Scholarship Information
Irene Rhynes Memorial Scholarship | |
|---|---|
| Maximum Amount: | $1,430.00 |
| Faculty: | Arts |
| Application Form: | Application Form |
| Deadline: | 01-Oct |
| Scholarship Type: | Bursary |
| Description: | Awarded to a full-time student enrolled in the Faculty of Arts who expresses an interest in history, poetry, or international studies, and who has an academic average of at least 75% and who is not on scholarship of $600 or more. |
| Background: | This annual scholarship was originally established in memory of Susanah Irene Rhynes ("Irene") by her nephew John R. Rhynes to assist students working towards a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Prince Edward Island. In 2004, John and his parents, Alex and Agnes Rhynes, perpetuated the memorial scholarships through establishing an endowment. Irene was born at Frenchfort, Prince Edward Island on March 25, 1924. Irene was the oldest daughter of Alexander Ross Rhynes and Barbara Smart (Lawson) Rhynes. At the age of two, Irene was inflicted with polio and it affected her in that she had to wear a brace and walk on crutches throughout her life. In 1935 Irene moved with her family to West Royalty so that she would be closer to medical attention in Charlottetown. Irene resided in West Royalty throughout her life. Irene was effected by the polio educationally far more than she was physically. In those days a lot of educational facilities were not available that would have permitted Irene to remain in school past grade five. While Irene was in school she did very well and regretted not being able to remain in school through much of her life. Irene's love affair with UPEI began early on in the days of St. Dunstan's. She quite often would be traveling in taxis and in those days it was not uncommon to share with other passengers. She always enjoyed when the other passengers were students at the University and she would speak to them about where they came from and she was impressed that the reputation of St. Dunstan's was so high that students would come from as far away as Hong Kong. She also was in great admiration of the many fine dedicated priest and nuns who contributed so much to the student's education and the development of the institution. Irene was delighted when her niece and nephew enrolled in classes and subsequently graduated from UPEI. Finally, Irene contemplated taking courses at UPEI when she qualified as a centennial student and at that time failing health made that difficult. Irene loved to travel and in particular loved to visit Scotland where her aunt and cousins spoiled her with Scottish hospitality. Her sense for adventure also took her to France and Greece and perhaps one of her most enjoyed vacations was to Florida. Irene passed away in Charlottetown on January 6, 1989 at the age of 64. It would make her very proud and happy to know that a student is benefiting from a scholarship issued in her name. Her strongest wish would be that the student recipient embraces the opportunity for higher education and enjoy their university days. |
