Pasieka awarded special bursary

It was a special kind of ceremony for Mount Royal University Cougars volleyball student-athlete Julia Pasieka, as the talented third-year middle wasn’t making waves on the court, but instead in the classroom and in the Mount Royal community.

Pasieka was one of 27 Mount Royal students to be honoured with the first Military Memorial bursaries, named in honour of the 27 Mount Royal students who bravely gave their lives in service over the past 100 years.

The venture, one of Mount Royal’s centennial initiatives, will see the bursaries awarded annually to Mount Royal students from a wide range of faculties.

Pasieka, received the Corporal Nathan Hornburg memorial bursary – awarded to a student in MRU’s faculty of arts.

Hornburg spent from 2004 to 2006 as a University Transfer student at then, Mount Royal College.

On June 27, 2011, Hornburg joined the Calgary Kings Own Regiment and on September 24, 2007 while serving on a NATO mission in Afghanistan, Corporal Hornburg was killed while helping rescue a disabled tank in Panjwai District in Kandahar.

Pasieka was given the chance to not only receive the award, but to speak on behalf of the other 26 recipients at the event.

Pasieka said receiving the scholarship was a heartfelt and touching reminder of the sacrifices made by students just like her.

“It is really an honour,” said Pasieka. “It’s someone who’s been here [Mount Royal] and knows how it all works, and someone who just recently died. It’s really all kind of brought it home for me that students everywhere, just like me, are sacrificing their lives. It was very emotional and touching, it really means a lot.”

Also in attendance at the memorial ceremony, were Premier Alison Redford and Defence Minister Peter MacKay.

The bursaries, valued at $2,500 each, will allow the students to pursue their dreams to the fullest, as well as honour the scarifies of each of the fallen soldiers.

As a result of the Mount Royal Military Memorial bursary program, Julia believes more doors will open for her, allowing her to become a teacher and volleyball coach and to inspire others in the way she has been inspired.

Congratulations Julia!