Both sides of the giving coin
Indian-born, Emirati-raised Concordia economics student Nick Cooper has made himself right at home in his new city. Since arriving in Montreal last fall, he’s been accepted into a graduate program, found a rewarding part-time job raising funds that support fellow students -- he even joined a pipe band.
This enthusiastic 23-year-old dreams big, aspiring to study law and one day -- just maybe -- become a Supreme-Court judge.
Cooper arrived in Canada from Dubai in 2008 to study biochemistry at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, where he eventually earned an honours BA, majoring in political science.
He fell in love with Montreal on his first visit to the vibrant city, which was reputed among his classmates to be the most fun Canadian city east of Kingston.
Nick Cooper
What brought him to Concordia was the Master’s in Public Policy and Public Administration (MPPPA) program, which he'll begin in September.
“I’d heard Concordia offered a very balanced, well rounded education,” says Cooper, who was attracted by the MPPPA program’s interdisciplinary nature, its professors and the focus of their research. Its internship option is rare in a public policy program and a huge plus, he says.
Integrating into his new city, Cooper found a place in the local Royal Canadian Mounted Police pipe Band, where he played the bass drum during the fall semester. He had picked up the unusual talent playing with his former school’s marching band as a way to participate in university life. He enjoys the camaraderie among band members.
Cooper finds that same spirit and enthusiasm among his colleagues at the call centre in Concordia’s Advancement and Alumni Relations. He and his fellow student telefundraisers solicit gifts from alumni, parents, faculty, staff, graduating students and friends of Concordia.
“My colleagues and supervisors are so involved and invested in the cause -- raising funds for students and the university. It’s really nice to see that because it’s so important to Concordia,” says Cooper.
“I’ve always liked the idea of working for the university. It keeps me connected to my school, while it helps me to meet my financial needs, to an extent.”
Cooper has survived on loans and bursaries since his arrival in Canada. That’s another reason he understands the importance of giving to Concordia.
“Even a small gift can make a difference to students like me,” he explains. “Provincial loans are just barely enough to make ends meet, covering the cost of tuition, books, rent and bills. So for me, a bursary offers a safety net.”
He has received two bursaries at Concordia. Coincidentaly, one of them is funded directly by a gift secured through the call centre in 2008.
“Receiving a donor-funded bursary is reassuring. It says, ‘I know what you’re going through and there are better times ahead,’” Cooper relates.
“Donors can make a big difference by supporting students like Nick through financial aid and awards. They may also choose to give to libraries, research, athletics or any of hundreds of areas that benefit the wider student body,” says Bonnie Kay, Manager, Call Centre, Advancement and Alumni Relations.
“Working for the Annual Giving Campaign has opened my eyes to the generosity of donors, which has a direct impact on students like me,” Cooper says.
The 2012-13 Annual Giving Campaign closes on April 30. Please give today!
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