[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Millenniumscholars08.jpg” caption=”National award recipients Henry Ngan, Michael Bond, Ian Chan, William Chan, Thomas Muir and Brian Chan with provost Ilene Busch-Vishniac. Photo by Martin Wissenz.”]As if getting good grades weren't enough, McMaster's Millennium Scholars somehow manage to fit volunteer work, sports and other extra-curricular activities into their busy schedules. These exceptional students were honoured for their achievements at a reception in University Hall last week.

The Millennium Scholarships recognize student achievement both inside and outside the classroom. The scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic success, community involvement and leadership. Twenty McMaster students received national in-course awards, 49 received new entrance awards and 28 had their entrance awards renewed.

Ian Chan, a third-year student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program, received a renewable national excellence award worth $5,000.

“I feel deeply honoured and grateful to have received this prestigious award,” said Chan. “This award really extends beyond its monetary value for me. It reminds me that I have a vested role in being a strong humanitarian, in empowering individuals through the organizations that I work with and, in turn, in fostering the capacity in others to work for the public good.”

Chan co-founded the Canadian Council of the Blind – McMaster Chapter, which raises awareness about blindness and visual impairment and helps ensure that the needs of people with vision problems are being met on campus. He has also been a member of McMaster's Varsity Fencing team for the past two years, served on the Interprofessional Student Council and tutored students at an elementary school in Hamilton.

Chan credited McMaster for giving him the opportunity to get involved in activities both on and off campus.

“McMaster has offered me a top-notch education and allowed me to engage in meaningful activities and at the same time meet interesting and dynamic people who are passionate about the social issues that affect our communities,” he said.