Recipients
Earning a ticket to a successful future.
Meet the scholarship recipients demonstrating perseverance, desire and the ability to conquer personal adversity.
ASFS Recipients
Lin Ruttan
2009 Scholarship Recipient
Meet the Arlington Foundation Scholarship’s first recipient Lin Ruttan. In 2014, she graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a degree in education.
GRADUATED 2009
ATTENDED University of Winnipeg
FACULTY Faculty of Education
YEAR OF COMPLETION 2014
“I have wanted to be a teacher since I was five. I always had great relationships with my teachers, so when I applied to university it was a no brainer; I was going to enter the Faculty of Education. I was prepared to bear the costs of my education myself. Fortunately, the year I graduated was also the first year Frank Lonardelli set up the Arlington Foundation Scholarship and I became the first recipient. Receiving the support from the foundation has helped immensely. Not only from the financial side, but also because of the mentorship the foundation provided. Whenever I was stressed or needed emotional support and encouragement, I knew the board members were only an email or phone call away. They helped me through some of the toughest times during university and with difficult decisions I had to make.
In my final year of university, I made the decision to move my education abroad and join the University of Winnipeg Thailand Practicum Program. I was nervous about bringing it up with the board as I did not know how they would respond, but they were completely supportive. I went to Thailand to finish my last year of education and went back to Winnipeg to graduate. I was living and teaching in Thailand for four years. I have now returned to Winnipeg and hope to find a job teaching within the same division I grew up in. I believe my time overseas has helped me grow and become a better teacher to future students. I want to use everything I have seen and learned in the last four years and incorporate it into my classrooms here in Canada, where students will feel welcome and comfortable – just like I felt in school. I am now giving back to the scholarship by being on the board myself and mentoring another recipient. I believe in this scholarship and the dream that Frank has.”
Almaz Aschalew
2012 Scholarship Recipient
Meet scholarship recipient Almaz Aschalew. She graduated from Gordon Bell High School in 2012 and in now pursuing a degree in education through the University of Winnipeg’s Integrated Education Program.
GRADUATED 2012
ATTENDED University of Winnipeg
FACULTY Faculty of Education
YEAR OF COMPLETION 2018
“I come from a family that has always valued education. Its importance was often emphasized in my childhood. Throughout junior high and high school, I simply found comfort being in school. I recognized that I enjoyed attending school, not merely because of the education that I was receiving, but also because of the way the teachers skillfully delivered that education. The teachers created a community in school that provided me a positive learning experience by promoting both social skills and academic achievements. My appreciation for teachers has always been great because they gave me an opportunity to discover myself and played a role by guiding me through my educational journey. The relationships I built with my teachers inspired me to choose teaching as my future career. I know it is not an easy profession but it will be worth it. I want to make the same positive impacts in my students’ lives by encouraging them in my classroom just as my former teachers encouraged me in their classrooms.
Since I started my post-secondary education in the fall of 2012, the Arlington Foundation scholarship has provided me with an enormous platform to achieve my goals financially and furthermore, through mentorship. My experience at the University of Winnipeg has been successful because of their outstanding support. I appreciate the fact that we have mentors who are in the education system because they give us the best advice and enable us to make good choices when it comes to our own education. This program is a blessing for me because I feel that someone recognized my full potential and believed enough in me to fully support me. We are very fortunate to be in this program and I am honoured to be a part of this amazing family.”
Almaz Aschalew Interview
Colleen Chau
2013 Scholarship Recipient
Meet scholarship recipient Colleen Chau. She graduated from Gordon Bell High School in 2013 and is now completing her last year of her English Honours Degree. She will then move on to complete her Education degree.
GRADUATED 2013
ATTENDED University of Winnipeg
FACULTY Faculty of Education
YEAR OF COMPLETION 2020
“My passion for teaching goes hand in hand with my passion for literature. Teaching literature goes further than simply teaching young people to appreciate great works of art, but rather, it is about using literature in order to make history, society, and even students’ own realities move from the abstract to the tangible. There is something so powerful about reading a black person’s memoir from the American Civil War or even a memoir of young Winnipegger who joined and then left the gangster life. Stories teach us about the world around us and also teach us about ourselves and how we can express our own stories to the world.
This passion of mine sparked when I first began working with students as a teaching assistant. It was inspiring to see my indigenous students read works by indigenous authors and feel like their own experiences were being validated or that someone was putting into words feelings that they could not describe on their own. Similarly, I worked with a summer learning program that targeted at-risk youth and we read stories about diverse families, experiencing poverty, and small acts that create everyday heroes. These stories brought my classes closer together and made us more of a community.
