Formation 1985 Website [1] | Official language English, French | |
Headquarters Montreal, Quebec, Canada Key people Richard J. Schmeelk (Founder) | ||
The Richard J. Schmeelk Canada Fellowship is a post-graduate award for selected students at eligible Canadian universities. Founded by American investment banker and philanthropist Richard J. Schmeelk, the scholarship is administered by the Schmeelk Canada Foundation, a national charitable organization.
Contents
The scholarship is awarded to Canadian citizens who wish to pursue their masters or doctoral studies in Canada's other official language. Schmeelk scholars may study any full-time postgraduate program offered at eligible universities: Western University (London) or the University of Calgary for Francophones, and the Université de Montréal or Université Laval (Québec) for Anglophones. Bilingual applicants may be granted the award for study outside of their province of origin and residence. The award of $10 000 per semester is granted for up to four semesters.
History
Through working for 30 years on Wall Street at Salomon Brothers, American investment banker Richard Schmeelk developed a strong relationship with several Canadian corporate leaders and government officials. Upon his retirement from Salomon in 1985, Schmeelk wanted to show his gratitude to Canada, and so on the urging of his Canadian colleagues, he decided to create a scholarship to encourage greater understanding and collaboration between the Anglophone and Francophone communities of Canada and to strengthen relationships between Canadian business and government.
Since 1985, the fellowship has been awarded to over 80 young Canadians - with a total awarded value of over $3 million.
In 2005, Richard J. Schmeelk was awarded the Knight of the National Order of Quebec in recognition of his contribution to building relationships between Anglophone and Francophone communities of Canada and his philanthropy to other Canadian causes, such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.Richard J. Schmeelk has also been awarded honorary doctorates at Western University and Université Laval.
Standards
There are three standards by which applicants are judged:
Governance
Notable advisory members include: