UWC Scholarship Trust Fund – Fueling dreams and futures.
One of the founding purposes of the UWC was to advance the educational opportunities for students. It’s a mission that endures more than a century later.
Historically, the University Women’s Club of Winnipeg has prioritized scholarships. The Club, founded in 1909, has made contributions since 1914 to women desiring “higher” education. Later, funds were given directly to deserving female scholars, unable to complete or continue their education without financial support.
For many years now both women and men have been eligible for all awards. Enquiries regarding specific awards should be directed to the universities’ and colleges’ award offices and the eligible performing arts organizations.
The Scholarship Trust Fund is independent from the Club. Its investments are administered by CIBC Wood Gundy.
Funds are sourced from the following:
- Club members’ donations
- “In Memoriam” donations
- Revenue from the Trust Fund’s investments
- Monies from a Paperback Library
Download our printable Scholarship brochure by clicking HERE
If you wish to make a donation via cheque, please make payment to
UWC Scholarship Trust Fund, 54 West Gate, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 2E1.
Canadian Mennonite University
School of Music
Gertrude Mueller Memorial Scholarship
Visit the Canadian Mennonite University’s Scholarships and Awards Office for more information.
Université de St. Boniface
Faculty of Education
Aubrey Asper Memorial Scholarship
Université de Saint-Boniface for more information.
University of Winnipeg
Faculty of Arts
Phyllis Smith Memorial Scholarship
Bethia Henry Memorial Scholarship (Sociology)
Bethia Henry Memorial Scholarship (Theatre & Drama)
Faculty of Education
Mary Talbot Memorial Scholarship
Winnipeg Education Centre
Winifred Gamble Memorial Bursary
Visit the University of Winnipeg’s Awards and Financial Aid Office for more information.
Performing Arts Bursaries
Prairie Theatre Exchange School
Royal Winnipeg Ballet School
Winnipeg Youth Orchestras
* Administered by the University of Manitoba Foundation
** Administered by the Winnipeg Foundation
Red River College Polytech
Millennium Scholarship (Creative Communications degree program with the University of Winnipeg)
Visit Red River College Polytech’s Awards, Scholarships, and Bursaries Office for more information.
University of Manitoba
Asper School of Business
Jean Rorke Memorial Scholarship
College of Nursing
Elizabeth Ann Russell Memorial Scholarship
Faculty of Agriculture
Dr. Vivian Bruce Scholarship
Faculty of Arts
Jubilee Scholarship
Faculty of Education
Patty Kirk Memorial Scholarship
Catherine (Caye) Scott Memorial Scholarship
Mildred Simmons Memorial Scholarship
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Graduate Scholarship – Arts (UM OR UW)
Shirley Bradshaw Memorial Scholarship* (City Planning or Public Administration)
Margaret R. Pope Memorial Scholarship** (French)
Joanne Greene Memorial Scholarship (Nursing)
Faculty of Kinesiology & Recreational Studies
Elsie Gauer Memorial Scholarship
Faculty of Music
Gladys McIntyre Memorial Scholarship
Edith Motley Memorial Scholarship
Bethia Henry Memorial Scholarship
Faculty of Science
Dr. Diane Dowling Memorial Scholarship
Faculty – Various
Shirley Bradshaw Memorial Scholarship* (Urban Studies)
Visit the University of Manitoba’s Financial Aid and Awards Department for more information.
St. John’s College
Margaret Waterman Memorial Scholarship
Visit St. John’s College Awards Department for more information.
“Receiving the Joanne Greene Memorial Scholarship has meant that the financial costs of pursuing my doctoral studies are covered for this academic year, allowing me to focus solely on my research. Pursuing this timely and important research would not have been possible without your generosity, and I thank you for your support.”
– Tara Horrill,
Recipient of the 2018 Joanne Greene Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Spotlight
Please click on a Scholarship title to view.
The Aubrey Asper Memorial Scholarship awards $600 annually to a senior years student in the Faculty of Education at Université de Saint-Boniface. The student must achieve a minimum 3.0 GPA and have demonstrated strong leadership skills in prior studies and activities. Past UWC president Linda Asper established this scholarship in her husband’s name with contributions from family and friends.
Aubrey Asper was a mathematics educator who made a difference in the lives of students and fellow teachers. He became the president of the Manitoba Teachers’ Society in 1967 and joined its staff in 1973. During his tenure, he served as assistant director of economic welfare, assistant general secretary and general secretary. He left his mark on the field of education through his leadership roles in many organizations locally, provincially, and internationally.
