Destiny Vimalendiran (Gzowski College), a Forensic Science and Business joint major, is one of four Ontario students selected to receive the Fessenden-Trott Scholarship, a $9,000 annual award that honours first-year undergraduate students who display academic excellence and leadership qualities.
In addition to her impressive community engagement efforts throughout high school, Destiny's contributions at Trent have included leading Delta Phi Nu as president, serving as a Gzowski College equality ambassador, and welcoming future students as a campus tour guide.
The win beyond the award
2025 nominations to the Fessenden-Trott Scholarship were accepted from universities in Ontario, and each university could only nominate one student. At Trent, it was Principal of Gzowski College Dr. Melanie Buddle who nominated Destiny, an act that Destiny says was every bit as profound as winning the award.
"Having someone see your potential is very powerful," said Destiny, who is now in her second year at Trent. "This funding will fuel my future in ways I never imaged, and the fact that Mel thought enough of me out of all the outstanding Trent students motivates me to strive even further."
"From the moment Destiny set foot on campus, she has been deeply engaged in campus life and has demonstrated a genuine desire to contribute to her community," said Dr. Buddle. "We're fortunate that Trent is a collegiate university, which allows staff to get to know our students personally and help connect them to opportunities, like this. We knew the competition would be tough, but she is so deserving."
For Destiny, this recognition is also a reminder of what drew her to Trent in the first place: a close-knit community where students build meaningful relationships with mentors who help them grow.
"Trent is a place that doesn't just open doors, it's a place where people walk beside you through them. I'm so grateful for Mel and my professors' support and to be part of a community that not only sees your potential, but actually helps you realize it."