I believe that the Arlington Foundation scholarship does something similar. The scholarship begins, not with a random act of kindness, but rather with a story of inspiration. It begins with Frank’s story of struggle, hard work, and then triumph. For many of the recipients and applicants of the scholarship who have their own backgrounds of adversity, this is something that echoes. It is a story about Frank, and yet it is also a story about us: about who we are and who we could become. That is what I think is most vital about the Arlington Foundation. It incites us to strive for more and also provides mentors who can help us. In the future, I hope to also inspire new recipients who join our community, and also my future students.”
Ruth Mesgna
2014 Scholarship Recipient
Meet scholarship recipient Ruth Mesgna, a biochemistry major with aspirations of working in scientific research.
GRADUATED 2014
ATTENDED University of Winnipeg
FACULTY Faculty of Science
YEAR OF COMPLETION 2020
“The program has allowed me to pursue my degree without stressing over the financial aspect of getting a university education. It has given me the freedom to focus solely on my studies and passions. One thing I really love about the program is that we each get a personalized mentor. This was extremely helpful when first entering university as having a mentor is a comfort in a place that is wholly new and it continues to be helpful in that I can talk to my mentor about my academic goals and aspirations and I get constructive feedback on how to improve my plans. I volunteer with Let’s Talk Science, where I do experiments with children and youth in order to give them a greater appreciation for the sciences.”
Andy Nguyen
2015 Scholarship Recipient
Meet scholarship recipient Andy Nguyen. He graduated from Gordon Bell High School in 2015 and is now majoring in Biochemistry at the University of Winnipeg.
GRADUATED 2015
ATTENDED University of Winnipeg
FACULTY Faculty of Science
YEAR OF COMPLETION 2020
“This program is giving me the chance and opportunity to approach my dream career by providing me with financial assistance. They are also giving me help and guidance whenever I have questions about university life. To me, success is a function of reciprocation. Because of the Arlington Group scholarship, I don’t need to go to work full time in the summer to save money for my studying. Thus, I have more time to volunteer at the Winnipeg School Division, where I help many new comer kids in summer school to learn English and Math.”
Binru Zhu
2016 Scholarship Recipient
Meet scholarship recipient Binru Zhu. She graduated from Gordon Bell High School in 2016 and is now in the Environmental Design Program at the University of Manitoba.
GRADUATED 2016
ATTENDED University of Manitoba
FACULTY Faculty of Architecture
YEAR OF COMPLETION 2021
“I have been interested in art since childhood. The earliest as well as the most memorable art award I received was for a picture I drew when I was 6 years old. The award cheered me up and inspired my desire for recording and creating beautiful things in the world. My passion for design started with the little fantasy circling around my mind all day long. The whole world became my canvas. After I grew up, I realized that if drawing is what I love to do, I should keep doing it. I believe that post-secondary education with professional training will help me gain an in-depth understanding of the design industry and achieve my goal.
The Arlington Street Foundation Scholarship helps me not only financially, but also allows me to have more time to get involved with academic or athletic activities and enjoy my university life. What I consider the most valuable asset of the scholarship is the mentorship they provide. I had been through some difficult times while attending university, but my mentor had always had faith in me and given me all the support and psychological comfort that I need. For example, the first year in university I was experiencing some struggles transitioning from high school to university. I wasn’t sure what to do and how to do, I felt so stressful. My mentor gave me advice and guided me step by step to deal with the different situations I was facing. Later on, I was able to not only solve the problem but also learn how to handle the issue next time because I have built up my confidence as well as developed some strategies. It is a huge relief that I know someone is there for me, who is able to offer immediately help. Now I can just focus on chasing my dream. My mentor and other recipients have always been role-models for me. The ASF board members also make me feel like that ASF is where I belong. I deeply appreciate their kindness and I would like to pay it forward.”
Annie Johnston
2018 Scholarship Recipient
Meet scholarship recipient Annie Johnston. She graduated from Gordon Bell High School in 2018 is now in the Faculty of Science at the University of Winnipeg.
GRADUATED 2018
ATTENDED University of Winnipeg
FACULTY Faculty of Science
YEAR OF COMPLETION 2021/22
“My whole life I have grown up in a very supportive household. My parents have always told my sister and I to set goals and achieve them no matter how big they are. I set enormous goals for myself. Whether that was becoming an opera singer, traveling the world or graduating high school, I achieved every last goal I have ever set because of the support system behind me.