The Bethia Henry Memorial Scholarship in Music awards $600 annually to a student with a high academic standing entering the third year of the University of Manitoba’s Music program. The Bethia Henry Memorial Scholarship in Sociology awards $600 annually to a student with a high standing entering the third or fourth year in the Major or Honours Sociology program at the University of Winnipeg. The Bethia Henry Memorial Scholarships in Theatre and Drama awards $600 each to two students with the highest standings in theatre courses at the University of Winnipeg.
Bethia Henry graduated from Wesley College (UWinnipeg today) in 1936 with a BA. She went on to work with the City of Winnipeg Finance Department. She led a rich cultural life nurturing her interest in music, art, and athletics. Upon graduation, Bethia joined the UWC and served as the chair of the Scholarship Committee from 1955 -1970.
The Dr. Vivian Bruce Scholarship awards $600 annually to a full-time second-year student enrolled in the Bachelor of Agriculture and Food Sciences degree program at the University of Manitoba. The student must achieve a 3.5 GPA and be enrolled in full-time study in the program.
Originally from Saskatchewan, Vivian Bruce came to the University of Manitoba to pursue her BSC (HEc) degree, which she obtained in 1953. After working in Saskatoon, she returned to U of M to complete her MSc in Foods and Nutrition. Following a research dietitian position at the University of Saskatoon Hospital, Vivian returned to U of M as a foods and nutrition lecturer. In 1966, she took a leave to obtain her Ph.D. in Wisconsin, where she researched the metabolism of calcium in people consuming a vegetable diet. She was instrumental in conducting the first research examining the health benefits of canola oil. Vivian joined the University Women’s Club in Saskatoon in 1960, followed by the UWC in Winnipeg in 1981. She has held several positions at the club and remains an active member.
The Dr. Diane Dowling Memorial Scholarship awards $600 annually to a student who attains the highest standing on the aggregate of final examinations in a full-time science degree program at the University of Manitoba.
Diane Dowling obtained her B.Sc (Hons.) in 1955 and her M.Sc. in 1956 from the University of Manitoba. In 1959, she received her Ph.D. from the University of Toronto. Upon receiving a UWC graduate scholarship in 1955, she became a member. Diane taught mathematics at the U of M beginning in 1958. Her field of research was combinatorics. She was appointed as a senior scholar at the University of Manitoba after her retirement. She was deeply devoted to increasing interest in mathematical studies.
The Edith Motley Memorial Scholarship awards $600 annually to a student entering or continuing in the University of Manitoba’s School of Music degree program with preference to those with voice as the major practical study area.
Edith joined the University Women’s Club after completing her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Manitoba in 1922. During World War II, she enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force and worked for its news magazine. Upon returning to Winnipeg, she completed her Master’s degree and became a voice teacher. Edith was known for her sparkling personality and flamboyant dress, preferring coordinated outfits in green and purple.
The Elsie Gauer Memorial Scholarship awards $600 annually to a student entering the Bachelor of Education program at the University of Manitoba in the elementary stream and has met requirements for the early childhood concentration in physical education. The student must have completed a Bachelor of Physical Education degree at the same university.
Elsie Gauer grew up in Winnipeg and attended the University of Manitoba, where she was a member of the basketball team, which won the Western Canadian Championships in 1927. An accomplished athlete, Elsie placed 2nd in Javelin and 1st in Ball Throw at the Olympic trials. Following a 20-year career as the girls’ physical education teacher at St. John’s High School, Elsie went on to become a supervisor and then assistant director of physical education for the Winnipeg School Division. She received the R. Tait McKenzie Award of Honour from the Canadian Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation in 1968 and the Manitoba Historical Society Centennial Medal in 1971. Elsie was an active member of the UWC. She passed away in 2006 at age 100.
The Graduate Scholarship awards $3,000 annually to a student who has completed a Bachelor of Arts, Advanced, Honours or Pre-Master’s program at either the University of Manitoba or the University of Winnipeg and is going on to a Masters or Ph.D. program at any university recognized by Graduate Women International. The recipient must achieve a 3.5 GPA on the last 60 credit hours of university studies and plan further studies within twelve months.
The Joanne Greene memorial Scholarship awards $1,500 annually to a student enrolled in the Faculty of Graduate Studies in the Ph.D. Nursing program at the University of Manitoba. The student must have completed 12 credit hours in the program and achieve a minimum 3.5 GPA. Full-time students whose research area is community health are given preference.
