Your 2025 student impact at a glance
You’re helping students succeed
Scholarships and bursaries
students received scholarship or bursaries
in emergency assistance
in scholarships and bursaries granted
Words of gratitude from Vincent Francoeur
A doctoral student in psychology, a father of three, and a learner who returned to university in his early fifties, Vincent embodies perseverance, rigour and academic excellence. He says, “Thanks to the generosity of donors who support the Multi-Health Systems Inc. (MHS) Assessments Scholarship, I’ve been able to devote myself full time to the work I love — groundbreaking interdisciplinary research at the intersection of psychology and computer engineering, advancing innovation in emotional recognition.”
Words of gratitude from Brooklyn Westlake
“I’m deeply grateful for this scholarship and for the generosity of the donors who made it possible. Receiving this support truly made a world of difference in my life. It allowed me to step back from taking extra work shifts and fully focus on my academic goals, strengthening my studies and my future. This gift has had a lasting impact, and I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity it has given me.”
Words of gratitude from Anson McMaster
“Donor support at uOttawa has helped me pursue excellence as a student-athlete while staying connected to my community and culture. I’m proud to represent both Siksika Nation and the Gee-Gees. The scholarship has had a meaningful impact on my journey. It has eased financial pressures, allowing me to full focus on my studies, my goal of playing hockey, and ensure that I’m prepared to also find success professionally.”
Sports achievements and stats
Gee-Gees men’s hockey makes history, claims first University Cup title in 2025
students participated in intramurals
in scholarships awarded to student-athletes
student-athletes earned Academic All Canadian recognition
Monthly Donor Spotlight
From alumni pride to maximum impact
Kennedy’s decision to support the Student Experience Fund was inspired by the experiential opportunities he benefited from, such as the Model Parliament, and his desire to help other students access similar experiences. Kennedy believes it’s important for students and young alumni to see themselves represented in uOttawa’s donor community. He noted that donor stories often focus on older donors or million-dollar donors, which may feel less relatable to recent graduates.
— S. Kennedy Onyechie (BSocSc ’24)
Legacy Donor Spotlight
Continuing a community of caring
Gary Dokis and his late spouse, Mona-Lisa Verhelst-Dokis, turned their shared commitment to Indigenous education into a lasting legacy through a planned gift to uOttawa. In 2021, they established the Migize — Kikinoomaagan Minaajidwin scholarship to support Anishinabek First Nations and Algonquin graduate and MD students nearing the completion of their studies. The award reflects the couple’s belief in reducing financial stress so students can focus on finishing strong.
“Giving back to the Indigenous community was at the core of our shared values, in the belief that it could create a meaningful, lasting impact.”
— Gary Dokis (MBA ’99)
Scholarship Donor Spotlight
Extended family, extended generosity
“Raised by my aunt and uncle, I realized early on the vital importance of a strong support system. When I look back on my years as a student at the University of Ottawa, I immediately think of my extended family — the Gee-Gees — and the community of uOttawa donors that made my journey possible. It’s thanks in large part to the generosity and kindness of others that I went on to play professional football in the CFL and accomplish goals I didn’t even know I had.
“Today, I give back to my alma mater, proud to invest in the next generation and to support someone else’s life journey.”
— Milan Topolovec (BA ’85)
Get in touch
Advancement Office
190 Laurier Ave East
Ottawa ON Canada
K1N 6N5
Toll-free: 888-352-7222
[email protected]
Our Canadian charitable registration number is 11927 8877 RR0001