Throughout my first few months in university, my mentors have been with me every step of the way. They have seen me through some adverse outcomes and have been nothing but supportive. Winning the scholarship has given me the opportunity to explore the next chapter of my life without financial worries. Now I have the Arlington Street Foundation Committee (my new family) supporting me through every step of my continuing education in hoping to become a trauma surgeon. I thank the foundation for their financial and emotional support, and I look forward to building our relationship together.”
Annie Johnston Interview
Adam Mohamed
2018 Scholarship Recipient
Meet scholarship recipient Adam Mohamed. He graduated from Gordon Bell High School in 2018.
GRADUATED 2018
ATTENDED University of Winnipeg
FACULTY Faculty of Science
“When I first heard about ASFS (Arlington Street Foundation Scholarship) back in 2015 when Frank presented his inspirational speech, I hoped to be a recipient of this prestigious scholarship. His speech inspired me as I started doing well in school as well as doing other requirements such as volunteering places and playing sports for the school team in order to be a recipient for this scholarship. I also talked to my family to pray for me to win it and they prayed from me since the day I told them until the day I won it. In June 2018, Allah has answered their prayer as I become one of the two lucky students to win it in this year. When I noticed I’m winning the scholarship, I couldn’t believe it! It was a magical moment. This scholarship is a life changing scholarship and I’m truly privileged and honored to be one of the two recipients in the year of 2018. ASFS is not merely significant to me, it’s also significant to both my families. The reaction of my family who were at the grad ceremony was priceless and that made me feel proud of myself. Winning the scholarship means a lot to me. It eased the financial pressure that was on me, especially coming from a family that don’t have enough money to pay for my tuition. It means that I don’t have to stress about tuition instead, it allows me to focus on my career. The scholarship also gives me a mentor which is significant for me because whenever I need help or confused about something, they’re always there for me to help, especially my first year of university. It also requires to give back to the community which is one the main principles of the scholarship. I’m very excited and looking forward to finish my degree and contribute to the ASFS family. In the end, I sincerely thank Frank, who’s such a great person with an inspirational story to tell, Marc Kully, who’s always there for whenever I need support, Almas, my mentor and everyone else who’s part of this supportive family.”
Teacke Onak
2019 Scholarship Recipient
GRADUATED 2019
ATTENDED University of Winnipeg
FACULTY Human Rights Program
“I’ve always been a firm believer of equal and basic human rights, I think that no one individual should be limited to anything based on their race, gender, age, background, and etc. That is one of the many reasons I’ve decided to study human rights at the University of Winnipeg in hopes of one day becoming a human rights lawyer to fight for the underdog, voiceless and or Silenced individuals.
Growing up in a low income immigrant family, I was unsure If I would even have the opportunity to attend postsecondary schooling due to financial issues. The Arlington Street Foundation has provided me with the opportunity to pursue my interest and career path without the worry of money or student debt. They’re not only supporting me financially towards my education but supporting me through life with advice and guidance on things that I would have no other way of knowing unless I experience them firsthand. I am grateful for the opportunity they still provide me with and that I have the chance to truly and undoubtingly follow my own journey.”
Benjamin Tamana
Graduated 2010
Melissa Madruga
Graduated 2011
Rebekah Loiselle
Graduated 2017
Program Graduates
Lin Ruttan
2009 Scholarship Recipient
Meet the Arlington Foundation Scholarship’s first recipient Lin Ruttan. In 2014, she graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a degree in education.
GRADUATED 2009
ATTENDED University of Winnipeg
FACULTY Faculty of Education
YEAR OF COMPLETION 2014
“I have wanted to be a teacher since I was five. I always had great relationships with my teachers, so when I applied to university it was a no brainer; I was going to enter the Faculty of Education. I was prepared to bear the costs of my education myself. Fortunately, the year I graduated was also the first year Frank Lonardelli set up the Arlington Foundation Scholarship and I became the first recipient. Receiving the support from the foundation has helped immensely. Not only from the financial side, but also because of the mentorship the foundation provided. Whenever I was stressed or needed emotional support and encouragement, I knew the board members were only an email or phone call away. They helped me through some of the toughest times during university and with difficult decisions I had to make.