Joanne Greene graduated from the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal in 1947. She obtained a Certificate in Public Health Nursing from the University of Toronto in 1952, followed by a Bachelor of Nursing degree from McGill University in 1963. She practiced nursing across Canada and England before serving as a flight attendant with Trans Canada Airlines at a time when the position required nursing qualifications. She went on to practice as a public health nurse in B.C. and Manitoba, where she later worked as a public health consultant. Joanne was a long-serving UWC member.
To mark the fiftieth Jubilee of the University Women’s Club of Winnipeg, the Club established a scholarship of $600 to be awarded each year to the student attaining the highest marks in the examinations of the second year in Arts at the University of Manitoba. It is the expectation that the recipient will proceed in the next ensuing session as a full-time student in the Faculty of Arts at the University or one of its affiliated colleges.
This scholarship was first awarded in 1960.
The Winifred Gamble Bursary awards $600 annually to an Indigenous student entering the second year of the Bachelor of Education program at the University of Winnipeg Education Centre.
Winifred Gamble was born in London, England, in 1923 and immigrated to Winnipeg with her family in 1926. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Manitoba in 1936. She began a career at the Hudson’s Bay Company, where she eventually became the executive assistant to the company’s secretary. Winifred joined the UWC in 1946 and served on the club’s scholarship committee for many years. She was integral to setting the terms of reference for a bursary for an Indigenous student, which inspired the committee to name it after her.
The Catherine Scott Memorial Scholarship awards $600 annually to a full- or part-time student enrolled in the second year of the University of Manitoba’s regular Bachelor of Education or Weekend College program. The student must be in the Early Years or Middle Years program and achieve a 3.5 GPA while demonstrating excellence in student teaching.
Caye Scott was a direct descendant of the Selkirk Settlers and a great-granddaughter of Duncan McRae, the stonemason who built several Manitoba heritage sites. She began a career in teaching in rural Manitoba schools and then in Winnipeg at the elementary and junior high levels. She became a principal at Sir Sam Steele and Clifton schools before ending her career at Weston School. Caye was president of the Winnipeg Teachers’ Association in 1964. She was a long-time UWC member as well as other organizations. African violets thrived in the sunroom of Ralph Connor House under Caye’s care, a room now named after her. Her Queen Anne desk and chair reside in the Taupe Room.
The E. Phyllis Smith English Literature Scholarship awards $600 annually to a student of high standing studying English Literature and entering the third year of the Major or Honours program at the University of Winnipeg.
Phyllis Smith was born and raised in Killarney, Manitoba. Upon receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree from United College (the University of Winnipeg now), she taught in several rural schools. She later obtained her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Manitoba and taught English at Norwood Collegiate and then Grant Park High School in Winnipeg. Phyllis supported several arts groups, including the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, and the Manitoba Theatre Centre. She was also committed to social justice causes and was a long-time UWC member, where she served as the secretary of the Scholarship Committee for many years.
The Elizabeth Ann Russell Memorial Scholarship awards $600 annually to a student who completes the second year of the Baccalaureate of Nursing program at the University of Manitoba College of Nursing. The student must achieve high standing and register for the third year of the program.
Elizabeth Ann Russell was born and raised in Ireland. Upon visiting her brothers living in Winnipeg, she liked the city so much that she enrolled in the Winnipeg General Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in 1916. She was a champion of public health nursing and, after a staff position, was appointed director of the Manitoba Board of Health’s nursing service. With the assistance of UWC members and other organizations, Elizabeth ensured that rural public health nurses always had supplies of clothing, mitts, and hats for families in need. She also helped establish the University of Manitoba’s College of Nursing.
The Gertrude Mueller Memorial Music Scholarship awards $750 annually to a student entering the second year of studies in the Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Music Therapy degree at the Canadian Mennonite University and is awarded again in the third and fourth years of the program provided the student qualifies. The award recognizes leadership and contributions to music.
Gertrude (Trudy) Mueller was born in Transylvania, Romania in 1924 and immigrated to Canada with her family to settle in Sanford, Manitoba. After attending Normal School followed by the University of Manitoba, Trudy taught in the Winnipeg School Division. She also worked for Shell Transport and Trading in Venezuela and later taught English in Italy. Upon her return to Winnipeg, she worked as a reading clinician at the Child Guidance Clinic until her retirement in 1985. Trudy was a master of languages, speaking fluently in English, German, Romanian, and Spanish. She acted as a Spanish interpreter for the 1967 Pan Am Games. She was an active UWC member.
