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People of Georgian: Hardship inspires research analyst to start student award

Nov. 29, 2024

What’s your story?

The 51��Ƶcommunity is full of unique, inspiring perspectives —and we’re sharing them as part of an ongoing series. In time for Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3, we’re highlighting a 51��Ƶalumna and employee who was inspired to start a student award after a personal hardship.

People of Georgian: Meet Courtney Duthie

When I did my undergrad at Georgian, I was in year three and my dad had a stroke.

My parents were paying for my tuition, and I was paying for books, but when he had a stroke, he couldn’t work anymore so I wasn’t able to pay my tuition. My mom became the sole provider, but they have three kids, so their new income had to be used differently.

I went and talked to Financial Aid and explained my situation – that I wouldn’t be able to finish my program because I didn’t have the money for tuition. They were able to provide a bursary, which covered my tuition.

Without them helping me, I would not have finished my degree. I can tell you right now there’s also a very good chance I would not have finished or taken my other degrees if I hadn’t been supported financially. I probably wouldn’t be where I am today, to be frank.

Courtney a ‘student for life’

Now, I’m a research analyst at 51��Ƶand I teach in the Research Analyst program.

I’m a naturally curious person. My friends call me a student for life because I’m always learning and trying to pick up new skills. I have gone back to school so many times – I’m a forever learner when it comes to research and data.

The data field has grown quite a bit over the last couple years. There’s always something new to be learning, whether it’s a new technique, technology or approach. That’s what keeps my work interesting and what I love about it.

So, it’s really satisfying for me to be able to help students on their own educational journeys.

Giving back by creating a student award

It’s really important to be financially set with college, and I know not everyone can qualify for financial aid like the Ontario Student Assistance Program – I didn’t. So, you face a barrier, like, “Well, what do I do now?”

In 2022, I started the Courtney Duthie Aspiring Research Analyst award. I want to give back a little bit, even if it’s just $1,000, which is the amount of this award. It might help students pay a little bit of their tuition or pay for rent or groceries.

I also volunteer a lot with Georgian’s Alumni initiatives because it’s all fundraising for student scholarships and bursaries, and I know how important those are.

‘It’s such a feel-good experience’

Since my award goes to a student in the Research Analyst program, which I teach in, I’m hands off when it comes to selection; I’m just told who receives it.

The recipients eventually write you a letter or meet with you, and they talk about how important the award is and how it impacts them.

Right now, the co-op student in Georgian’s Institutional Research department is the latest recipient. It’s been nice to learn from him how much this award supported him as an international student coming to Canada pretty much on his own.

It makes me feel good to know I’m supporting students who are in a field I’m passionate about, and I can see them grow and become these awesome analysts. It’s such a feel-good experience.

Courtney Duthie, Research Analyst at 51��Ƶand three-time alumna: Psychology (class of 2011) through the former Georgian-Laurentian University partnership, Business – Marketing (Co-op) (class of 2014) and Research Analyst (class of 2016).

Courtney is also the Support Staff Representative on Georgian’s Board of Governors, part-time instructor in the Research Analyst program, and is currently working on a Master of Business Administration – Business Analytics and Management and Change at Carleton University. Heavily involved at Georgian, she has also been on the committee for major events, such as this year’s Golf Classic and next year’s 51��ƵGala.

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