Barbara J. Bessey Office Administration Scholarship

This Scholarship was established in honour of Barbara Bessey, who retired in 2009 following a 35-year career at Douglas College. Barbara Bessey excelled in office administration, and served as Executive Assistant to a series of College Presidents. Demonstrating intelligence, poise, initiative, flexibility, discretion and dedication, she had a tremendous, positive impact upon colleagues and students alike. Throughout her tenure, which was one of significant technological change, Barbara Bessey remained a life-long learner and exemplified the consummate caring office professional. This scholarship is intended to recognize and reward Office Administration Diploma & Certificate program graduates who demonstrate academic excellence.

ARE YOU NEW TO DOUGLAS?

If you will be starting Douglas in the Fall 2024 semester (September - December) and are coming from high school or another post-secondary institution, you may be eligible for an Entrance Scholarship or Award. These scholarships and awards recognize students who excel in their studies and contribute to their communities, including the promotion of social justice and Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation within their schools and/or communities.

There are a variety of one-time scholarships or awards of up to $3,500 and renewable scholarships or awards of up to $20,000, payable over four years.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Entrance Scholarships: Students must have a minimum admission GPA of 3.5 and significant contributions to their school or community.

Entrance Awards: Students must have a minimum admission GPA of 3.0 and significant contributions to their school or community.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Before submitting your Entrance Scholarship Application, you must apply for admission to Douglas College. Only students who have an active application to Douglas College, on record for the Fall 2024 semester, will be considered for an Entrance Scholarship.

In your application, you must clearly illustrate your contributions to your school or community, the promotion of social justice and/or truth and reconciliation.

Please include two letters of reference from members of your school or community.

If applicable, please outline your personal and/or family financial circumstances and why you feel you should be considered for awards that include a financial need component.

To apply, please download the application form. Follow the directions on the form for providing all information, including attachments and then mail or email your application as indicated on the form.

TIMELINE (2024/25 ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION)

• The application period is from October 3, 2023 through March 31, 2024.
• All completed applications must be received by Douglas College by March 31, 2024 at 11:59pm.
• All applicants who submit an Entrance Scholarship & Award application for the 2024/2025 academic year will be notified of Douglas College’s decision by mid-May, 2024.