Prince George, BC – It’s quite a feat for a small university, two students at UNBC were among 10 across the country selected to receive the first-ever 3M National Student Fellowships.

The $5000 awards sponsored by 3M Canada are meant to recognize those who’ve demonstrated qualities of outstanding leadership.

Selena Demenoff is originally from Grand Forks and is studying Health Sciences at UNBC, while Barrie, Ontario native, Cameron Bell, is in his third year Environmental Studies at the university.  They were the only fellowship recipients in Western Canada.

In announcing the awards, Bell was cited for outstanding leadership as displayed in his involvement with residence council, his role as Association Director of Campus Sustainability with the Northern Undergraduate Student Society, and his involvement with goBEYOND, a group that promotes sustainability in higher education. (photo at right courtesy UNBC)

"I’m excited and pleased to have been granted this award," he says.  "I’ve been heavily involved at UNBC with Students for a Green University, the University Farmers’ Market, and the Green Day planning committee and I’m glad that there are awards that recognize this sort of participation."

Demenoff has been recognized by 3M as a strong advocate for peace and empowering youth, by making the case for a culturally-inclusive learning environment. (photo at left courtesy UNBC) 

"I encourage others to be passionate about their causes and to confront challenges in education," says Demenoff.  "I think educational and field learning should be unified and reciprocate one another."

In past years, two UNBC professors – Lisa Dickson and Heather Smith – have received 3M Teaching Fellowships.