Backgrounder: 2025-2026 Chancellor’s Community Scholars

Chancellor’s Scholars

Felicia An, Faculty of Science

Felicia is involved in several sports at Athol Murray College of Notre Dame, including badminton, ultimate frisbee, and hockey. In the 2024-2025 season, Felicia proudly served as the assistant captain of the hockey team, showcasing leadership both on and off the ice. With a strong passion for giving back to the community, she also regularly volunteers at the Salvation Army and St. Augustine Church. Felicia is entering the Faculty of Science through Campion College, with the goal of becoming a radiologist. Felicia is the 2025-2026 recipient of the Bundon-Carr Chancellor’s Scholarship.    

Subhan Bin Rehan, Faculty of Science

Subhan is the valedictorian of Regina Huda School. His interest in education goes beyond the school by founding Al Haqq Tutors, a peer tutoring channel, to assist other students in academics. He also volunteered at the IAOS mosque to teach young children, and has been part of his school’s debate team. As a core member of Islamic Relief and co-president of his student leadership council, Subhan assisted in organizing fundraisers for countries experiencing hardships. Subhan is pursuing a degree in Psychology through Luther College.

Sonya Froese, Faculty of Science

Sonya is a dedicated French immersion student and the 2025 valedictorian at Archbishop M.C. O’Neill Catholic High School. In addition to pursuing success in academics, Sonya has participated in a variety of musical, artistic, and athletic extracurricular activities at her school as stage manager in drama productions, editor-in-chief of the yearbook committee, and badminton team manager. Sonya is also an accomplished solo pianist, having won the provincial gold medal for her RCM Level 10, accompanist, and principal flute player of the South Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra. She is excited to pursue a degree in Psychology through Campion College.

Merren Ganas, Faculty of Business

Merren is a Balfour Collegiate student and a member of the school’s student representative council. She has been the recipient of the Balfour Collegiate Proficiency gold medal three times and has dedicated countless hours to school activities like basketball, volleyball, flag football, and musical theatre. Merren is a proud member of Maids of Athena, a non-profit organization that focuses on women’s empowerment. Merren is also fascinated by the world of business. She is pursuing a degree in Business Administration through the Hill School of Business.

Hadiza Kasim, Faculty of Science

A recent graduate from Yorkton Regional High School, Hadiza is pursuing a degree in Actuarial Science at the U of R while playing for the Cougars Women’s Soccer team. Hadiza is an active member of the athletic community, participating in her high school’s soccer, badminton, and track teams, as well as coaching and volunteering for Yorkton United FC. Throughout high school, Hadiza maintained the highest academic average among her peers and received recognition for academic and athletic pursuits, including Athlete of the Year and 2022-2023 Female Player of the Year for Yorkton United FC.

Andrew Liu, Faculty of Science

Andrew is a graduate of Campbell Collegiate. He is an executive member of the student leadership council and hosts the school’s YouTube channel. Andrew loves speaking and engaging with the school community to foster a welcoming and supportive environment. Andrew plays and coaches hockey. The sport has been an instrumental part of his life since he was six years old, and he loves giving back to the community by coaching the next generation of hockey players. Andrew is excited to pursue a degree in Biochemistry at the U of R.

Elizabeth Madsen, Faculty of Arts

Elizabeth is a dedicated and curious French immersion student from Campbell Collegiate. Elizabeth has won several academic awards throughout high school and is the Arts Director of her school’s student leadership council and a section leader in choir ensembles. She is also a member of Best Buddies, Queer-Straight Alliance, and Students Against Drinking and Driving. Outside of school, she dances and teaches dance classes at FadaDance and assists with the Conservatory of Performing Arts’ summer camps and musical theatre classes. Elizabeth is pursuing Sociology at the U of R.

Amélie Marais, Faculty of Science

Amélie is a graduate from the Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School in rural Manitoba. She is passionate about science and music, excelling in AP bio and advanced math while taking choir, band, and jazz band. She is also a member of the Dauphin Community Band and Jazz Band. Amélie is excited to study at the U of R through Campion College, where she will be pursuing a degree in Biology. She aspires to become a physician, often volunteering and shadowing doctors at the local hospital.

Chanchal Mitruka, Faculty of Science

A Balfour Collegiate graduate, Chanchal is a passionate leader dedicated to her school and community. As SRC President, she brought back the school dance after nearly a decade. She volunteers at Parkside Extendicare, connecting with residents, and has worked on youth issues through the RCMP Youth Advisory Committee and Health Canada’s Youth Leadership Team. A committed athlete, she played for Balfour’s Girls Soccer Team throughout high school. She is pursuing a Biology degree through Campion College and working toward a future in medicine.

Paige Niedzielski, Faculty of Science

Paige is a student-athlete at Lumsden High School who has actively participated in various sports, including badminton, track and field, volleyball, and flag football. Outside of school, Paige competes nationally with Team Sask Biathlon and dedicates her spare time to training and being involved with the local biathlon club. In addition to her athletics, Paige is also a young entrepreneur, having successfully managed her own small business for the past six years. This fall, Paige is pursuing a degree in Data Science at the University of Regina.

Julia Pangracs, Faculty of Science

Julia is attending Martin Collegiate through the Premier Academy stream. She has been playing competitive softball for 12 years and mentoring young athletes through camps and training days. This past year, she volunteered for the U of R softball team as the team manager, and will be joining the team as a player in the fall. Julia is also a competitive figure skater, coach, and mentor. She is entering the Faculty of Science through Luther College, majoring in Biology, with the goal of becoming a dentist.

McKenna Prefontaine, Faculty of Social Work

As an honour roll student at Walter W. Brown School in Langham, McKenna is dedicated to academics, athletics, and volunteerism, and has received multiple academic awards. McKenna has been part of volleyball, hockey, and track teams. Her sporting achievements include medalling at high school provincials and being named assistant captain of her hockey team. She is secretary of her student leadership group, volunteers at an elementary school, and supports several youth sports teams as an assistant coach. McKenna is pursuing a Social Work degree.

Emilee Rieger, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science

Emilee is a French Immersion student at Dr. Martin LeBoldus High School. She is an active community member and athlete. Emilee tutors students, competes in cross country, track and field, and flag football, and enjoys teaching swimming lessons to children in her community. She also contributed to the Riverhurst Wetland Project, a group dedicated to the creation of a wetland to support wildlife and vegetation. Emilee looks forward to pursuing a degree in Engineering at the U of R.

Reese Stroeder, Faculty of Education and Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies

Reese is a dedicated student from Lanigan Central High School. As a captain of both the volleyball and basketball teams, Reese led her teams to impressive victories, including three consecutive provincial volleyball championships and has a collection of provincial medals in basketball. Reese is co-president of the student leadership committee and enjoys volunteer coaching and sharing her love of sports. While attending the U of R, Reese will play on the Cougars Volleyball team, while pursuing a dual degree in Education and Kinesiology.

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