Fanshawe is pleased to announce the third cohort of Schulich Builders scholarship recipients. Out of a pool of over 380,000 potential candidates across Canada, more than 1,000 students were nominated, of which 120 received this celebrated award in 2025.Ten students from Fanshawe have received the scholarship this year. Awards are valued at $40,000 for a two-year diploma program and $20,000 for a one-year certificate program.
Launched in February 2023 by The Schulich Foundation, Schulich Builders Scholarships awards hard-working students aspiring towards a career in a skilled trade. These students will pursue a diploma or certificate program at a participating college before entering the workforce. The program will also serve as a catalyst to help amplify the lucrative and in-demand job opportunities that exist across Canada.
"We are proud to support students in the skilled trades and open doors to this meaningful career path," said Judy Schulich, director of The Schulich Foundation. "Behind every home built and every community strengthened are the tradespeople who make it possible. Today, the shortage of these skilled workers is holding Canada back and that's why investing in young people who choose this path is one of the most impactful ways we can build a stronger, more prosperous country for all."
2025 Fanshawe Schulich Builder recipients
- Alejandro Brenes Plourde, Electrical Techniques
- Ruth Rolfe, Pre-Technology
- Stephanie Rosa, Welding Techniques
- Stewart Hachey, Welding Techniques
- Brooklyn Vanderschee, Electrical Techniques
- Kira Wark, Welding and Fabrication Technician
- Shane Hill, Electrical Engineering Technician
- Trent Harrington, Carpentry and Renovation Technician
- Colten Bestward-Caniparoli, Electromechanical Engineering Technician
- Tristan Beingessner, Carpentry and Renovation Technician
"We are very proud of our Schulich Builders scholarship recipients and grateful to The Schulich Foundation for their continued investment in the skilled trades," says Stephen Patterson, dean of the Faculty of Science, Trades, Technology, and Design. "These students represent the future of our workforce, and they will make a meaningful impact in their communities."
Fenton Loker is a recent graduate of Fanshawe's Carpentry and Renovation Technician program and felt very supported during his time as a student at Fanshawe thanks to his Schulich scholarship. He outlined that his stress was fully lifted with the financial burdens supported through Schulich, and Fenton was a very upbeat, positive presence in his class throughout his diploma program. Upon graduation, Fenton secured a job in his carpentry trade and will likely carry his positive attitude and gratitude to Schulich into the workplace.
Emily Pollak graduated from Fanshawe's Welding and Fabrication Technician program. She worked diligently and was a trusted and reliable student. Emily's dedication allowed her to be chosen to participate at the Ontario Skills Competition as a welding student, and she worked tireless hours in the evenings to prepare for this important competition. Emily also joined Fanshawe's Women in Red Seal Skilled trades group and helped other female students just starting in the trades to feel more comfortable and empowered in the trades. Emily successfully pursued a position with the Ironworkers union in Sarnia, and she is currently a member of Local Union 736.
In 2007, Seymour Schulich published his bestselling book, Get Smarter: Life and Business Lessons, offering mentorship and guidance to young people. As an addendum to his book, Mr. Schulich shared the wisdom of collecting lived experiences, taking risks, learning from mistakes, and most important of all, paying it forward. "We often receive letters from scholarship recipients yes, we read every one and there's always a common thread: their commitment to giving back. Whether they're launching programs to teach kids coding, volunteering in their communities, or planning careers in service, they understand that success isn't just about personal achievement. That really moves me."
For more information
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London Ontario
Canada N5V 2A5
www.fanshawec.ca/
