Finding the courage to go back to school after some time away, or pursuing a career change, can be challenging. Financial worries, re-learning how to learn and study, and taking on the unknown can be barriers to pursuing a dream. Â
For Harold Lemieuxâs family, finding a way to support students returning to the classroom, particularly to pursue a career in law, was important as they figured out how to make good on his final wishes. Â
âThe idea for the scholarship was inspired by my experience,â explains his daughter, Michelle Lemieux, BScâ97. âI have a degree in engineering and worked in that field for a number of years before returning to school to pursue a Master of Library and Information Studies. The scholarship honours my dadâs background as a lawyer and my personal experience.âÂ
Scholarship for students with work experienceÂ
The Harold W. Lemieux Memorial Scholarship in Law is a renewable entrance scholarship awarded to an outstanding student with at least three years of work experience between their undergraduate degree and law school, with preference given to a student with a BSc in engineering or another degree in a science field. Â
Originally from Saskatchewan, Harold earned an arts and a commerce degree followed by legal studies at the University of Saskatchewan. He moved to Calgary with his wife, Elaine, and practised law at Shell Canada for more than 30 years, finishing his career as vice-president and general counsel.Â
âHarold was well-respected within the legal community in Calgary and he loved the work that he did,â says Elaine. âHe also understood the value of education and wanted to help future lawyers who may not have the financial means to pursue a legal education.
âHarold was a good man and had a big heart, and we think he would be happy with this scholarship.âÂ
âDonât feel stuck doing something you donât loveâÂ
The family hopes scholarships such as this one will encourage people to explore their passions, and to not feel stuck doing something they donât love.Â
âMany of us know what itâs like to be in a job we donât enjoy,â says Michelle.
Oftentimes it is hard to image a career change if you canât afford to pursue what you actually want to do. We hope this scholarship will help future law students realize that it is possible to make that change later on. Â