Capilano University announces Amanda Todd Music Therapy Legacy Award
New financial award to support students completing education towards a career in music therapy
News release: CapU announces Amanda Todd Music Therapy Legacy Award (PDF)
North Vancouver B.C. November 30, 2023 – Capilano University (CapU) is pleased to announce the establishment of the Amanda Todd Music Therapy Legacy Award. This new award, provided through a generous $25,000 endowment from Carol Todd and the Amanda Todd Legacy Society, will support students in their third year or higher of the Bachelor of Music Therapy degree who demonstrate a financial need and a passion for their field of study.
“It is a great honour to share Amanda’s passion for music by establishing this award for individuals who are dedicated to using music as a therapeutic intervention and want to use their skills to help and support others,” said Carol Todd. “Through this award, we can inspire positive change in the community and encourage empathy, understanding and support for those facing challenges.”
The Amanda Todd Legacy Society honours Carol Todd’s daughter Amanda who passed away tragically in 2012 at 15 years old. Her passing followed an intense struggle with bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and the mental health challenges that ensued after years’ of painful experiences. Amanda shared her story in a video that details her experience, with the hope that her voice would raise awareness and improve internet safety so others might be saved from similar circumstances.
Through her video, Amanda Todd set out to touch others with her story and make a difference. The Amanda Todd Music Therapy Legacy Award celebrates and supports students at Capilano University who share this dream, and strive to achieve it through a career in Music Therapy.
The inspiration for the Amanda Todd Music Therapy Legacy Award comes from Carol Todd’s collaboration with award winning Canadian composer Jocelyn Morlock. Morlock composed a piece titled My Name is Amanda Todd as part of a multimedia symphonic work called Life Reflected, which was performed by the National Arts Centre Orchestra in 2016. The piece earned Morlock the 2018 Juno award for Classical Composition of the Year. As a result of this process, Todd and Morlock committed to recognizing and supporting Music Therapy students pursuing a career focused on helping those who are the most vulnerable.
CapU’s Bachelor of Music Therapy is one of only six university programs in Canada recognized by the Canadian Association of Music Therapists. Students learn to use music as a tool for transformative change in supporting people living with trauma, autism, dementia or mental health challenges.
Music therapy, led by a credentialled professional, has the power to evoke emotions, process memories, and support healing. Composing or sharing meaningful music allows individuals to express themselves. The therapeutic aspects of music can resonate across generations, contributing to a legacy that transcends time and speaks to the human experience.
Through the Amanda Todd Music Therapy Legacy Award, Amanda’s legacy can continue to inspire and improve the lives of today’s youth. For information about how to apply for this award and all Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards, students are invited to contact an advisor at CapU’s Office of Financial Aid and Awards.
About Capilano University
Capilano University is a regional university based in North Vancouver, British Columbia, with additional programming serving the Sunshine Coast and the Sea-to-Sky corridor. With industry-leading instructors, small classes and over 100 programs across five distinctive faculties, CapU is a unique place where students are encouraged to make their mark, in and out of the classroom. Capilano University is named after Sa7plek (Chief Joe Capilano), an important leader of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation of the Coast Salish Peoples. We respectfully acknowledge that our campuses and are located on the territories of the LíỈwat, xʷməθkʷəỷəm (Musqueam), shíshálh (Sechelt), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and SəỈílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Amanda Todd Legacy Society
The Amanda Todd Legacy Society is a non-profit society that focuses on awareness and the well-being of all individuals. The society focuses on prevention and awareness related to cyberbullying, exploitation and internet safety. It offers resources and education encouraging positivity, mental health wellness and how to stay safe online. www.amandatoddlegacy.org
For more information, or to schedule interviews, please contact:
Linda Munro
Senior Advisor, Public Affairs
Capilano University
t: 604 220 8937
e: lindamunro@capilanou.ca
www.capilanou.ca
Submitted by: Communications