Samara Lijiam, Artsci’22
Director of Giving, Queen’s Student Alumni Association
In my role as the 2020-21 Director of Giving for the Queen’s Student Alumni Association (QSAA), I have learned so much about the impact of philanthropy at Queen’s.
We are all united by Queen’s long history of giving – reflected in our campus, culture, and current traditions. From the residence buildings we have lived in, to the lecture halls we have learned in, our time at Queen’s is shaped by the generosity of Queen’s alumni. This legacy of generosity and community is one we hope to inspire and foster in students today.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity (EDII) have been big conversations this year, and I think people are looking for tangible ways to help. When it comes to equity and inclusion, Queen’s has a lot of work to do. Through participating in student government and through my involvement in initiatives like the QSAA, I hope to make Queen’s a more accessible and inclusive place for marginalized students.
That’s why I am so excited that this year, the QSAA has chosen to support the Robert Sutherland-Harry Jerome Entrance Award as part of our Tricolour Giving initiative!
Every year, the QSAA chooses one student-based initiative to support. In the past, we’ve chosen to support a variety of projects across campus, including the Ban Righ Centre, the Student Wellness Services, the Sexual Health and Resource Centre, the AMS Food Bank, and the Peer Support Centre. This year, we wanted to choose an initiative that would support our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and awards like the Robert Sutherland-Harry Jerome Entrance Award are a direct way to help Black students access a Queen’s education.
The Robert Sutherland-Harry Jerome Entrance Award as is a scholarship available to first-year Black students based on demonstrated financial need, academic excellence, volunteer engagement and contributions to the community. I’m proud to be a part of this initiative and hope that others will be encouraged to use their voice and philanthropy to support these kinds of projects.
When I do leave Queen’s, I will find a way to continue to help people and especially improve outcomes for marginalized groups.
