Nov. 24, 2025
Wilfrid Laurier University has recognized six students with a Laurier Scholars Award, a prestigious scholarship awarded to high-achieving students entering their first year of studies.
Through the award, each scholar is paired with two mentors — a senior student in their faculty and a faculty member in the same department or with similar interests — and participates in workshops and events. Scholars may also engage in academic conferences, leadership development projects, and opportunities such as summer research assistantships or international exchanges as part of the program’s experiential learning component.
Below, Laurier’s 2025-26 scholars share a little bit about themselves, including their accomplishments, academic interests, campus experiences and aspirations for the future.
Hometown: Oakville, Ontario
I chose Laurier for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the Health Sciences program offers a cell-to-society approach to learning about health. That combination of science and social impact is exactly what I was looking for in my studies. Secondly, Laurier has a strong sense of community on campus and offers extensive support and resources to students. That was also really important to me when choosing a university.
I graduated with a 97% average and received awards at graduation, including the Principal’s Award for leadership and contributions to school life. Additionally, I served as president of my high school’s student council and DECA club, led my school’s Relay for Life event and participated in the Medlife outreach program. I have also completed my Visharadh Purna certification, a university-level accreditation in the Indian classical dance Kathak, and the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award.
I am interested in health sciences because I enjoy exploring the reasons behind what we observe in the world. Laurier’s Health Sciences program encourages students to examine topics from multiple perspectives, including biological, social and psychological viewpoints. As a student, this allows me to develop a more holistic understanding of complex health issues, which will benefit my career aspirations in medicine.
Anneke Olthof is the lecturer in my first-year psychology class and does a great job presenting course material. Psychology is a subject that I had not previously studied. It offers a different perspective on how the brain functions compared to what I am learning in my other science courses. Her class is one of my favourites, and her passion for the subject really shines through her teaching. I really enjoy how engaging the class is, as she incorporates interactive activities and brings an energetic presence that makes every lecture memorable.
"I am passionate about helping people and driving positive change to create a community that is more inclusive, compassionate and productive."
Grace Nelson
Hometown: Niagara Falls, Ontario
I was looking for university programs that aligned with my passion for helping people and my interest in law and Laurier’s Criminology program stood out to me during a tour of the Brantford campus. I also admired the small-town charm of Brantford compared to other campuses I visited. Everyone I have met at Laurier — the faculty, staff and upper-year students — have been helpful, informative and friendly. Laurier has countless opportunities, course offerings and extracurriculars; I have found that there is something here for everyone.
Criminology is such an interesting and diverse topic to me, especially its many layers and perspectives. I am interested in studying the psychology of crime, victimology and the criminal justice system. I also want to learn more about the relationship between media and crime, and how crime reporting may influence public perceptions of crime and criminals.
I joined the Criminology Student Association and serve as a first-year outreach representative. I am also a community representative for the Diversity and Equity Council in the First-Year Leadership Program.
Andrew Welsh, an associate professor in the Criminology program, has jumpstarted my passion for the subject. I attended a presentation he gave during the Open House in fall 2024, and something just clicked for me. In high school, I loved learning about sociology and psychology and discussing crime and its causes, so studying Criminology at Laurier is a way to turn my interests into degree studies.
"I fell in love with the Music program: it felt like a place where I could grow as a musician and a person. Laurier just feels like home."
Isy Aboagye
Hometown: Markham, Ontario
I chose Laurier for several reasons, the first being its unique combined Bachelor of Arts and Law degree, which aligns with my future aspirations to pursue a career in law while gaining international perspectives and experiences. What really solidified my decision to attend Laurier was the profound sense of community I experienced during campus tours, open houses and the Ontario Universities’ Fair. I knew Laurier was a place I could belong and succeed as a person and a student.
Social justice is important to me and played a lead role in many of my extracurricular activities during high school. I served as president of the Safe and Accepting Schools team and led team initiatives to combat racism, homophobia and bullying while supporting events to promote inclusion and community. I also served as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and participated in my school’s leadership program to strengthen my ability to collaborate, communicate and inspire others to make meaningful change.