In my final year of university, I made the decision to move my education abroad and join the University of Winnipeg Thailand Practicum Program. I was nervous about bringing it up with the board as I did not know how they would respond, but they were completely supportive. I went to Thailand to finish my last year of education and went back to Winnipeg to graduate. I was living and teaching in Thailand for four years. I have now returned to Winnipeg and hope to find a job teaching within the same division I grew up in. I believe my time overseas has helped me grow and become a better teacher to future students. I want to use everything I have seen and learned in the last four years and incorporate it into my classrooms here in Canada, where students will feel welcome and comfortable – just like I felt in school. I am now giving back to the scholarship by being on the board myself and mentoring another recipient. I believe in this scholarship and the dream that Frank has.”
Almaz Aschalew
2012 Scholarship Recipient
Meet scholarship recipient Almaz Aschalew. She graduated from Gordon Bell High School in 2012 and in now pursuing a degree in education through the University of Winnipeg’s Integrated Education Program.
GRADUATED 2012
ATTENDED University of Winnipeg
FACULTY Faculty of Education
YEAR OF COMPLETION 2018
“I come from a family that has always valued education. Its importance was often emphasized in my childhood. Throughout junior high and high school, I simply found comfort being in school. I recognized that I enjoyed attending school, not merely because of the education that I was receiving, but also because of the way the teachers skillfully delivered that education. The teachers created a community in school that provided me a positive learning experience by promoting both social skills and academic achievements. My appreciation for teachers has always been great because they gave me an opportunity to discover myself and played a role by guiding me through my educational journey. The relationships I built with my teachers inspired me to choose teaching as my future career. I know it is not an easy profession but it will be worth it. I want to make the same positive impacts in my students’ lives by encouraging them in my classroom just as my former teachers encouraged me in their classrooms.
Since I started my post-secondary education in the fall of 2012, the Arlington Foundation scholarship has provided me with an enormous platform to achieve my goals financially and furthermore, through mentorship. My experience at the University of Winnipeg has been successful because of their outstanding support. I appreciate the fact that we have mentors who are in the education system because they give us the best advice and enable us to make good choices when it comes to our own education. This program is a blessing for me because I feel that someone recognized my full potential and believed enough in me to fully support me. We are very fortunate to be in this program and I am honoured to be a part of this amazing family.”
Colleen Chau
2013 Scholarship Recipient
Meet scholarship recipient Colleen Chau. She graduated from Gordon Bell High School in 2013 and is now completing her last year of her English Honours Degree. She will then move on to complete her Education degree.
GRADUATED 2013
ATTENDED University of Winnipeg
FACULTY Faculty of Education
YEAR OF COMPLETION 2020
“My passion for teaching goes hand in hand with my passion for literature. Teaching literature goes further than simply teaching young people to appreciate great works of art, but rather, it is about using literature in order to make history, society, and even students’ own realities move from the abstract to the tangible. There is something so powerful about reading a black person’s memoir from the American Civil War or even a memoir of young Winnipegger who joined and then left the gangster life. Stories teach us about the world around us and also teach us about ourselves and how we can express our own stories to the world.
This passion of mine sparked when I first began working with students as a teaching assistant. It was inspiring to see my indigenous students read works by indigenous authors and feel like their own experiences were being validated or that someone was putting into words feelings that they could not describe on their own. Similarly, I worked with a summer learning program that targeted at-risk youth and we read stories about diverse families, experiencing poverty, and small acts that create everyday heroes. These stories brought my classes closer together and made us more of a community.
I believe that the Arlington Foundation scholarship does something similar. The scholarship begins, not with a random act of kindness, but rather with a story of inspiration. It begins with Frank’s story of struggle, hard work, and then triumph. For many of the recipients and applicants of the scholarship who have their own backgrounds of adversity, this is something that echoes. It is a story about Frank, and yet it is also a story about us: about who we are and who we could become. That is what I think is most vital about the Arlington Foundation. It incites us to strive for more and also provides mentors who can help us. In the future, I hope to also inspire new recipients who join our community, and also my future students.”
Ruth Mesgna
2014 Scholarship Recipient
Meet scholarship recipient Ruth Mesgna, a biochemistry major with aspirations of working in scientific research.
GRADUATED 2014
ATTENDED University of Winnipeg
FACULTY Faculty of Science
YEAR OF COMPLETION 2020
“The program has allowed me to pursue my degree without stressing over the financial aspect of getting a university education. It has given me the freedom to focus solely on my studies and passions. One thing I really love about the program is that we each get a personalized mentor. This was extremely helpful when first entering university as having a mentor is a comfort in a place that is wholly new and it continues to be helpful in that I can talk to my mentor about my academic goals and aspirations and I get constructive feedback on how to improve my plans. I volunteer with Let’s Talk Science, where I do experiments with children and youth in order to give them a greater appreciation for the sciences.”