Direct Energy awards attract top students

By Beth Frank

First-year students coming here from high school had one more reason to choose U of C this semester. Actually, they had 500 more reasons.

This fall marked the introduction of an automatic $500 award for any student with an admission average of 80 per cent or higher.

The Direct Energy Business Services Academic Merit Admission Awards, officially named this month, were made possible by a seven-year commitment of $500,000 a year from Direct Energy Business Services. The U of C is covering the balance of the cost of these awards—at least another $500,000 a year.

The admission award was a factor in Christie Schmidt’s decision to come to U of C. “It was $500 I don’t need to take out of my pocket to pay for a class,” said the first-year kinesiology student.
Allaa Hammadieh, a first-year Communication and Culture student, said the award was not the specific reason for choosing U of C, but “it certainly was appreciated.”

“ I appreciate everybody who tries to make it easier for students,” said Hammadieh.

No application is required for the awards, which are applied to tuition. Students are automatically considered when they apply for admission to U of C.

Direct Energy was keen to support these awards because it believed the U of C was taking a strong leadership role in sustainability issues, says Peter Dixon, vice-president, Direct Energy Business Services. “It’s important for us as a company to support the U of C’s efforts in attracting and rewarding the bright young men and women who will pursue their academic goals in the sustainable environment we’re all working very hard to create.”

The admissions awards are part of a more than $7.25 million investment by Direct Energy in scholarships, research and education at U of C.

“ The investment in supporting these awards at the University of Calgary is a perfect fit,” adds Dixon. “It is my personal hope that Direct Energy can play a role in increasing awareness on campus for sustainability initiatives through recognition of the program by those new students who have earned the financial support of these awards. ”