Concordia Journal Home > Archives > April 23, 2009 issue >

Community campaign is all about the students 

Fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student Bate Atabong says she’s grateful for the academic and social opportunities Concordia has created for her. “My university experience has been so enriching. The cultural diversity here has taught me a great deal,” Atabong says. Concordia’s Community Campaign has made that possible for her and many of her classmates.

She says she appreciates how Community Campaign gifts help students throughout her Faculty by, for example, providing funding for library acquisitions and equipment and lab upgrades. She also stresses the importance of support for international students. “The tuition for international students rose last year. One of my close friends received a scholarship and without it she would not have been able to continue her studies,” Atabong points out.

Born in the United States and raised in Cameroon, Africa, Atabong considered other universities before choosing Concordia. In late 2003, she arrived in Montreal and, in January 2004, started taking classes in the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science. Atabong, who has applied to graduate in December, says she plans to pursue a master’s in biomedical engineering or biomechanical engineering, possibly at Concordia.

But her in-class success tells only part of the story. Atabong has served as VP, External, for the Concordia’s Women in Engineering association and remains involved with the group. She also volunteers for the Concordia chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, is active in her church and its choir, and plays guitar and keyboards.

Community Campaign donors can choose to direct their funds to scholarships and student aid, Concordia’s greatest needs, libraries, Recreation and Athletics, Sustainable Concordia or Faculties’ priorities. Campaign volunteers have been visiting individuals across the university and student callers recently concluded a telephone appeal. The Campaign team is confident that the community will once again step up and help students like Bate achieve their academic and professional goals.

For more information about the Community Campaign or how to donate, visit community.concordia.ca.