Sylvester Family Award 

The Sylvester Family Award at the Centre for Dialogue was established at Simon Fraser University in 2020 with a generous three year commitment from Shauna Sylvester, the former Executive Director of SFU’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue.

At least one award, valued at a minimum of $1,000, will be granted annually to an undergraduate student who meets specific criteria.

The Centre is pleased to announce the third and final Sylvester Family Award, valued at $1,190 with the following criteria:

• Is enrolled full-time in any faculty at SFU in the term of receipt of the award (i.e., Spring 2024)
• Is in good academic standing
• Has taken a Semester in Dialogue in the past
• Has made a demonstrated commitment to dialogue on racial equity and justice

The award will be granted by the Senate Undergraduate Awards Adjudication Committee upon the recommendation by the Semester in Dialogue Awards Committee.

Students enrolled in Co-Operative Education in the term of eligibility are not eligible for this award.

How to apply for the Award:

1. Apply to 2024 Sylvester Family Award by downloading the application form (Word doc) and answering the questions.
2. Send your completed application form by December 8^th, 2023, to: semester@sfu.ca

Application deadline is December 8, 2023 for the 2024 Sylvester Family Award.

The SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue Staff Award for Promising Future Dialogue Practitioners was established to assist with current Semester in Dialogue students who show promise as a future dialogue practionner. 

Two awards, of $1,500 each will be granted to a prospective Semester in Dialogue applicant who meet the following criteria:

• Has applied and been accepted into the Fall 2023 cohort of Semester in Dialogue
• Is enrolled full-time as a post-secondary student

To recieve this award, you must apply and be accepted into the Fall 2023 cohort for Semester in Dialogue. Applications for this award close on Tuesday, August 15th EOD.

How to apply for the Award:

1. Apply to Semester in Dialogue (the application form for this award is included in the application form for Semester in Dialogue)
2. If you have already applied for Semester in Dialogue, but did not apply for the award, please fill out this form and email it to semester@sfu.ca

Terms of reference summary

The den Haan Family Semester in Dialogue student award was established at Simon Fraser University in 2017 with a generous commitment from Mike den Haan, SFU's former Vice-President, Advancement and Alumni Engagement. The awards are intended to provide funding and recognition to a full-time undergraduate student who demonstrates exceptional promise and who is enrolled in or has successfully completed the Semester in Dialogue program.

The Semester in Dialogue is a single term, full-time program designed to inspire students with a sense of civic responsibility and encourage their passion for improving society. Each term the program offers an original, interdisciplinary experience that bridges the classroom with the community and creates space for students to reflect on what they are doing and why it matters. Students participate in conversations with our province's thought leaders rather than listening to lectures. They design projects that explore issues of personal and civic importance and receive intensive feedback and mentorship from peers and faculty.

The award has been established as part of SFU's 50 Awards for the 50th Anniversary campaign.

About the donors

Christy den Haan-Veltman currently enjoys practicing user experience at SFU libraries. As a former high school teacher, she often coached her students to engage in discussions and believes in the transformative power of dialogue.

Mike den Haan, former VP of Advancement and Alumni Engagement at SFU, is inspired by his father's lifelong work to foster dialogue between people of various faith traditions.

Simon den Haan is a student at University Highlands Elementary School. He is passionate about polar bears, politics, asking big questions, soccer and dogs.

The den Haan Family Semester in Dialogue award

One award, valued at a minimum of $1,000, will be granted to an undergraduate student who meets the following criteria:

• Enrolled full-time in any faculty at SFU in the term of eligibility (Spring 2021)
• Is in good academic standing
• Has taken a Semester in Dialogue during the calendar year in which the applications are due (Spring, Summer or Fall Semesters of 2020)
• Shows outstanding promise during their participation in the Semester in Dialogue

Consideration may be given to the applicant's GPA and/or their completed capstone project.

The award will be granted by the Senate Undergraduate Awards Adjudication Committee upon the recommendation of the Semester in Dialogue Awards Committee.

The den Haan Family award was offered from 2018 - 2021. Applications closed December 2020.

Past recipients

The Valerie Lemmie Semester in Dialogue Conference Award was created to offer Semester in Dialogue students the opportunity to attend a dialogue conference. From September 5-7, 2018, the International Association for Public Participation Conference (IAP2) is coming to Victoria, BC. The IAP2 conference aims to grow the culture of public participation and will be attended by current international dialogue and engagement practitioners. Recipients of the scholarship will attend the conference along with Centre for Dialogue staff.

Eligibility

• Previous student in the Semester in Dialogue (participated between Spring 2016 - Summer 2018)
• Showed outstanding promise during their participation in the Semester in Dialogue
• Proven interest in future use of engagement and dialogue
• Preference will be given to current university students, but university alumni are still eligible to apply

Award includes

• Three day admission to the IAP2 Conference ($400 value)
• $500 honorarium (to cover transportation, accommodation and food)

IAP2 Conference website
IAP2 Conference schedule

Deadline: Closed

Past recipients