By Allison Gerrard |
Name: Jorge González
Hometown: Caracas, Venezuela
Degree: Bachelor of Commerce
Graduation: May 2017
Studying at the Sobey School of Business wasn’t easy for Jorge González. While learning a new language, he completed the courses required for a double major in finance and accounting, maintained 4.25 grade point average, and worked long hours.
“I was able to graduate because of the scholarships I received at SMU specifically,” says González. “Without them, I would not have been able to continue my studies, which would have forced me to go back to Venezuela.”
González arrived in Canada when he was 18 years old, leaving behind his family and friends. “I came alone driven by many dreams and aspirations and, most importantly, to pursue a better life for my family.” After learning English, González decided to stay in Canada to pursue post-secondary education.
“Besides knowing that the Sobey School of Business at SMU is one of the best business schools in Nova Scotia, I chose SMU because it’s the perfect environment for a student to leverage their university education,” says González. “The small-to-medium sized classes allow students to have a closer relationship with professors; this was a major deciding factor.”
Now working for CIBC in Toronto and in close contact with Latin American clients, the young alumnus is paying it forward by establishing the Jorge González Scholarship. Each year, the fund will help an international student who achieves excellent marks and demonstrates financial need.
“I set up this scholarship so that I could help someone who may be in the same position I was two or three years ago. It’s a way to give back to a place that felt more like home rather than a learning institution.”
As a recent graduate, González still has a sense of attachment to Saint Mary’s. “This university and its staff allowed me to pursue my dreams. I would like to join the group of people that can allow others to fulfill their dreams.”
