It was a celebration of generosity, resilience, and opportunity last night as Cambrian College brought students and supporters together for its 43rd Annual Awards Reception.
Cambrian College held its annual awards celebration this week at its Barry Downe campus. The event brings together students who have received scholarships and bursaries, and their donors. This year, more than 1000 students received approximately $1.5 million in financial awards from donors, including Caroline Silman, who is graduating this year from Cambrian's Practical Nursing program. Pictured are (left to right): Melanie Cacciotti, Director of Development and Alumni; Caroline Silman; Kristine Morrissey, President.
The event recognized both the students whose educational journeys are being strengthened through scholarships and bursaries, and the donors whose generosity continues to make post-secondary education more accessible.
This year, approximately $1.5 million was distributed to more than one thousand students, across a wide range of programs. The awards help ease financial pressures and allow the students who receive them to focus on learning, growth and their future careers. Many of the recipients are balancing their studies with family and financial obligations, and major transitions in their lives.
One of those students is Caroline Silman who is graduating this year from Cambrian's Practical Nursing program. A mother in her 40s, Silman returned to school after facing her own serious health challenges, an experience that ultimately reshaped her future.
"During one of the most vulnerable periods of my life, the care and compassion I received from nurses completely changed my trajectory," says Silman. "Their kindness stayed with me and inspired me to pursue nursing myself. Receiving this support means I can stay focused on finishing my program and becoming the kind of nurse who shows up for people when they need it most. One day, I hope to be in a position to give back and support students the way I've been supported."
Among the donors recognized was Jesse Winters, who is celebrating 20 years of giving to Cambrian College. Since 2006, Winters has supported countless nursing and registered practical nursing students through the Dorothy Winters Memorial Bursaries, established in memory of his late mother.
"My mother believed deeply in caring for others, and nursing students carry that same spirit forward every day," says Winters. "Supporting students through the Dorothy Winters Memorial Bursaries has always been about removing barriers and helping them focus on becoming compassionate, skilled professionals. Seeing the impact over the past 20 years has been incredibly meaningful, and I'm proud to continue supporting students who will go on to care for our communities."
At the awards reception, Cambrian President Kristine Morrissey emphasized that the impact of donor support extends far beyond financial assistance.
"Every scholarship and bursary represents belief in our students, their potential, and the difference they will make," says Morrissey. "We are deeply grateful to our donors for investing not only in education, but in people. Their generosity creates ripple effects that will be felt by families, communities, and industries for years to come. Accessibility to education is one of Cambrian's key strategic priorities over the next four years, and that includes financial accessibility, which is why we are actively working to increase the number of financial awards that will be available to students in the coming years."
Every year, Cambrian distributes numerous scholarships and bursaries to students. To learn more about the financial support that is available, visit https://cambriancollege.ca/paying-for-college.
For more information
1400 Barrydowne Road
Sudbury Ontario
Canada P3A 3V8
www.cambriancollege.ca/
