Creston native Katie Wigen, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student has been awarded $5,000.00 from the Ike Barber Transfer Scholarship.
Wigen completed her first five semesters of the BSN program at College of the Rockies before transferring to the University of Victoria to pursue the final three semesters of her degree.
“There are many financial and educational benefits for students starting their university education at College of the Rockies,” said Pat Bowron, Vice President, Partnership and Advancement. “College of the Rockies transfer students have the highest completion rate of transfer students from any B.C. institution and tend to have higher grade point averages (GPAs). Through highly-personalized instruction and dedicated support services, College of the Rockies students are primed to succeed in the next stage of their academic journey. This Ike Barber Transfer Scholarship is perhaps a reflection of that, and it will support our valued alumni in their ongoing academic aspirations.”
“I feel honoured and extremely grateful to receive this scholarship,” Wigen said. “The scholarship allows me to continue to give back and serve my community while attending school and also helps to alleviate some of the financial stress of school, allowing me to focus on my studies.”
The Ike Barber Transfer Scholarship program has the goal of increasing educational opportunities for students from public colleges across B.C. Funds are generated from the returns on a $15 million endowment established by the province in 2006 and is named after philanthropist Irving K. Barber who had a long history of supporting public education and research projects in British Columbia before his death in 2012.
The scholarship is open to students who, after completing two years of study at an eligible institution are transferring their credits to another post-secondary institution in B.C. to complete their degree. Applicants must demonstrate academic merit as well as significant involvement in their community and/or school.
Wigen has always taken an active role in her community. She volunteered with girls’ hockey development in Creston and hopes to encourage more girls to participate in hockey while building their confidence and skills. She was also the Associate Delegate of the Canadian Nursing Association chapter at College of the Rockies, a volunteer member of a Sexualized Assault Response Team in Cranbrook, and has given her time to the Coldest Night of the Year event, the 55+ Seniors Games, as well as the Parkinson’s Superwalk, and more.
After earning her BSN, Wigen hopes to work in pediatrics, focusing on pediatric oncology. Though she currently aims to find full-time employment in either Victoria or Calgary, she doesn’t rule out a return to her hometown.
“I love Creston and the life I had there; and the idea of returning home after my education is something I consider often,” Wigen added.
Learn more about the University of Victoria’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at College of the Rockies at cotr.ca/regnurse
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