[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Sammy_Ali.jpg” caption=”Sammy Ali, left, is one of 95 McMaster students who received a Millennium Excellence Award. Photo credit: Ron Scheffler”]McMaster student Sammy Ali admits that one of the most challenging aspects of his university experience has been balancing his academic studies and extracurricular activities with his family and social life. A third-year student in the prestigious Bachelor of Health Sciences Program, Ali is also a volunteer camp counselor for autistic children, an editor of the student-run medical journal the McMaster Meducator, a volunteer tutor at Delta Secondary School in Hamilton, vice-president of the McMaster Golden Key academic honour society, a residence community advisor, and an anatomy and physiology teaching assistant.

“Although I will always strive for academic success, the other fundamental components of my life are as important, if not more important, than my academic achievement,” he says.

Ali is one of 95 McMaster students who received a Millennium Excellence Award in recognition of both his extracurricular involvement and his academic success. The award winners were recognized last night in the University Club.

“Third-year Health Sciences student Sammy Ali is just one example of the students here tonight who have demonstrated exceptional leadership both inside and outside the classroom,” said McMaster President Peter George last night. “One of the more impressive aspects of these laureates, is how they excel at balancing academic studies and extracurricular initiatives with family and social life.”

Ali was one of 17 McMaster students to receive an in-course award. In-course awards are given to students who have already completed their second year of post-secondary studies.

Pamela An, another in-course award recipient, is pursuing her career dream thanks to the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation.

“I initially wasn't planning on attending McMaster even though it was my school of preference because living away from home would cost too much for me,” says the third-year honours biochemistry student. “But the scholarship offered by McMaster was the reason why I finally decided to come here for my undergrad. For someone like me who has to support themselves financially, scholarships such as the Millennium In-course Award allows me to continue my studies at a place such as McMaster University.”

Funding from external sources will give her an opportunity to apply to medical school and fulfill her dream of working in pediatric care without having to worry about tuition fees. “I believe scholarships are like stepping stones, helping and rewarding students, such as myself, who work really hard get that much closer to achieving their future goals as well.”

Along with the in-course award winners, McMaster also had 78 entrance award recipients. These awards were given to students who began post-secondary study in Sept. 2004.

The Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation recognizes Canadian students for their community involvement, their ability to lead and motivate others, their interest in innovation and their academic achievement.

Since its inception, the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than $1.4 billion in the form of bursaries to more than 470,000 students and devotes up to five per cent of its scholarship funds to its millennium excellence awards.