When Peter MacIntosh crossed the stage at his high school graduation ceremony, he received more than just his diploma. Peter returned to his seat with the inaugural Robert Spencer Memorial Bursary along with $1,500 towards his future education.
This bursary will be awarded each year to a Nova Scotian graduate to honour the life of the late co-founder of Trihedral Engineering whose curiosity, generosity and humour helped to make that company a success.
During his final year at North Nova Education Centre, MacIntosh noticed a poster in the office that asked, ‘Are you curious about life, like to learn by doing and are generous to others’ Would you like to pursue your interests beyond high school at university or community college? Do you feel that you don’t fit the ‘scholarship applicant’ mold?? After a discussion with his parents, Peter wrote a letter outlining the qualities that made him a good fit and submitted it to his school.
‘I guess I was chosen because I do like adventures and creating things,’ says MacIntosh. ‘I’ve invented some pretty neat toys. I like making reactions from chemical compounds and I like everything to do with the water.’ The successful candidate is chosen by a committee that includes Rob?s widow Anne Spencer. ‘Mrs. Spencer said that I had a lot of similar traits to Rob.’
Though Rob never received a scholarship himself, he was a highly intelligent man who pursued knowledge out of genuine curiosity and child-like wonder. He loved to share his passion for learning and believed that ‘success’ was measured by qualities such as creativity, humour and a genuine interest in other people. After Rob passed away in July of 2012, his family decided to continue with his spirit of generosity through the creation of this bursary.
‘I have been accepted into Memorial University for Earth Science starting in September,’ says MacIntosh. ‘I understand that Rob spent some years in Newfoundland. I hope to have the same rewarding experience over the next four years. My plan is to work hard and start my professional career here in the Maritimes, close to the water and near my family and friends.’ Rob would be pleased.
Trihedral is a proud contributor to the Robert Spencer Memorial Bursary Fund which is administered by the law firm of Goodman Macdonald Patterson.
Want to apply?
If you know of a Nova Scotian student who shares Rob’s kindness and passion for original thinking, please pass this information on to him or her.
To apply, simply write a letter describing your hobbies, interests, goals, education plans, and why you believe you fit this type of bursary. Drop off your letter, including two references, at your school’s office in an envelope addressed to the ‘Robert Spencer Memorial Bursary’. The yearly deadline is March 30th.
For more information contact Trihedral