The Gladys McIntyre Memorial Scholarship awards $600 annually to a student enrolled in any Music degree course at the University of Manitoba. The student must demonstrate exceptional musicality and promise.
Gladys McIntyre graduated from Manitoba College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1911. She went on to teach at La Verendrye, Greenway, and Earl Grey Schools in Winnipeg. She was a long-standing UWC member and resided at Ralph Connor House for several years before her death in 1963. Gladys was also active in the Canadian Federation of University Women.
The Jean Rorke Memorial Scholarship awards $600 to a student enrolled in the I.H. Asper School of Business. To receive the award, the student must achieve the highest grade in Introduction to Management and Organizational Theory and must register at the same school for the following term.
Jean Rorke was born in Minnedosa and pursued post-secondary studies in Education at Brandon College, Manitoba Normal School, and the University of Manitoba. She taught in small rural schools before moving to Winnipeg, where she began a business career. Jean helped launch the Manitoba Hospital Services Organization, which later became Manitoba Blue Cross. She later returned to teaching at Gordon Bell and Churchill High School. She served as president of the Women’s Local of the Manitoba Teachers’ Society and served on the finance and house committees of the UWC.
The Margaret R. Pope Memorial Scholarship is an annual scholarship of approximately $2,500 – $3,000 (based on annual returns and market value) awarded through the Winnipeg Foundation in conjunction with the UWC Scholarship Trust Fund, to a student enrolled in a graduate program in French on the basis of academic merit at either the masters or doctoral level at the University of Manitoba.
Born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Margaret grew up in Nova Scotia where she graduated with a B.A. from Acadia University with a major in French. Following graduation, she worked as Deputy Registrar at Acadia University, and at Price Bros. in Quebec City before moving to Ottawa in 1941 to work with the Wartime Prices and Trade Board. Her skills as a stenographer were exceptional and highly valued. After she married, she moved to Winnipeg. She was an active member of the I.O.D.E. and the Women’s Musical Club. She avidly supported the arts, includ-ing the Winnipeg Symphony and several smaller musical ensembles. She was particularly devoted to the University Women’s Club where she held a number of positions, serving on the House and Grounds committee. The Scholarship Committee benefitted from her ability and enthusiasm for a number of years. She regularly participated in Club activities and brought her family to UWC functions. This scholarship was set up in her memory with donations from family and friends.
The Margaret Waterman Memorial Scholarship awards $600 annually to a student registered in St. John’s College Faculty of Arts at the University of Manitoba. The student must complete at least six credit hours with a minimum 3.5 GPA and register to continue at the college.
Margaret Waterman was born in Sarnia, Ontario and graduated with a B.A. (Hons) in English from the University of Toronto Victoria College in 1949. After moving to Winnipeg, she was very involved in many causes, including the Cancer Society, Huntington Society, the Philharmonic Choir, The Winnipeg Youth Orchestra, and the Bach Festival. She initiated a letter-writing group for Amnesty International. Margaret channelled her athletic abilities by founding the UWC’s hiking group (now the walking group). She also served on the UWC board and was a trustee of the scholarship committee.
The Mary Talbot Memorial Scholarship awards $600 annually to a student entering third or fourth-year studies in the University of Winnipeg’s Faculty of Education. Successful applicants demonstrate academic excellence combined with leadership qualities.
Mary Talbot studied to be a teacher at the University of Winnipeg and was named Head Girl at Sparling Hall residence in 1921. She began her teaching career in a one-room school and ended it at one of Winnipeg’s largest high schools, Daniel McIntyre. Mary was dedicated to The Exchange Teachers’ Club, The Retired Teachers’ Club, The Historical Society, and Delta Kappa Gamma. She was also a long-serving member of the UWC and was made an honorary life member for her many contributions.
The Patty Kirk Memorial Scholarship awards $600 annually to a student entering the second year in the Bachelor of Education (Elementary) program at the University of Manitoba. The student must have a 3.0 GPA and have demonstrated academic achievement in reading and learning disabilities coursework.
Patty Kirk began her teaching career after graduating from Normal School in 1934. She obtained her Bachelor’s and then Master’s degree in Education by 1965. Patty served as a specialized resource teacher in the Winnipeg School Division and also became deeply involved in the University of Manitoba Alumni Association, where she also served on the University Senate Committee. Patty and her husband were generous donors to the Faculty of Education Library for many years.