Scholars' dollars make a difference

More than 300 scholarship providers, recipients and their guests turned out at a special Scholarship Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday 28 April, 2009 to celebrate the difference that scholarships make to the lives of students.

The inaugural event featured a certificate presentation in Bonython Hall and a reception, formally recognising the accomplishments of students and giving scholarship providers the chance to meet face-to-face with recipients.

Swimmer Matthew Cowdrey OAM, the most successful 2008 Paralympian, and University of Adelaide student, was guest speaker. Matthew is the inaugural recipient of the Sports Ambassador Scholarship.

For many scholarship winners, the ceremony was the first opportunity they had to thank their scholarship providers - and for donors, it was an opportunity to see first hand the difference that their support makes to the lives and careers of students.

In his address, Vice-Chancellor and President Professor James McWha highlighted the important role that scholarships play in students' lives and their significance to the University of Adelaide.

"Scholarships provide support for those students who might otherwise be unable to take up a University place because of financial or educational disadvantage, or because they live in rural or remote regions. In awarding these scholarships, the University of Adelaide is able to continue our long tradition of attracting the best and brightest of students, regardless of their circumstances, and to help those students realise their ambitions to attend university," he said. ■

STORY LANA GUINEAY