Two Vic Students Named Finalists for McCall MacBain Scholarships

^{Adriana Goraieb, left, and Shane Joy, Victoria College students, are among 52 Canadian finalists for the McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University.}

By Tina Adamopoulos

Victoria College students Adriana Goraieb and Shane Joy have been selected as national finalists for the prestigious McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill University.

Goraieb and Joy are two of 52 Canadian finalists chosen from approximately 700 applicants after a first round of interviews. They will travel to Montreal to attend final interviews in March.

The scholarship program is a result of a landmark $200-million gift from John McCall MacBain and Dr. Marcy McCall MacBain to McGill University. The scholarships are Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies. They emphasize leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit and academic strength.

Dr. Rhonda McEwen, president and vice-chancellor of Victoria University, said she was delighted for both students.

“Vic students truly possess special potential in their ability to become the leaders of tomorrow,” Dr. McEwen said. “Adriana and Shane have made significant contributions to campus life and we are proud to watch them be recognized for their achievements as they reach this milestone.” 

In a statement, Dr.  McCall MacBain, chair of the McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill, emphasized the accomplishments and leadership qualities of students who are nominated for the award.

“We need more leaders who act with integrity, kindness, curiosity, and courage,” said Dr. McCall MacBain. “We congratulate these students who have already distinguished themselves as the top candidates nationally and globally, and we thank the universities that endorsed them for this opportunity.”

Adriana Goraieb

Adriana Goraieb, a fourth-year student, is majoring in physiology and human biology and is applying for the Master of Science in Experimental Medicine program at McGill.

She is the co-manager of Caffiends, a student-run café at Victoria College that promotes ethical trade and sustainability. As a commuter don, she  initiated Wellness Wednesdays, a weekly program that encourages students to prioritize their well-being through creative workshops and activities focused on physical and mental health. 

Goraieb received a Crescam Serviendo Award in 2024, which recognizes students who have made an exceptional effort to provide service to Victoria College and to fellow students. 

“Through working alongside other student leaders, I learnt so much about community and service,” Goraieb said. “And ultimately, I got to contribute to a stronger sense of collective belonging on campus.”

Shane Joy

Shane Joy is scheduled to graduate this year with a bachelor's of arts in history, international relations, and Near and Middle Eastern studies. He hopes to enter the master's programs in public policy and history at McGill University.

Before his current role as a residence don, Joy was president of the Victoria University Students' Administrative Council, where he led a team that co-ordinated initiatives focused on equity, sustainability and mental health for 4,000 students. 

Joy has also served as president of a University of Toronto Policython, an event designed to educate students interested in policy, government and diplomacy. He was a Victoria College Orientation Week executive and a member of the Victoria University Black Excellence and Inclusion Committee and the Board of Regents.

"I am immensely proud to continue a stream of accomplishments that began with being the first in my family to attend university,” said Joy. “I am inspired by the students, alumni and staff I have met during this process and feel grateful to be part of it."