The fully funded scholarship had been offered by the university for a number of years as a way to connect to the historic bond between Guernsey and the university’s namesake Major-General Sir Isaac Brock.
Brock was born in St Peter Port and went on to become a national hero of Canada in the wake of the War of 1812, dying at the Battle of Queenston Heights.
Local scholar and history major Lydia Datta is currently studying for her fourth and final year at Brock, and although the funding for current scholars is promised to continue, she is disappointed that other Guernsey students will not be able to have the same opportunities that she has enjoyed.
‘Receiving the scholarship has been an amazing experience and opened the doors to lots of other adventures and opportunities. It is very sad that the scholarship is being discontinued, especially given its long history. I know many students are very keen to pursue the scholarship which will be a loss to those currently choosing their post-secondary pathways,’ she said.
‘However, it did not come as a massive surprise.
Amid the current economic climate, Brock, along with many other universities, is making budget cuts across many departments. It is just a shame that the Guernsey scholarship has been one to go.’
Miss Datta said the scholarship has opened up the world to her, in particular citing a year abroad studying in Australia that was covered under her scholarship.
She said it had given her an itch to travel and connect with new cultures.
‘I have recently started a volunteering position practising English with someone who emigrated from Colombia to Canada. I have enjoyed connecting with other immigrants and hearing their stories,’ she said.
She has enjoyed experiencing the different education systems across the world, and has taken the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects, from French and astronomy to politics and wine-tasting.
‘I have been able to move to a different country and gain independence, while also having a structure in place to support me along the way. I have met so many amazing people, both Canadians and other international students, who I hope to maintain friendships with in the future.
‘While I can only speak for myself, I know that many other of my fellow Brock scholars feel a similar positivity towards their experience.
‘It has enabled so many Guernsey students to experience a new culture and go to university with less of a financial burden.’
Brock University announced that it was pulling funding for local students earlier this month.
For many years it has offered one spot each year for a Guernsey student.
‘Brock University values its long-standing partnership with the States of Guernsey and does not take the discontinuation of this scholarship lightly. The decision was made as part of a broader evaluation of institutional priorities and fiscal planning,’ said David Begg, associate vice-president, international, at Brock University.
‘We hope to explore new educational opportunities for collaboration in the future.’
The States Education Committee said it was disappointed with the decision but understood the financial pressures facing universities globally.
‘We recognise that difficult fiscal operating climates mean hard decisions must be made over where limited resources are deployed,’ said ESC president Deputy Paul Montague.
‘At the same time, it is also a challenging financial landscape for our students and families, and the committee is reviewing how we support access to higher education opportunities at home and elsewhere, to ensure higher education is as accessible as possible and aligned with the evolving opportunities available.
‘Brock University has been a valued partner, and we hope to maintain positive links moving forward. We would be very open to future collaboration opportunities with the university, given our shared heritage through Sir Isaac Brock.’
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