Nipissing student wins prestigious 3M National Student Fellowship

North Bay, ON – Nipissing University student, Sarah Pecoskie-Schweir, has been chosen as one of 10 students from across Canada to receive a 2023 3M National Student Fellowship, Canada’s top award for post-secondary educational leadership and innovation. A well-respected leader on campus, Pecoskie-Schweir is known for her passion for student success, interest in education, and contributions to the campus community.

The 3M National Student Fellowship is sponsored by 3M Canada through the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE). Founded in 2012, the 3M National Student Fellowship honours ten undergraduate students in Canada who have demonstrated qualities of outstanding leadership and who embrace a vision of education that enhances their academic experience and beyond.

Pecoskie-Schweir holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Nipissing University and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education. Upon learning that she had been named to the 2023 cohort, Pecoskie-Schweir said she was “in complete awe.”

“To receive this award alongside nine of my peers across the country is such an honour. So many individuals have assisted me along the way and have contributed to my success, as well as the success of this award and I am forever grateful,” she said.

Pecoskie-Schweir is the second consecutive student from Nipissing University to receive the prestigious fellowship, following Shandon Ashitei in 2022. 

“Nipissing University now has two student scholars who are recipients of this award, which is leaving such an impact on this northern Ontario institution in terms of student leadership, advocacy, and innovation. I am so looking forward to meeting the fellow members of my cohort, collaborating and learning from them as we advocate for students in higher education,” she shared.

Throughout her time at Nipissing University, Pecoskie-Schweir has been involved in countless teaching and learning initiatives, serving as the Education and Professional Studies Student Senator, sitting on the Senate Teaching and Learning Committee, and working an Online Learning Partner in the Teaching Hub.

"As a student employee in the Teaching Hub, we're proud of the way Sarah doesn't ask to be invited into conversations, she takes the initiative to get involved,” said Dr. Pat Maher, Dean of Teaching, Nipissing University. “From facilitating difficult discussions with faculty and staff or asking tough questions of how we can better serve our student body, she never shies away. Sarah seizes opportunities locally and nationally to enhance the student experience."

Pecoskie-Schweir’s commitment to enhancing the student experience is what made her application to the Fellowship stand out. During her time at Nipissing, she has served as Vice-President, Advocacy & Awareness for the Nipissing University Student Union, a four-time Orientation Week Leader, and Nipissing’s Campaign Coordinator for Shinerama, a fundraising event for Cystic Fibrosis Canada in which she remains involved as a volunteer member of the National Leadership Team.

Pecoksie-Schweir was also a recipient of a Dave Marshall Leadership Award in the campus category in 2022 and served as an adjudicator of the award in 2020 and 2021. She credits the opportunity to work alongside other student leaders as a key part in her success.

“Sarah is an exceptional student leader, particularly when it comes to supporting student learning,” added Maher. “Even when her official term ends, as VP Advocacy with NUSU or Student Senator, she offers to stay involved so that the student voice is never missing."

“I am extremely honoured to be welcomed into the Fellowship and truly believe that my selection is a reflection of my mentors, professors, peers, family, friends and the North Bay community,” she reflects. “Nipissing University is full of student leaders who are passionate about the causes they advocate for, and the institution provides them with the support and platform to do so. I am confident that there will be many more 3M National Student Fellows to be selected from Nipissing University in the future.”

After completing her Bachelor of Education degree, Pecoskie-Schweir plans to pursue a Master of Education with a focus on Curriculum Studies.

Pecoskie-Schweir will be welcomed into the Fellowship by STLHE and 3M Canada at the STLHE Annual Conference, to be held June 13-16, 2023, in Charlottetown, PEI.

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Media Contact:
Carly Johnston
Communications Officer
Nipissing University
(705) 474-3450 ext. 4035
communications@nipissingu.ca