Sophie Bezanson, a fourth year StFX BASc in Health student from the Annapolis Valley, NS, has earned a McCall MacBain Regional Award. This scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity. It provides funding for a full-time master's or professional program at any public university in Canada.
Sophie Bezanson
Ms. Bezanson is a student concentrating in health equity. She is president of the StFX Health Society and works part-time as a Junior Policy Analyst with the Public Health Agency of Canada.
She serves on the National Nominating Committee for Girl Guides of Canada, reviewing applicants and interviewing candidates for the board of directors. She also volunteers as a member of the Community Health Board with the provincial health authority. During her summers, Ms. Bezanson has worked in research and public health policy. She has a manuscript on occupational health in press and three others under review, including one on the impacts of COVID-19 on a rare medical condition, a second on community-based social prescribing, and another on psychosocial and supportive cancer care.
Ms. Bezanson ranked among the top 93 of approximately 700 Canadian applicants this year, and she will receive a $5,000 Regional Award for her next degree. She is applying for master's programs in public health and global health, with the long-term goal of working in global health governance.
"It is an honour to receive a McCall MacBain Regional Award," she said. "My community involvement during my undergraduate studies has exposed me to new ideas, interests, and passions. I am grateful that this award will enable me to be engaged and contribute meaningfully to my new community during my master's studies."
The McCall MacBain Scholarships are the result of a landmark $200 million gift in 2019, then the largest single donation in Canadian history, by John and Marcy McCall MacBain.
Applications will open in June 2025 for the 2026 cohort. More information about the McCall MacBain Scholarships can be found at mccallmacbainscholars.org.
