Designed to encourage purposeful leadership, the McCall MacBain scholarships enable students to pursue a fully funded master's or professional degree while participating in mentorship, coaching and a leadership development program.
"Among many things, this scholarship means freedom to me," Mu said.
"I know how hard it is to work multiple jobs to put yourself through school, and I can't wait to spend more of my time and energy on community projects in Montreal."
Inspired by her volunteer experiences back in Taiwan, Mu joined an assisted physical training program for students with disabilities and, after the COVID-19 lockdowns, helped to revive and expand the program.
Mu also leads a team of peer sexual health educators at McMaster's Student Wellness Centre, contributes to a health equity club, and volunteered at a women's shelter. She works as a community advisor in residence, supporting first-year students, and spent last summer researching gender-affirming surgeries at Women's College Hospital in Toronto.
Scholarship recipients were chosen based on exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity.
The McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada's largest leadership-based scholarships for master's and professional studies. They are the result of a landmark $200 million gift in 2019 by John and Marcy McCall MacBain, at the time, the largest single donation in the country.
"These students inspire us with their compassion and drive," said Marcy McCall MacBain (BKin '00), chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill.
"Our shared mission is to provide them with an unparalleled graduate education, leadership development opportunities, mentors and lifelong connections. We hope to accelerate their ability to make an impact in communities across Quebec, Canada, and around the world."
Mu was one of more than 700 Canadians who applied for the scholarships. Of those, 159 participated in a first round of regional interviews in November and December, and 55 attended final interviews in Montreal.
Every scholar participated in six different interviews over the course of seven months.
The new cohort consists of 20 Canadians and 10 international students. McMaster students Bianca Mammarella and Amanda Round were also national contenders for the scholarship, each earning a McCall MacBain Finalist Award valued at $10,000.
The McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill also offered 117 entrance awards ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 each to top candidates who were not selected for the cohort.
Applications will open in June 2024 for the 2025 cohort. More information about the McCall MacBain Scholarships can be found at mccallmacbainscholars.org.
