In 1984 Sir William Stephenson made a significant gift to The University of Winnipeg to establish the Sir William Stephenson Scholarships. These scholarships, entrusted to and administered through The Winnipeg Foundation, are awarded annually to one or two students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, superior leadership qualities and the potential to make a valuable contribution to Canada.
The value of a scholarship is varied. In monetary terms, there were two scholarships of $9,000 awarded in 2024. Since the first awards in 1985, more than $395,050 has been paid out from the endowment (see the table below for a complete listing of recipients with values).
For the student recipient, it recognizes effort and achievement, provides financial support for further studies, contributes to status amongst their peers and lastly acknowledges winning an award that is preeminent amongst all awards of the institute.
For the granting institution it signifies the value they have placed on supporting and recognizing the mission and role of the University, which is delivering quality education and maintaining high standards.
Lastly, a sought-after scholarship is a credit to the donor. If the award contributes to the ongoing successes of the recipients, the value of the endowment is multiplied many fold. It is an excellent investment that gives satisfaction and encourages further financial support.
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Scholarship Survey
In 2015, the Intrepid Society, in cooperation with The University of Winnipeg, surveyed all former recipients of the Stephenson scholarships to determine how they valued the award and how it impacted their lives and careers.
The survey response was amazingly positive. It reassured both the donor and the university their premier scholarship was indeed achieving the purpose of the award.
We have summarized the responses without editing as follows:
This was my first significant scholarship and it sent a signal that my achievements were unique amongst my peers, besides the financial award it was an important stepping stone to later academic awards that greatly helped in my leadership and extracurricular pursuits. The scholarship was a motivating factor to continue to aspire to excellence.
Helped one realize that they had a lot more potential and had a positive impact on their life, much more than a financial reward, the scholarship provided motivation, support, encouragement, faith in the recipient’s ability. Funding allowed me to focus on studies and research and grad school applications.
The award validated the hard work, dedication, perseverance, competence and the willingness to take risks and achievements.
The scholarship was extremely significant both in prestige and academically, I was honored and humbled, to receive an award named after the most illustrious Manitoban. It was significant in the development as a scholar, as a scientist, gave a great deal of confidence, provided financial freedom to pursue research.
The application process prepared me for the challenges of competitive grant applications, it was an honour to receive validation for the work of both academic and community efforts, it built my confidence and I graduated without debt.
The scholarship was an honour to receive a very substantial award, I was very proud of the achievement.
Helped to distinguish me as a candidate for subsequent awards supported education and career development, financial support for post grad studies, honour and pride for being selected, ongoing appreciation for the U of W.
When I tell my children that a spy helped me go through medical school they are always duly impressed.
The majority of students continued on to achieve PhD’s or advanced degrees in medicine, biochemistry, medical genetics, clinical research, epidemiology, scientific research, chemotherapy, oncology, physics, mathematics, law, and specialized in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases research, autism spectrum disorder, pediatric nephrology, ethics, bioethics, health policy, performing arts, neurology, neuroscience and family medicine.
Most went on to attend institutes of note including; the University of Manitoba, University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, Dalhousie University, McGill University, University of Toronto, Harvard Law School, Loyola University, University of Cambridge (UK), University of Waterloo, University of Washington, North Western and Cornell.
Many received awards and scholarships from agencies such as NSERC, the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, the Banting Fellowships, The Canadian Medical Association, Journal Bruce Squires Award, Harvard Law School, The Canadian Institute of Health Research, various fellowships, The Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Rhoads scholarship, and a MITACS award.
They are employed in many fields such as pediatric child care, children’s hospital research institutes, as associate professors at universities. Most recipients are at the Masters, Doctoral or Post-Doctoral level.
