Lisa Russell hasn’t even attended her first class yet at UNBC, but she’s already received a helping hand financially to get off to a great start as an undergraduate student.

Russell, who graduated from Prince George’s College Heights Secondary in June, has received the Helen Thurwell Scholarship, the largest donor funded endowed award currently at UNBC.

Russell is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program this fall. Once she graduates, her goal is to continue her education in the Northern Medical Program and become a physician.

UNBC President Dr. Daniel Weeks presented Russell with the trophy cup that accompanies the award on July 19. Her name will be engraved on it beside other students who’ve received the award since the university opened.

An entrance scholarship, the award from donors -- Vernon and Jacqueline Forster -- is valued at $25,000 ($6,250 per year for four years.) It is renewable for three consecutive years, based on the student maintaining academic proficiency.

It is given out to a UNBC full-time female student from northern B.C. with demonstrated community involvement and proven academic excellence.

During high school at College Heights, Russell served as a junior volunteer at the University Hospital of Northern B.C., on her grad committee and was a peer mentor. She is also a highly-decorated judoka with the Prince George Judo Club.