Mariam Ogle, Jumaine Levi awarded McGowan Family Education Scholarship
University of Guyana Geological Engineering student, Mariam Ogle, is the proud recipient of the first diaspora-based, McGowan Family Education Scholarship Fund, valued at GY$1M, (US$500,000) that covers full tuition costs for a four-year course of study.
Lourdeth Ferguson, the group’s chairperson, told Caribbean Life, that the McGowan family was thrilled to hand over the financial scholarship to Ogle, during a recent ceremony at Herdmanston Lodge in Georgetown.
Ogle, who maintained academic excellence, and is engaged in extensive volunteer work with the non-profit, TigerBay Compassionate Ministry, staying true to the McGowan family’s commitment to volunteerism, in a statement to the local media, noted with gratitude, how important the scholarship is to her success as an engineer.
“It is very prestigious, and to be the very first awarded, I’m truly honored,” the 21-year-old told the publication.
Additionally, the group awarded a one-time grant of GY$200,000 (US1000.00) to Jumaine Levi, a registered nurse, who is pursuing a degree in management.
The caregiver, who is eager to use his skills and knowledge to enhance the well-being of the clients and communities he serves and the institution for which he works, along with Ogle, received the scholarship from Jeanette McGowan, the daughter of the late Basil McGowan, Headmaster of the Moravian and New Comenius Primary Schools, and Orson Ferguson, the grandson of the late Irma Long, also of the same schools.
The McGowan Family Scholarship Fund was established to honor and continue the commitment of five generations of McGowans to community service, development and engagement in education, public health, law enforcement, social work, medicine, nursing, law, industry and volunteerism both in Guyana and in the Diaspora.
The recipients were among 20 applicants for the scholarship who will be awarded annually to a matriculated University of Guyana student who shares the family’s commitment to community service.
Scholarship recipients are required to maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above and to complete 20 hours of unpaid community service each semester.
The scholarship that was established during a family gathering to contribute to the development of young people in Guyana, in partnership with the University of Guyana specifically for students who intend to study at the university, is funded through contributions, and a yearly fund-raising social event.
According to Ferguson, the family has a rich lineage, spanning from the mid 19th century, and have remained engaged in every aspect of community development and public service in Guyana and abroad.
Other committee members include Danette McGowan, Robin July, Dianne McGowan-Brutus, Carl McGowan, Natasha Harding, Rock Harding and Monique Leo-Davidson.
