04 June 2013
For 135 University of South Australia students, from a range of backgrounds and locations, the generous donations from philanthropists, near and far, are making the world of difference to their studies.
Acknowledging the generosity of its donors and the impact they make in the lives of students, UniSA will host its scholarships and grants ceremony this week, awarding more than $480,000 to students.
UniSA Vice Chancellor, Professor David Lloyd says while the event highlights only some of the many scholarships awarded to students each year, it is a special opportunity to say thank you to donors for their ongoing support.
“This is a special night because all the scholarships, grants and prizes awarded have been funded through philanthropy – the event makes tangible the importance and indeed the joy of giving,” Prof Lloyd says.
“For our students it is an opportunity to thank their supporters and for the donors it is a chance to see just how important their contribution is in making education possible.”
Awards on the night range from the Rural Reconnect Grants valued at $1,000 to help students undertake rural placements, to SA Water’s most generous Undergraduate Indigenous Scholarship valued at $20,000.
Prof Lloyd says the true value of the scholarships and grants lies in the people who receive them and what the financial support enables them to do.
“Students who display exceptional ability but who, due to an array of cultural, geographical and socio-economic circumstances, might not otherwise have had the chance to realise their true academic potential and their success are afforded a vital educational opportunity through individual and corporate philanthropy,” he says.
“The skills those students go on to develop will continue to benefit our communities for decades to come.”
The ceremony will be held at the Allan Scott Auditorium, City West campus at 7 pm Wednesday June 5.
Sharing in the celebrations will be Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Grace Portolesi; Lieutenant Governor of South Australia, Hieu Van Lee; Shadow Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, David Pisoni; Geoff Knight CEO of the Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy, and David Waterford, Executive Director, Families SA.
Media contact: Michèle Nardelli office (08) 8302 0966 mobile 0418 823 673 email michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au
