CALGARY, AB--(Marketwired - October 03, 2016) - Hannah Rahim and Joycelyn Ho have been named the University of Calgary's recipients of the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarships.

Created in 2011 by Canadian business leader and philanthropist Seymour Schulich, this annual scholarship program encourages promising high school graduates to embrace Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in their future careers. This year, there were over 1,500 Schulich Leader Nominees from across Canada vying for 50 scholarships, valued at up to $80,000 each. Since inception, 220 students have received this celebrated scholarship.

Joycelyn Ho, 18, is a recipient of the $80,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship. A graduate of Webber Academy in Calgary, Ho will be entering the Schulich School of Engineering this fall. Ho was selected for her exceptional leadership abilities and for her enthusiastic volunteer contributions in her community. Ho was an active member of the Students Union at Webber Academy, a volunteer with Youth Central, and she held a Vice-President position with the Legacy Project, a group that collects recycling and donates the money to charities. For her involvement in her school community, Ho was awarded the Maxine Richardson Citizenship Award, which is presented to a student who demonstrates leadership, integrity, optimism and compassion.

While being highly involved in her community, Ho also excelled academically and played varsity volleyball. Last year, she also completed her Speech and Drama Associates Diploma from Trinity College and graduated from The Chinese Academy with the Outstanding Award for Excellence. Ho's drive and commitment to working hard while helping others makes her a Schulich Leader.

Hannah Rahim, 18, is a recipient of the $60,000 Schulich Leader Scholarship. A graduate of Mulgrave School in West Vancouver, BC, Rahim will be starting her Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medicine this fall. She was selected for her outstanding leadership skills the founder of Digital Good, a club combining technology, arts and service to advocate for human rights and social good in overseas countries. She led several campaigns with Digital Good while also serving as Senior Prefect, as a member of the Senior School Service Action Council, and a as the founder of Science Buddies, a one to one science peer support program.

Rahim was also a member of her school's badminton and cross-country running teams and is an accomplished pianist both as a musician and a piano teacher. Her academic excellence, commitment to volunteerism, dedication to helping others all make Rahim a Schulich Leader.

"It is very important that we support exceptional students that demonstrate great leadership and embrace STEM fields," says Schulich. "It is an investment not only in their future, but the future of our country. Their pursuits are sure to lead to key innovations in the years ahead."

To find out more about some of the University of Calgary's Schulich Leaders watch this video about how receiving a Schulich Leader Scholarship enhanced their university experience.

For more information visit www.schulichleaders.com.

About Schulich Leader Scholarships
Schulich Leader Scholarships are prestigious entrance scholarships awarded to high school graduates enrolling in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) undergraduate program at participating universities in Canada and Israel. Recognizing the increasing importance and impact that STEM disciplines will have on the prosperity of future generations, businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich established this $100 million scholarship fund in 2011 to encourage our best and brightest students to be the next pioneers of global scientific research and innovation. This program awards 100 scholarships annually, valued at more than $5.5 million. Schulich Leaders can devote their full time and attention to their studies, as all of their financial needs are covered over the course of their degree. As a result, many of our highest potential students are winning these scholarships and will make great contributions to society.

About the University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is making tremendous progress on its journey to become one of Canada's top five research universities, where research and innovative teaching go hand in hand, and where we fully engage the communities we both serve and lead. This strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by the university's Gaelic motto, which translates as 'I will lift up my eyes.'

For more information, visit ucalgary.ca. Stay up to date with University of Calgary news headlines on Twitter @UCalgary. For details on faculties and how to reach experts go to our media centre at ucalgary.ca/news/media.