Alumnae & Second Generation Bursaries
The deadline for 2026 Bursaries has passed - please check back next year!
Are you a Youville Centre graduate?
As a graduate of Youville Centre who is enrolling in a post-secondary program in the upcoming academic year, you are eligible for an Alumnae Bursary.
Please contact info@youvillecentre.org if you have any inquiries or questions.
Your child is also eligible for Youville Centre’s Second Generation Bursary if they are enrolling in a post-secondary program in the upcoming academic year.
Please contact info@youvillecentre.org if you have any inquiries or questions.
2026 Alumnae and Second Generation Bursary Awards
Alumnae and Second Generation Bursary Awards were presented at our graduation ceremony on June 17, 2026. This year, some of the award recipients were able to join us for the ceremony and some were given their awards at different times.
Thank you, to every one of our bursary donors, and special thanks to those who have continued to provide bursaries for our graduates for multiple years. These donated bursaries make a huge impact on two generations, as our graduates pursue their post-secondary education and create a better life for themselves and their children.
Alumnae Awards
The Rebecca Emery in Memoriam Bursary
The REBECCA EMERY IN MEMORIAM BURSARY was established in 2010 in memory of Rebecca Emery, a Youville Centre graduate from 1993. This bursary is awarded annually to a Youville Centre alumna, and this year’s recipient is Samantha, a 2019 graduate.
Samantha will be continuing her post-secondary education journey in an Addictions and Mental Health Program, with plans to do her Masters next. Congratulations Samantha!
Focus Forward Alumnae Bursary
The FOCUS FORWARD ALUMNAE AWARD was donated by Christine Harrison and Focus Forward Therapy Group and is also awarded to Shaylene Unilowsky, Class of 2022. Focus Forward Therapy Group was founded in 2014 and their vision and concept around mental health support is truly unique. Congratulations Shaylene!
The G.P. Larkin Award
The G. P. LARKIN AWARD was established in 2009 in the name of an original and long-serving member of the Youville Centre Board, Gerry Larkin, and is annually awarded to a Youville Centre alumna. Shaylene is also the recipient of this bursary and is pictured with Gerry Larkin at Graduation 2026.
Shaylene is continuing her education in the Real Estate Salesperson Program at Algonquin College. Congratulations Shaylene!
Rotary Club of Nepean-Kanata Bursary
The ROTARY CLUB OF NEPEAN-KANATA has contributed to academic and achievement awards and bursaries in conjunction with area high schools since 1981, and is a long time supporter of Youville Centre. We are grateful for the club’s flexibility to support an alumna bursary this year. The recipient is Shauna Donoghue, Class of 2014, who is continuing her post-secondary education with a Bachelor of Education at the University of Ottawa this fall. Congratulations Shauna!
Second Generation - Former Executive Director Awards
The Former Executive Director Bursary was established in 2012, and is awarded on behalf of all former Executive Directors. It is awarded to children of past Youville Centre students for the purpose and benefit of assisting with their financial needs in furthering their post secondary education. This year, there are a few additional alumnae awards thanks to the flexibility of our bursary donors.
FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS - SECOND GENERATION BURSARY
Amillia is the child of Diana, class of 2009.
Amillia will be attending Algonquin College in the fall in the Police Foundations Program for her first year of post-secondary education.
In her application, Amillia said “I am interested in Police Foundations because I want to build a career where I can help others, support my community, and make a positive difference in people’s lives. Growing up in a neighbourhood where trouble was easy to find allowed me to see how important positive role models, community support, and public safety are. Those experiences motivated me to pursue a path where I can help guide and protect others, especially youth who may be facing difficult circumstances.
What interests me most about this field is the opportunity to develop leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills while learning about the Canadian legal and justice system. I am drawn to careers in law enforcement and public safety because they require responsibility, teamwork, integrity, and the ability to remain calm in challenging situations. […] Overall, I am passionate about pursuing a career where I can protect and support others while continuing to grow personally and professionally.”
Congratulations Amillia!
FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS - SECOND GENERATION BURSARY
Jacob is the child of Nicole, class of 2010.
Jacob will be attending Algonquin College in the fall in the Police Foundations Program for his first year of post-secondary education.
In his application Jacob explained that he would be a good candidate for this bursary “Because with this program I will be giving back to the community.” His interest in this field of study is “Helping the public and protecting lives” and his desired career path is to be a police officer with either OPS or OPP.
Congratulations Jacob!
FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS - SECOND GENERATION BURSARY
Emily is the child of Bethany, class of 2006.
Emily will be going into her fifth year of post-secondary education at Carleton University, for a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Linguistics and Psychology, with plans to do her Masters next. Emily has a goal of educating the future generation of children and making a difference in their lives.
In her application, she says “I am studying linguistics and psychology, and it’s amazing how they two subjects interconnect. I’m interested in helping others, and both of these fields has helped me learn more about communication, behaviours, language, and so much more. I have had the chance to apply what I’m learning to my everyday life, especially in my current job as a behaviour therapist for children with autism. Linguistics has taught me about the different ways children acquire language and psychology has taught me about different learning styles and ways to help others with a wide range of differences, and I continue to learn so much with every new semester. I am interested in how humans communicate, especially aside from spoken language, as well as the importance of communication for our identity and how this all ties together in psychology. “
Congratulations Emily!
DOMINION CHALMERS UNITED CHURCH WOMEN’S NANCY E.D. BROWN BURSARY
The DOMINION CHALMERS UNITED CHURCH WOMEN’S NANCY E.D. BROWN BURSARY is an award that is donated in memory of Nancy E.D. Brown; the wife of Rev. Bill Brown. Nancy was a nurse and a very compassionate person, who passed away in 2008. This award is typically given to a current graduate but this year has been specially directed to a Second Generation recipient – Aubrey, the child of Chloe, class of 2011.
Aubrey will be starting a 4 year BA of Global and International Studies at Carleton University this fall.
In her application, Aubrey responded to the question about what interests her about her chosen field of study by saying: “What interests me most about the program is that I get the opportunity to learn more about the world and important events. Given the social climate, I feel this program will give me the chance to learn more about why these events are happening, and how they may change. I love learning about the “why”s, and that’s why I chose to specialize in Global Inequalities and Social Change. The program also has a language opportunity which is very helpful in the work field nowadays, and there’s a co-op, so I can get real life work experience while still being in school and getting the degree.“
Congratulations Aubrey!
BERNADETTE MEEHAN IN MEMORIAM AWARD
The BERNADETTE MEEHAN AWARD is donated by Pat Meehan in remembrance of her mother Bernadette Meehan, and is typically awarded to a current graduate but has been specially designated for a Second Generation recipient this year – Kendra, the child of Lee Patriquin, class of 2005.
Kendra will be starting post-secondary education at Algonquin College, in the Developmental Services Worker program.
Kendra stated in her application form, that “Social work interests me because it’s an opportunity for me to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, especially for youth who are struggling. I am particularly drawn to working with teenagers who may be dealing with challenges such as addiction, behavioural issues, or difficult personal circumstances. I believe that many teenagers who are seen as troubled and rebellious often have underlying experiences that shape their behaviour, and I am interested in understanding these root causes rather than judging them. “
Congratulations Kendra!