Political science allows us to understand how laws, institutions and people come together to shape the world we live in. I’m drawn to the study of how societies organize power and justice, and how individuals and communities can work collectively to challenge inequities and drive meaningful change. For me, political science is not just about understanding governance but about using that knowledge to build a fair and more compassionate world.
"Laurier has countless opportunities, course offerings and extracurriculars; I have found that there is something here for everyone."
Noella Tropea
Hometown: Brantford, Ontario
From an early age, I knew I wanted to become a lawyer, but studying abroad was not something I had considered until a co-worker — also a Laurier alum — told me about the combined Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws program. She thought the program would be perfect for me, and she was right. I love that the program offers the opportunity to earn an undergraduate degree and a law degree in just six years.
I achieved honour roll status in each year of high school and graduated as an Ontario Scholar with a scholarship from Smitiuch Injury Law. I contributed to my school community through tutoring, writing for the student newspaper and supporting diversity and inclusion work with Advocacy-Community-Empowerment student club. I was also a member of the mock trial team, where I gained valuable experience in legal reasoning, collaboration and public speaking.
I am interested in the relationship between law and social issues and how they influence our daily lives. Having witnessed the impact of workplace inequality on someone close to me, I want to learn more about how law can both challenge and reinforce systemic barriers.
"For me, political science is not just about understanding governance but about using that knowledge to build a fair and more compassionate world."
Alessa Furnari
Hometown: Kitchener, Ontario
The first time I visited Laurier, I noticed how genuine and welcoming the people were. The community here is special; people support each other, and that is important to me. I also fell in love with the Music program: it felt like a place where I could grow as a musician and a person. Laurier just feels like home.
I’m proud to be part of Laurier's women’s varsity rugby team. Being an athlete has taught me so much about resilience, teamwork, and dedication. The friendships I’ve formed through rugby will last a lifetime. In high school, my extracurricular activities included serving as student council president, leading the Black Student Union, and participating in various clubs and sports while maintaining honour roll status. I’ve always enjoyed being part of a community and want to make a positive impact wherever I can. Community involvement has shaped who I am today.
After graduation, I hope to continue growing as a musician while pursuing a career as an elementary school music teacher. I want to create a space where students feel excited to learn and express themselves through music. I know firsthand how teachers can positively impact their students’ lives, and I want to be a positive influence for my future students.
Music education provides the opportunity to connect with children through music. There’s something really beautiful about watching people discover music and seeing how it brings out their confidence, creativity and joy. I’ve always been drawn to teaching, and music has been such a powerful part of my own life, so combining those passions is really fulfilling. I hope to inspire young students the same way my teachers inspired me.
"Laurier has a strong sense of community on campus and offers extensive support and resources to students. That was really important to me when choosing a university."
Jaya Naik
Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario
I chose Laurier because its institutional values align with mine. I want to learn more about community building so that I can help create a more inclusive world. I am immersing myself in Laurier’s school community and improving my creative and critical thinking skills. Through Laurier’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, I am certain that I will be able to enhance my community-building skills and create change with what I’ve learned.
I am interested in addressing mental health and wellness through social work practice. Advocating for and protecting mental health is crucial for a successful society, and I want to contribute to that. I am passionate about helping people and driving positive change to create a community that is more inclusive, compassionate and productive.
The academic advising team has made an incredible impression on me: they have supported my educational pathway and helped me access accommodations. Laurier offers so many ways to meet students' needs and help us succeed in our academic and personal endeavours — I really appreciate that. I am also impressed with the Bachelor of Social Work Students’ Association (BSWSA). Joining the BSWSA has been an amazing opportunity, and I am looking forward to the many events we have planned this year.
I see myself either pursuing a master’s degree in social work or an occupational therapy program. I hope to dedicate my life to improving the lives of others, whether that be through volunteer work or my future career. With the leadership skills I’ve developed at Laurier, I am confident that I will be able to support the people I work with to help them lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
