Two Mount Allison University graduates have been named finalists for the prestigious 2026 McCall MacBain Scholarship — Jigmet Angmo (’24) and Rajan Minocha-McKenney (’25). The scholarship is a fully funded graduate award that recognizes exceptional leadership, community engagement, academic achievement, and future impact potential. 

Nearly 2,300 applicants from around the world were considered for this year’s scholarship cohort. From that group, 91 finalists have been selected to travel to Montreal for final interviews as part of the McCall MacBain Scholarship selection process. The program, established with a landmark $200-million gift to McGill University, is Canada’s largest leadership-based graduate scholarship program.  

A Bachelor of Commerce graduate from Leh Ladakh, India, Angmo is currently an International Admissions Officer at Mount Allison. A Bell Scholar at Mount Allison, she has earned national recognition for her academic accomplishments and leadership contributions.  

“Being a McCall MacBain finalist is truly humbling, especially as Mount Allison’s first international student finalist,” says Angmo. “I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me, including my family, friends, co-workers, and the Mount Allison community. I couldn’t have made it this far without [them].” 

Minocha-McKenney, from Amherst, NS, recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science honours biochemistry, with minors in chemistry, biology, and visual and material culture studies. A Bell Scholar at Mount Allison, his academic performance and commitment to community service helped secure his nomination and selection for the final interview round. 

“When I found out I was a McCall MacBain finalist, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude. I immediately thought of the mentors, friends, and family who helped me to get to this point.” Minocha-McKenney says. “Mount Allison University has shaped me into a compassionate and driven leader who values diverse perspectives and community. I often reflect on the experiences and role models I found there, as they continue to inspire and challenge me to pursue my passions.”  

Provost and Vice-President Academic and Research Dr. Richard Isnor says Jigmet and Rajan represent the very best of Mount Allison and the qualities the community fosters — intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a strong sense of purpose. 

“Being named a finalist for the McCall MacBain Scholarship is an exceptional accomplishment,” says Isnor. “We are tremendously proud of Jigmet and Rajan’s achievements and are confident that they will each find success as they continue their studies and make meaningful impacts in their communities and beyond.” 

In addition to the national finalist scholarships, the McCall MacBain program recognizes outstanding students at the regional level. This year, two Mount Allison students also earned regional distinctions — a testament to the depth of talent, ambition, and leadership amongst Mount Allison student and graduates. Abigail Austin (BSc ‘25), who is also a 3M National Student Fellow, Enactus Student Leader of the Year (2025), and the Francis S. Allison Award winner (2025), and Bridget Powning (BA ‘26), Bell Scholar, Lisson Memorial Prize winner (2024), and McKenna School (PPE) Scholar, were both selected for the regional prize.  

McCall MacBain Scholarship recipients — a small cohort of Canada’s and the world’s most promising emerging leaders — will be named after the conclusion of the final interview round in Montreal later this spring.