The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) has announced their eight scholarship winners for 2022, and two of them have been won by children of OPSEU/SEFPO members. NUPGE is the national union to which OPSEU/SEFPO is affiliated, along with other provincial public sector unions across Canada.
Congratulations to Melissa Trinh and Sofia Begg, both of whom won $2,500 scholarships for the 2022-2023 school year.
Visit NUPGE’s website to read more about all eight scholarship winners from across Canada.
Brian Fudge Memorial Scholarship winner: Melissa Trinh, Queen’s University
Melissa Trinh’s parent is OPSEU/SEFPO Local 464 member Lien Huang. In commenting on her field of study, namely life sciences, Melissa stated that it “prepares health care professionals for the delivery of public services…pertain[s] to many different disciplines including psychology, sociology, neuroscience and medicine…[and] enable[s] health care workers to improve both the mental and physical health and well-being of Canadians.”
The Brian Fudge Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year to the child/grandchild of a member of NUPGE entering a field of study in policing, criminal justice, community services or health care. It was established in memory of Brian Fudge, the son of Derek Fudge and Jill Broadbent, who graduated from the Police Foundations program at Humber College in Toronto in May 2004. On January 4, 2005, Brian passed away after just having celebrated his 22nd birthday.
Terry Fox Memorial Scholarship winner: Sofia Begg, Toronto Metropolitan University
Sofia Begg’s parent is OPSEU/SEFPO Local 304 member Kimberly Begg. Sofia commented that work needs to be done if public services are to be more responsive to the needs of everyone. She stated, “The public service can create environments and services where the public feels safe enough to disclose their disability and then be able to receive service barrier-free. Focusing on how those with disabilities can be successful and have something to contribute and are deserving of services.”
The Terry Fox Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year to a child or grandchild, with disabilities, of a member of NUPGE.