Skip to content

Ashesi grad named one of thirty-five finalists for first global cohort of McGill MacBain Scholars

Story in Brief:

  • Ashesi University Mechanical Engineering graduate Trish Maduche ’22 is one of 35 finalists for the first global cohort of McCall MacBain Scholars at McGill University in Canada. 
  • Ashesi University was one of 65 universities invited to participate in the global call for candidates.
  • Trish will attend the final round of interviews in Montréal, Canada, from March 8 to 12, meeting with leaders from academia, business, government, and the social sector. The scholarship program covers travel costs for final interviews.
  • Up to 10 international McCall MacBain Scholars will be selected after final interviews. If not selected as a scholar, she is eligible to receive a $10,000 or $20,000 Finalist Award for studies at McGill.

Ashesi University Mechanical Engineering graduate Trish Maduche '22

Go Further
The McCall MacBain scholarships are the result of a landmark C$200 million gift in 2019 by John and Marcy McCall MacBain, the second-largest single donation in Canadian history.

Designed to encourage purposeful leadership, the scholarships enable students to pursue a fully funded master’s or professional degree while participating in mentorship, coaching, and a leadership development program. McGill University was named Canada’s best university by QS World University Rankings in June 2022 and 31st in the world.

While the program received interest from students and graduates of more than 1,200 institutions, Ashesi University was one of 65 universities invited to participate in the global call for candidates.

Trish Maduche is one of two Ghanaian university graduates among the 35 international finalists worldwide. Finalists were chosen after a first round of online regional interviews based on their character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity.

Trish will attend the final round of interviews in Montréal, Canada, from March 8 to 12, meeting with leaders from academia, business, government, and the social sector. The scholarship program covers travel costs for final interviews. Up to 10 international McCall MacBain Scholars will be selected after final interviews. If not selected as a scholar, she is eligible to receive a $20,000 Finalist Award for studies at McGill.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Trish recently completed a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Ashesi University as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar. She co-led a research team seeking to reduce environmental degradation in exploratory mining, which won an impact grant from the iGEM synthetic biology competition. 

Trish has also volunteered as a facilitator for sexual and reproductive health education activities, as an executive board member of Ashesi’s sign language club, and as an English tutor. She works for a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) automation company and previously worked in mines.

“I honestly did not believe I would be one of the international finalists,” said Trish. “This opportunity has made me believe in myself more and I am truly honoured.”

“I am excited to see McGill University,” she added. “I also greatly look forward to trying out Montréal’s different foods, particularly poutine.”

“McGill, Montréal, Québec, and Canada attract talented students from all over the world,” said John McCall MacBain, Chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “Our aim is to provide a life-changing opportunity for students who have a genuine desire to learn and make a positive impact in society.”  

“Our committees were delighted to receive great interest from all corners of the world,” said Natasha Sawh, Dean of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill. “More than 280 volunteers were involved in assessing candidates. They looked not only for academic strength but also for qualities like integrity, kindness, curiosity, and courage.”

Applications will open in June 2023 for September 2024 admission.

More News

Want to share a story?

We invite all members of the Ashesi community to share videos, photos, and story ideas. Contact the communications team at: website@ashesi.edu.gh