Athena scholarship luncheon: Honoring the leaders of tomorrow

By Lyndi-Colleen Morgan

Finding a workplace and life balance is critical, St. Clair College President Patti France told the 2015 winners of the student Athena award at the annual luncheon Oct. 23.

More than 300 people were on hand to congratulate Sarah Davidson, 27, Jordynne Ropat and Sara Santarossa, 25, who have all graduated from the University of Windsor and have gone on to graduate or doctoral studies elsewhere in the province. Each of them received a $5,000 scholarship which is sponsored by corporate partners as well as individual community members, the University of Windsor and St. Clair College.

Davidson, Ropat and Santarossa said they were honoured and grateful to receive the award and the recognition is overwhelming. Ropat said the Athena Scholarship opens new doors, connecting the recipients to leaders in the community who have the ability to offer advice and needed help.

“The Athena Scholarship is a way to recognize individuals who want to raise up women and girls so that they may achieve their dreams and goals,” said Ropat. “I am so grateful to be recognized and am so happy to be receiving this award.”

The Athena Scholarship Fund Windsor was started in 1999 and the committee presents three women with the award each year. To date, the scholarship has been presented to 44 women from Windsor and Essex County. The women selected for this award are individuals who have lived in and attended postsecondary school in Windsor. This scholarship is presented to women who have demonstrated the Athena spirit, which means they have excelled in academics, leadership, mentorship and commitment to volunteering their time to benefit others.

“It’s a great opportunity to recognize females who have not only shown their accomplishments academically but also with their involvement in the community,” said France. “I think it’s great to recognize them and encourage them, and I think that the recognition and encouragement will allow them to mentor members in the community moving forward.”

France is St. Clair’s first female president. She has 25 years of experience in postsecondary education and has herself been widely recognized for her professional excellence, volunteer work and mentorship.

France spoke about finding the balance between work and personal time. She said each of the recipients showed dedication toward achieving their goals and encouraged them to work hard, also telling them the time they put into the work is worth the recognition they will receive for the end results.

“I wish to remind us all that there is someone else with us today in spirit, who is a very hard worker,” said France. “It is Athena, a multitasking juggler and the goddess of everything. Wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, mathematics, strength, strategy and arts.”

Applications for the 2016 Athena Scholarship will be made available in the new year. Information about the scholarship and information on donations can be found at www.athenaleadership.ca