STELLARTON, N.S.
A little can go a long way in the life of a college student.
Kevin MacDonald and his business partner, Heather Murphy, are helping open that path to students at the Nova Scotia Community College campus in Stellarton.
"Scholarships and bursaries and support can make the difference between a great career and a not-so-great life path," MacDonald said.
“We were looking to help in our communities that way, and through the Make Way campaign, we will.”
Through a $10,000 gift to Make Way, an NSCC initiative – to be spread out over a period of five years – MacDonald & Murphy Inc. have established two financial awards for Business Administration – Accounting Concentration students. This year, both were awarded to Tristin Mabey of Westville, a second-year business student at the NSCC who is currently averaging a mark of 90 in the classroom.
“It could not have come at a better time,” the 23-year-old Mabey said during a recent interview at the school.
She said she took out a student loan to help with the second semester of the current school year, but it wasn’t as much as she thought it would be. She also works at a part-time job.
“I was really stressed on how I was going to pay for tuition, books and all that fun stuff.”
The bursary and scholarship is a weight off her shoulders.
“Totally. It’s one less thing to worry about, so I can focus more on my school work.”
The MacDonald & Murphy Inc. Scholarship is merit based, while the Bursary will help students in financial need. The awards are open to students with "a desire to excel in their chosen career path."
Murphy said she had to rely on various bursaries and grants to help get her through school.
“I know the difference they can make,” she said. “I know the financial challenges of attending post-secondary school.”
MacDonald & Murphy Inc. Chartered Professional Accountants has offices in New Glasgow and Antigonish.
