Helping students realise their dreams

Scholarships

Four students at the University of Adelaide have this year received the prestigious Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships.

Announcing the 2008 Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships Fund Appeal, Vice-Chancellor and President Professor James McWha said the scholarships would continue to give "four exceptional students the opportunity to attend the University of Adelaide each year".

Entirely funded by generous donations from alumni and the University community, the scholarships support outstanding students who experience some form of disadvantage.

"All too often, gifted students are presented with financial obstacles to study - from the cost of moving away from home, to everyday living expenses, to the price of academic books, fees and materials," Professor McWha said.

"My vision for the University of Adelaide is that it attracts the best and brightest students and helps them realise their dream of attending university, regardless of their financial circumstances.

"This is a cause I am passionate about - both as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Adelaide and as a previous scholarship recipient myself. I know first-hand the difference that a scholarship can make."

The scholarships are valued at $5000 per year for the program of study. Recipients are selected on academic merit and financial need, with at least one scholarship each year awarded to a student from a rural or remote area.

This year's recipients are:

Sarah Fletcher
Sarah, from Port Lincoln, is studying Law and Commerce because it will allow her to develop a wide range of skills and knowledge that can be applied to many industries and fields of employment. She said scholarships provide many students with opportunities they would not otherwise have. "University is a big financial burden for country students with many costs city students don't have to cover, as well as the extra stress of moving to a new city and not having family support close by," she said.

Christopher Lee
Christopher, also from Port Lincoln, chose the University of Adelaide to study Mechatronic Engineering because he felt it was the "best choice for engineering". Christopher found the first few weeks at university a "bit overwhelming" but now, with lots of new friends, he is enjoying university life and living in Adelaide. Christopher said having the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship had made university seem much less stressful: "It gave me one less thing to worry about and allows me to spend more time studying and enjoying my time here."

Natalie Matthews
Going to university for Natalie meant leaving her home town of Whyalla. Without any financial stress because of her scholarship, she is thoroughly enjoying her time at University. "I feel privileged every day to come to a place like the University of Adelaide where I can learn in an encouraging and positive environment with great facilities," she said. Natalie had a wide choice of options for study but chose Psychology because she loves being able to help people.

Stephanie Warwick
Stephanie, from Back Valley near Victor Harbor, was set to head to Perth to study veterinary science when the University of Adelaide established its new School of Veterinary Science. Stephanie grew up on a beef cattle farm where she was always interested in the animal aspects of farming. She said her family was very grateful for the scholarship. "My parents would have found it a real challenge to find the funds to support my study," she said.

For more information about the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships Fund Appeal, please phone +618 8303 4275 or email: development@adelaide.edu.au

www.alumni.adelaide.edu.au