BCom'07
In honor of their 10th reunion, the Commerce Class of 2007 established The Commerce 2007 Award in Memory of Darren Bishop, and we are thrilled to announce the activation of their award and introduce you to their inaugural recipient. The BCom’07s are our youngest Commerce class to establish and activate an endowed award!
Established in September 2017 by the class of Commerce 2007 in memory of Darren James Bishop, BCom 2007. Awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, evidence of an entrepreneurial spirit, and involvement in school or community activities; particularly sports, to students entering first year of the Bachelor of Commerce program at Smith School of Business.
Aarti Patel, Comm'23
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“I am very grateful to have received the Commerce 2007 Award in Memory of Darren James Bishop.
Due to financial pressure in my family, I was very hesitant to accept my offer to Smith Commerce. Last year, my father (making the majority of our household income) lost his job at General Motors in Oshawa. Currently, both of my immigrant parents make minimum wage. It was very hard for me to transition into a school where I felt worried about “being poor”. Attending university is the biggest financial risk I’ve ever taken for myself and my family.
I am the first member of my family to complete high school and pursue an undergraduate degree. My first-year experience at Smith has been exceptional. I was grateful to have accepted a frosh representative position on three Commerce clubs, which helped me to become friends with upper-year students. Additionally, I have enjoyed all the opportunities I have been presented with, which range from frosh week to participating in conferences and attending galas. All of these experiences have improved my confidence and enabled me to feel empowered and supported here at Smith.
I am extremely thankful to have been given your award to help subsidize my education. Without financial aid, I would not have been able to attend Smith. In the future, I hope to be a part of the engaged alumni network and give back to students lacking financial privilege. Your support is truly making a difference. Thank you for everything you do.”
Your 2020-21 Award Recipient:
Bob Wei, Comm'24
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"I chose the Commerce program for two reasons, one because it is the top business program in Canada, and two, because of the tight-knit Queen's community. I hope that by attending Queen's, I will be able to make friends that last a lifetime, and also be the stepping stone for me to achieve my dream job working as a banker on Wall Street.
I would like to thank you all so much for believing in me and granting me the admission award. As a first-generation immigrant, financing my education was a real concern when I was choosing the Commerce program at Smith, and this award has taken a huge load off my shoulders."