Scholarship Recipients 1985-2025
| Year | First | Last | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Warren | Breckman | $2,000 |
| 1985 | Elizabeth | Martin | $2,000 |
| 1985 | Shelley | Munro | $2,000 |
| 1986 | Catherine | Holtmann | $2,000 |
| 1986 | John | Keelan | $2,000 |
| 1986 | Joy | Loewen | $2,000 |
| 1987 | Bradley | Roberts | $2,000 |
| 1987 | Bertram | Schneider | $2,000 |
| 1987 | Shoshana | Scott | $2,000 |
| 1988 | Debra | Blair | $2,000 |
| 1988 | James | Butler | $2,000 |
| 1989 | Naomi | Guilbert | $2,400 |
| 1989 | Kathryn | Jones | $2,400 |
| 1989 | Garth | Kroeker | $2,400 |
| 1990 | Arash | Abizadeh | $2,400 |
| 1990 | Scott | Kroeker | $2,400 |
| 1990 | Norman | Wasel | $2,400 |
| 1991 | Maurissa | Abecassis | $2,400 |
| 1991 | Claudia | Hudspeth | $2,400 |
| 1991 | Marni | Wiseman | $2,400 |
| 1992 | Arkadiy | Demianczuk | $2,400 |
| 1992 | Mark | Matz | $2,400 |
| 1992 | Andrea | Westlund | $2,400 |
| 1993 | Sandra | Baydock | $2,750 |
| 1993 | Kevin | Harrison | $2,750 |
| 1993 | Michael | Winters | $2,750 |
| 1994 | Arlan | Gates | $3,000 |
| 1994 | Melanie | Gertley | $3,000 |
| 1994 | Albert | Moore | $3,000 |
| 1995 | Shelly | Bhayana | $3,000 |
| 1995 | Aviva | Goldberg | $3,000 |
| 1995 | Rohit | Singal | $3,000 |
| 1996 | Paul | Grower | $3,000 |
| 1996 | Mary | Smith | $3,000 |
| 1996 | Daniel | Woo | $3,000 |
| 1997 | Nagasree | Atmuri | $4,000 |
| 1997 | Jonathan | Syms | $4,000 |
| 1998 | Rebecca | Schindle | $4,000 |
| 1998 | Omar | Siddiqui | $4,000 |
| 1999 | Jennifer | Dueck | $4,000 |
| 1999 | Steven | Selchen | $4,000 |
| 2000 | Karlee | Silver | $5,000 |
| 2000 | Tiffany | Walsh | $5,000 |
| 2001 | Laura | Kasian | $5,000 |
| 2001 | Ariel | Zylberman | $5,000 |
| 2002 | Daniel | Fitzpatrick | $6,000 |
| 2002 | Meghan | Webb | $6,000 |
| 2003 | Erika | Bock | $6,000 |
| 2003 | Nicholas | Neufeld | $6,000 |
| 2004 | Timothy | Mcdowell | $6,000 |
| 2004 | Caitlin | Mcintyre | $6,000 |
| 2005 | Gina | Passante | $6,000 |
| 2005 | Joel | Peters-Fransen | $6,000 |
| 2006 | Douglas | Storey | $6,500 |
| 2006 | Aaron | Trachtenberg | $6,500 |
| 2007 | Blair | Cardigan Smith | $6,500 |
| 2007 | Ruth | Lowe | $6,500 |
| 2008 | Daniell | Dubois | $6,500 |
| 2008 | Benjamin | Fultz | $6,500 |
| 2009 | Andrea | Globa | $6,500 |
| 2009 | Rebecca | Vanderhooft | $6,500 |
| 2010 | Calei | Christie | $6,500 |
| 2010 | Yen Minh | Cung | $6,500 |
| 2011 | Matthew | Morison | $6,500 |
| 2011 | Paul | Sarte | $6,500 |
| 2012 | Hilary | Bews | $6,500 |
| 2012 | Bojan | Pirnat | $6,500 |
| 2013 | Nils | Deppe | $6,500 |
| 2013 | Kayla | Quiring | $6,500 |
| 2014 | Gurkamal | Dhillon | $6,500 |
| 2014 | Amy | Wilkinson | $6,500 |
| 2015 | Katharina | Klassen | |
| 2015 | Ying Jason | Yang | |
| 2017 | Alyssa | Kidd | $6,500 |
| 2017 | Jonathan | Kornelsen | $6,500 |
| 2018 | Megan | Rutherford | $7,500 |
| 2018 | Taylor | Hanson | $7,500 |
| 2019 | Bronwyn | Delacruz | |
| 2019 | Julia | Antonyshyn | |
| 2022 | Tiana | Tiede | $9,000 |
| 2022 | Michael | Grehan | $9,000 |
| 2023 | Jenna | Allison | $9,000 |
| 2023 | Liam | Reid | $9,000 |
| 2024 | Taylor | Cangemi | $9,000 |
| 2024 | Gracie | Grift | $9,000 |
| 2025 | Melody | Hutton | $9,000 |
| 2025 | Thomas | Hepworth | $9,000 |
| TOTAL | $395,050 |
About the Scholarship Recipients
2025 – Melody Hutton and Thomas Hepworth
This year, Thomas Hepworth and Melody Hutton received the Sir William Stephenson Scholarship (SWSS). Along with being among the most valuable awards at UWinnipeg, the SWSS carries added prestige due to its connection to Sir William Stephenson, after whom the scholarship is named. A soldier and spymaster known by the wartime intelligence code name “Intrepid,” he is often regarded as the real-life inspiration for James Bond.
