Alumni Association president Dorothy Leung presented Tanya Leegstra with a ceremonial cheque. (PHOTO BY JOHN-PAUL BONADONNA/University of Windsor)
By John-Paul Bonadonna
Tanya Leegstra was still processing the news Thursday after her name was announced as the grand prize winner at the University of Windsor’s Welcoming Celebration.
The first-year nursing student from Brantford was awarded $4,000 toward tuition during Welcome Week festivities at the Toldo Lancer Centre.
“I’m shocked. I really didn’t think I was going to get that at all,” said Leegstra, who was all smiles after receiving the news.
“It’s amazing and it’s definitely going to help a lot.”
Leegstra chose UWindsor for its nursing program, which she considers among the best in the country, and said her first days on campus have lived up to expectations.
“Everybody has been so welcoming and I’ve had so much fun,” she said.
“All the events have been super fun and welcoming, and I’ve met so many new people. I already feel like I have a whole community here.”
Alumni Association president Dorothy Leung congratulated Leegstra and presented her with a ceremonial cheque.
Leung, a nursing alumna, said the association was pleased to welcome Leegstra to the Lancer community.
“We are proud to be part of Tanya’s journey as a Lancer and to celebrate the exciting future ahead for her and all our students,” Leung said.
For Leegstra, the $4,000 prize is a welcome surprise as she begins her university journey.
“I’m just really excited to be here and to start this new chapter,” Leegstra said.