master鈥檚 and professional studies.
Established with a landmark $200-million gift in 2019, the McCall MacBain Scholarships support emerging leaders pursuing eligible master鈥檚 and professional degrees at McGill University. More than 700 Canadians applied this year, and 151 advanced to a first round of interviews in November. Rebecca is among the top 53 Canadians who will attend the final round of interviews in Montreal, joined by 38 finalists from other countries.
鈥淲e aim to support emerging leaders who demonstrate integrity, kindness, curiosity and courage,鈥� says Dr. Marcy McCall MacBain, Chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. 鈥淭hese students have already shown remarkable promise in their communities, and we鈥檙e grateful to the universities that encouraged and supported them in pursuing this opportunity.鈥�
Applicants are endorsed by their universities and assessed by volunteer leaders based on evidence of character, 福利免费在线看 engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength and intellectual curiosity. Rebecca鈥檚 work speaks directly to those values. As chair of Students Nova Scotia, an advocacy group representing more than 20,000 students, she has championed student voices across the province. At the Glace Bay Food Bank, she recently helped secure a grant from to host gardening workshops for clients. She also previously served as president of the Honours Society for two years and chaired the CBU Students鈥� Union.
While in Montreal, Rebecca will interview with leaders from academia, business, government and the social sector. Up to 30 McCall MacBain Scholars will be selected after final interviews. McCall MacBain Scholars receive substantial funding to pursue their degree at McGill University, including a $2,300 monthly living stipend during academic terms and summer funding options. Scholars are paired with mentors and coaches, participate in an interdisciplinary leadership program and have access to the McCall MacBain House on campus. A relocation grant is also available for those moving to Montreal and Canadian finalists not selected for the cohort will be eligible to receive $10,000 towards their studies at McGill.
鈥淚t is so surreal to be selected as a finalist,鈥� Rebecca says. 鈥淚 am so excited to attend final interviews in Montreal and meet fellow finalists! This entire process has been so rewarding, and I cannot wait for what comes next.鈥�
Congratulations to Rebecca on this incredible achievement and all the best as she heads to Montreal.