2024 – Taylor Cangemi and Gracie Grift
Taylor Cangemi and Gracie Grift have been selected as the 2024 recipients of the Sir William Stephenson Scholarship. This prestigious award is given each year to one or two students who exhibit exceptional academic performance, strong leadership both on and off campus, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to Canada’s future.
2023 – Jenna Allison and Liam Reid
Jenna Allison and Liam Reid, two accomplished University of Winnipeg students, have been awarded the Sir William Stephenson Scholarship for this academic year. Beyond their academic excellence, both have shown exceptional leadership through volunteering and have the potential to make significant contributions to their community.
2022 – Tiana Tiede and Michael Grehan
Tiana Tiede and Micheal Grehan, despite pursuing different career paths, both share a passion for science that earned them the esteemed Sir William Stephenson Scholarship for 2022. Throughout their time at the University of Winnipeg, they consistently achieved academic success while also engaging in extensive community service and volunteer work, which contributed to their receipt of the $9,000 scholarship.
2019 – Bronwyn Delacruz and Julia Antonyshyn
UWinnipeg students and academic achievers Julia Antonyshyn and Bronwyn Delacruz have been awarded the prestigious Sir William Stephenson Scholarship, also known as the Intrepid. Both graduates of UWinnipeg Collegiate, they share a strong passion for environmental issues.
2018 – Megan Rutherford and Taylor Hanson
Taylor Hanson and Megan Rutherford, two highly accomplished women in science, have earned the prestigious Sir William Stephenson Scholarships for this academic year. In their final year at UWinnipeg, both have maintained a strong academic record and shown exceptional dedication to community service and volunteer work, key factors in securing the $7,500 scholarship.
2017 – Alyssa Kidd and Jonathan Kornelsen
UWinnipeg students Alyssa Kidd and Jonathan Kornelsen have been awarded the prestigious Sir William Stephenson Scholarships (also known as the Intrepid), each valued at $6,500. While both share a passion for biology, academic excellence, travel, and enhancing the lives of others, they are pursuing distinct career paths.
2015 – Katharina Klassen and Ying Jason Yang
Katharina Klassen and Ying (Jason) Yang may be pursuing different academic paths, but both earned UWinnipeg’s prestigious Sir William Stephenson Scholarships for 2015. They share a strong track record of academic success and a commitment to community service and volunteerism, both on and off campus, which played a key role in securing this esteemed scholarship.
2014 – Kamal Dhillon
The bright and dynamic Kamal Dhillon has received one of UWinnipeg’s prestigious Sir William Stephenson Scholarships. With strong ties to the university—her two sisters are alumni and her brother is currently enrolled—Dhillon is in her fourth year at UWinnipeg and has already completed the requirements for her BA in English.
2011 – Paul Sarte and Matthew Morison
UWinnipeg students Paul Sarte and Matthew Morison each received $6,500 to support their undergraduate studies. In 1984, Sir William Stephenson made a substantial donation to establish these scholarships at the university in his name. Known by the code name “Intrepid,” Sir William Stephenson began his life as a struggling hardware salesman in Winnipeg before becoming a legendary WWII spy and the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s James Bond.
2009 – Andrea Globa
Andrea is completing her 4th year at the University with a Biopsychology Honours and a Biochemistry major. Throughout her time here, Andrea has done exceptionally well in all her classes by accumulating a grade point average of 4.3.
Professors in the Psychology department describe Andrea as someone who cares deeply about her community and the environment and someone that is not only able to analyze difficult concepts but confident enough to explain them to others in a straight forward yet intelligent manner.
Andrea played a major role in the “Let’s talk Science” project. She also volunteered for the Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge, the University of Winnipeg Peer Support’s Shinerama campaign, the Misericordia Health Centre, The University of Winnipeg’s Psychology Student’s Association and the Seven Oaks General Hospital.
Andrea is planning to pursue her graduate studies in the field of either Cognitive or Behavioral Neuroscience.
2008 – Rebecca Vanderhooft
Rebecca Vanderhooft is completing her degree at The University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Science Honours. In 2008,
Rebecca was chosen as the best among the best for a very prestigious NSERC funded research program. She has won numerous awards and scholarships such as the Chancellor John A. Bulman Scholarship and the President’s Award of Merit.
Rebecca’s interests extend beyond the field of research. She is a volleyball coach and a very skilled pianist. Her tutors describe her as someone who is highly organized, very motivated, independent and extremely devoted to research.
One of her professors states, “In my 30 plus years of teaching my 4000 level course, I have never had a student who has obtained a perfect grade on a mid-term or final examination, until Rebecca accomplished it.”
Rebecca is currently conducting research at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and has been selected to present her research at a conference at the University of British Columbia. In April 2010, she is planning to pursue her postgraduate studies– most probably– in the field of genetics.