U of S Engineering student wins prestigious national Aboriginal achievement award

Posted February 28, 2003


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 28, 2003 2003-02-13-ENG

U of S Engineering student wins prestigious national
Aboriginal achievement award

A University of Saskatchewan fourth-year engineering student, is the 2003
recipient of a prestigious National Aboriginal Achievement Award - the
Aboriginal community's highest honour.

Matthew Dunn, 21, will receive a $10,000 scholarship from the National
Aboriginal Achievements Foundation to further his education at a gala
ceremony at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa this evening. He will join 13
others who are receiving awards for career achievements.

The youth award is given to First Nations, Inuit or Métis achievers
between 15 and 24 who have clearly demonstrated leadership, discipline,
drive and determination to accomplish their goals.

Dunn, who is of Métis ancestry, is studying mechanical engineering
and aspires to be an astronaut. He has earned numerous scholarships,
received academic and citizenship awards and has proved himself to be an
accomplished actor, athlete and community volunteer. He is planning to
pursue a master's degree in aerospace engineering after graduation.

Spiro Yannacopoulos, head of mechanical engineering, said: "Dunn is a
top-notch student and a well-rounded individual. He truly deserves this
award."

"I am delighted to receive the award," said Dunn. "I hope my success
encourages others in the native community to strive for their goals too. I
have received a high-quality education at the University of Saskatchewan and
I encourage others to take advantage of the same opportunity."

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For further information, contact:

Matthew Dunn
Tel: (306) 227-3170 (cell)
Photo: http://www.naaf.ca/rec2003.html

Spiro Yannacopoulos
Head of Mechanical Engineering
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-5449
www.engr.usask.ca/dept/mee/index.html

Judy Tobe
Director of Public Affairs
National Aboriginal Achievements Foundation
Tel: (416) 926-0775