Inspiring Business Leader Award

Scholarship

Inspiring Business Leaders Award

Dream. Learn. Succeed.

The Inspiring Business Leaders Scholarship was established in 2008 as the Distinguished Business Leaders Scholarship to honour the recipients of the Distinguished Business Leader Award. As the business award evolved into the Inspiring Business Leader Award, the scholarship was also renamed the Inspiring Business Leaders Scholarship in 2023.

The Inspiring Business Leaders Scholarship recognizes hard work and commitment of today's business students aspiring to be tomorrow’s business leaders. It is offered annually to undergraduate students in the Haskayne School of Business entering third, fourth, or fifth year and is based on academic merit and personal statement on the topic of ethical leadership.

The scholarship is funded by the proceeds from the award gala ticket sales and sponsorships as well as generous donations from supporters of the Inspiring Business Leader Award.

Meet the 2025 Recipients of the Inspiring Business Leaders Scholarship

Saad Abdullah

I am deeply grateful for the generous award you have provided. This scholarship significantly eases my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on financial stress. It has opened up opportunities for me to engage in extracurricular activities and pursue internships that will enhance my learning experience and career prospects. I am originally from Calgary and chose to study computer science and finance at the University of Calgary because of its excellent reputation and the vibrant academic community. This award not only supports my educational journey, but also inspires me to give back to the community in the future. I aspire to be an entrepreneur in the technology industry, and your support brings me one step closer to achieving these goals. Thank you once again for your kindness and generosity. Your contribution is making a profound difference in my life and the lives of many other students.

Saad Abdullah

Prempreet Brar

I am incredibly honoured and grateful to be a recipient of the Inspiring Business Leaders Scholarship. I sincerely appreciate the generosity of the donors who make this opportunity possible.

The financial support provided by this scholarship has allowed me to pursue degrees in both Finance and Computer Science while dedicating time to meaningful community involvement. I volunteer at a homeless shelter, tutor immigrant and refugee youth, and support high school students as a commissioner for Schulich Ignite by marking their homework submissions. Additionally, this scholarship has enabled me to compete in rigorous competitions like the Intercollegiate Business Competition, where I’ve had the privilege of representing UCalgary and strengthening my critical thinking skills.

Beyond the financial support, this scholarship is a tremendous source of encouragement. During challenging moments in my academic journey, I’ve looked back on this award as a reminder that I am capable and that others believe in me. That confidence is just as valuable as the financial assistance.

I hope to one day pay this generosity forward and support the next generation of inspiring business leaders, just as you have supported me. Thank you again for your belief in my potential and for making a lasting impact on students like me. 

Prempreet Brar

Antonio Fortugno

I am honoured and grateful to have been a recipient of the Inspiring Business Leaders Scholarship. As I progress through my final year, this recognition is a meaningful affirmation of the work and dedication I have put into my studies. Your generosity has had a positive impact on my situation as I continue to develop my skills, expand my knowledge and work towards my graduation. This scholarship has provided me with the financial peace of mind to focus more fully on my studies, without the constant worry of managing expenses. Your support allows me to dedicate my energy towards academic and personal growth, ensuring that I can make the most of the opportunities that the University of Calgary offers. I appreciate this recognition of the efforts of students like myself who are striving to become the next generation of business leaders. Thank you for supporting my growth and investing in my future. I hope one day to be able to pay this gift forward and offer support to the next generation of learners and leaders.

Antonio Fortugno

Daniel Miranda

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for being selected as a recipient of the Inspiring Business Leaders Scholarship. It is truly an honour, and I deeply appreciate the recognition of my essay on ethical leadership. This scholarship has already had a profound impact on me, reaffirming my belief in the importance of ethical leadership and empowering me to continue fostering integrity, empathy and accountability in every aspect of my life. I have always been passionate about leading by example and creating an environment where ethical behaviour is encouraged and expected. Receiving this scholarship is not only a validation of these values, but also serves as motivation to continue building on the foundation of leadership through my academic and professional endeavours. This award is not just for my own financial benefit; it is an opportunity for personal and academic growth. Throughout my life, I always wanted to create a significant impact. I have now come to the understanding that the impact I wanted to make didn't have to be grand in scale. Currently, I am interning for a company specializing in residential real estate. My internship has provided me with a unique opportunity to put these leadership principles into practice in real-world situations. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the generosity of the donors who make this scholarship possible. Your commitment to supporting students like me is truly inspiring. I am excited to embark on this journey, and I will continue to carry these lessons with me every step of the way.

Daniel Miranda

Matthew Proctor 

I am sincerely grateful to be selected as a recipient of the Inspiring Business Leaders Award. This recognition is especially meaningful to me because, while I have not been heavily involved in school clubs, I have always strived to demonstrate leadership through my actions in the classroom and among my peers. Knowing that qualities like integrity, initiative, and influence are valued beyond traditional leadership roles reinforces my commitment to continuous growth as both a student and a future business professional.

As a young father balancing work, school, and family, this scholarship has significantly lightened my financial burden, allowing me to reduce my work hours in my final semester. This extra time has been invaluable, not only for focusing on my studies but also for being present with my family during an important stage of our lives. I truly appreciate your generosity and investment in my future, and I look forward to continuing to demonstrate these leadership principles this scholarship represents as I advance in my career.

Matthew Proctor