Accessibility Scholarship for Students with Disabilities

Bonita Sawatzky and her husband, Brian Wixted, along with Kathryn Penner have established a scholarship at CMU to support students with physical disabilities. Bonita works as Associate Professor at UBC Orthopedics. She attended CMU in 1981-82 and has a disability. Kathryn Penner graduated from CMU in 1996 and has been hearing impaired since birth. She did not have supports throughout her academic career and wants to assist others. Both women believe their education was a significant factor in their ability to achieve. They wish to make CMU a more welcoming and accessible place for students with disabilities.

This scholarship will be awarded to two recipients per year, at $1,000-$2,000 each for the academic year (the amount awarded will be divided between the fall and winter). This scholarship will be available for the 2022-23 to 2026-27 academic years. Students must apply each year for consideration

Qualifications

• Provide a 250-word essay that describes your disability and how this scholarship can help you pursue your academic goals.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a new or returning student at CMU • Must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours during the academic year (fall and winter semesters) • Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 if a returning student or an entering grade of 75%