Scholarship honours memory of Nipissing University student-athlete

North Bay, ON – A new memorial scholarship fund at Nipissing University has been established in honour of Shelby Dickey, a former Nipissing University student and accomplished member of the varsity Nordic Ski Team who passed away last year in a tragic cycling accident. 

"Shelby was an extremely hardworking and dedicated individual who brought out the best in others and will forever remain a valued member of the cross-country ski community and Nipissing University,” said Toivo Koivukoski, associate professor and coach of the Nordic Ski Team at Nipissing University.  “The memories of her contagious smile and spontaneous laughter are cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know her as a classmate, teammate, and a friend. We are pleased to be able to honour her memory in this meaningful way.” 

The Shelby Dickey Memorial Scholarship recognizes a female member of the Nipissing University varsity Nordic Ski Team who demonstrates excellence in athletics, academics, and leadership. Emerson Bach, a third-year biology student and captain of the 2020-21 Nipissing University Nordic Ski team, is the first recipient of the award. Through donations from Shelby’s friends, family, and the community, the goal is to raise enough money to create an endowed fund that will pay out an annual $500 award to a deserving student in perpetuity.   

Shelby spent four years at Nipissing University completing her undergraduate degree, then another two years working towards her Master of Science in Kinesiology, which she has since earned. Shelby also became Co-Captain of the Lakers Nordic Ski Team, where she showed true grit, fierce passion, and unwavering determination in the face of many challenges thrown her way.  

Through illness and injury, Shelby stayed positive and fought relentlessly for her success. A few of her many accomplishments include eight Ontario University Athletics (OUA) bronze medals, two top-30 finishes in the World University Games, three-time OUA All-Star, and one Canadian College and University Nordic Championships bronze medal.  

Shelby was constantly willing to give her time to others without hesitation. She coached, led training camps, and supported her friends and fellow athletes, while proving her firm belief that young women pursuing a post-secondary education could stay involved and even thrive in sport. Shelby is dearly missed, but the legacy of her brilliance, strength, and humility will carry on through this scholarship.   

To donate to the Shelby Dickey Memorial Scholarship Fund, visit: nipissingu.ca/ShelbyDickeyMemorial

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Contact(s):

Meghan Venasse
Manager, Communications
Nipissing University
705-474-3450 ext. 4615
meghanv@nipissingu.ca

Cristin Christopher
Director, External Relations
Nipissing University
705-474-3450 ext. 4465
cristinc@nipissingu.ca