Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS) Alum, Nicole Callihoo (’14) gifted $10,000 to the School to create the “All My Relations Award” for students enrolled in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan, with equal funds going to both campuses. The award is a significant contribution and blessing that honours and recognizes those that have gone before us, those around us, and those to come.
Commencing in Fall 2016, one student at the University of Regina and one student at the University of Saskatchewan will be awarded $1,000. The student must be in good academic standing, enrolled in the JSGS MPA program and demonstrate a commitment to community involvement. Preference will be given to students who are self-declared First Nations, Métis or Inuit decent.
As a recent student who came from poverty, Nicole saw a need for additional funding to JSGS students. She only received external scholarships while enrolled in the MPA program at JSGS. This experience encouraged Nicole to identify an opportunity to give back and help alleviate some of the financial struggles many students face.
Nicole hopes this gift will eventually turn into a fund that others contribute to so more students can benefit. “This is my thank you to all those who supported me and especially JSGS who helped me get to where I am in my career,” said Nicole Callihoo. “I think large donations are sometimes hard for people to realize and what they might not understand is by structuring the gift in increments it allows you to work it into your budget.”
Nicole specifically chose the name “All My Relations” when deciding what to name the award. “I hope that people can connect with the ‘All My Relations’ term, it’s a prayer that emphasizes how interconnected we all are, and it’s this prayer that inspired me to help those who are coming after me,” said Callihoo.
The Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy thanks Nicole Callihoo for her generous gift, and for her continued dedication to improving the lives of those living in Canada.