Dr. Gary McPherson Leadership Scholarship (Alberta Scholarships Program)

Dr. Gary McPherson was a renowned advocate for people with disabilities. He devoted himself to inspiring leadership and bringing out the best in everyone. He was a member of the Order of Canada, the Alberta Order of Excellence and both the Edmonton and Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. This scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, especially in the area of disability, and/or initiative to improve the conditions and lives of others.

Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:

• be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident or Protected Person (visa students are not eligible),
• be an Alberta resident. To be considered an Alberta resident one of the following conditions must apply:
  – one parent or legal guardian has maintained permanent residence in Canada for at least twelve (12) consecutive months immediately prior to commencing post-secondary studies and be residing in Alberta, or
  – Alberta is the last place the student has lived for twelve (12) consecutive months immediately prior to commencing post-secondary studies, or
  – the student’s spouse/partner has maintained permanent residence in Alberta for 12 consecutive months prior to the person attending post-secondary studies.
• have shown outstanding leadership, especially in the area of disability, and/or initiative to improve the lives of other people while
  attending a publicly-funded post-secondary institution in Alberta,
• be currently enrolled full-time at the University of Lethbridge in an undergraduate or graduate degree program
• continuing undergraduate students will have completed a minimum 24.0 credit hours in the previous fall/spring
• academic standing for continuing graduate students will be confirmed by the School of Graduate Studies as per the Academic Calendar

Application:

• Applicants must provide a resume highlighting leadership involvement and other activities related to improving the lives of other people
• After reading the biography of Dr. Gary McPherson (see below), submit an essay detailing examples of how the applicant has demonstrated leadership, especially in the area of disability, and/or initiative to improve the lives of others (1,000 words maximum)
• Provide a reference

Selection:
Recipients are selected by committee.

Dr. Gary McPherson Biography
Dr. Gary McPherson was an extraordinary Albertan who sought to improve the conditions and lives of people through his outstanding leadership ability. Despite being paralyzed due to polio, McPherson was a sports enthusiast throughout his life and helped to transform wheelchair sports into a worldwide sporting movement known as the Paralympics.

McPherson was also a leader and advocate for the disabled community serving as Chair of the Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities and Vice-Chair of the Alberta Paraplegic Foundation. Gary received significant recognition and awards for his achievements including the prestigious Order of Canada, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and the Alberta Order of Excellence.

Above all, Gary dedicated his life to his family and to activities that promoted community development and support for young people. Gary passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2010.