Academic excellence is being recognised and rewarded this week at the University of Newcastle. For the first time, the University is holding Scholars’ Week (16-20 May), a week of where scholarships winners will be presented with their awards.

This year the University of Newcastle is awarding 1,800 scholarships, worth more than $6 million. 250 scholarships are funded by donations by members of the community, businesses and alumni. The remainder are funded by the Commonwealth Government and the University.

Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mike Calford, said Scholars’ Week was about celebrating and recognising achievement and potential, as well as thanking the University’s generous donors.

“The financial support that the University receives from individual donors, businesses, professional and community organisations is invaluable.

"Our students are being recognised for their hard work and achievements."

A series of presentation ceremonies hosted by the University’s faculties are being held over the course of the week.

A wide range of scholarships are being awarded including support for disadvantaged students, scholarships for academic excellence, and scholarships for sporting talent and artistic and musical abilities.

"Scholars’ Week is also a way we can link the University and our students with the community," Professor Calford said.

Scholars’ Week will be an annual event on the University calendar.

Anyone wishing to donate to a student scholarship can contact the UON Foundation on (02) 4921 7454 or visit www.newcastle.edu.au/foundation.

Media opportunity - Scholars’ Week Schedule

Tuesday 17 May:
Presentation of Indigenous Student Scholarships, 10am, Wollotuka Institute Faculty of Business & Law Scholarships and Prizes event, 6pm, Brennan Room

Wednesday 18 May:
Faculty of Education & Arts Scholarship Ceremony, 12pm, Isabella’s Restaurant (on campus)

Thursday 19 May:
Faculty of Science & IT Scholarship Ceremony, 10.30am, Purdue Room, Great Hall (on campus) The Conservatorium Scholarship & Prize Winners Concert and Ceremony, 1pm, the Conservatorium

Friday 20 May:
Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment Scholarship Ceremony, 12pm, Isabella’s Restaurant (on campus)

SCHOLARS’ WEEK HIGHLIGHTS

► Tuesday 17 May - Indigenous (Wollotuka Institute)
Kelly Bridge - GHD Indigenous Scholarship winner: Mature age student and mother of two, Kelly Bridge decided she wanted to transform her and her children’s lives through furthering her education. After completing the Open Foundation Kelly is pursuing her interest in computer technology by undertaking a Bachelor of Software Engineering at the University.

► Tuesday 17 May - Faculty of Business and Law
Angela Cam - Neville Sawyer Scholarship in Business and Law winner: Mechanical engineering graduate Angela Cam is already working as a Plant Engineer but wants to focus on business management.
“Completing these postgraduate studies in Business Management will allow me to gain the skills to advance to a level of leadership where I can make a difference. I want to inspire my children by showing them how invaluable postgraduate education is to obtaining success.”

► Wednesday 18 May - Faculty of Education and Arts
Helen Spencer - Coal and Allied Community Development Fund Scholarship winner: Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary)/ Bachelor of Mathematics student and community all rounder Helen Spencer has spent years in leadership roles for local sports clubs, musical groups, and volunteer programs.
“I enjoy teaching people and the experiences I’ve had teaching or mentoring have all been positive, so I am really looking forward to giving back to the next generation. Hopefully in my hometown of Singleton”

► Thursday 19 May - Faculty of Science and IT
Sarah Whalan - Doyles Creek Mining Scholarship in Earth Sciences winner: After discovering a natural aptitude for environmental sciences in school, Sarah Whalan, decided to pursue a rewarding career in Geology.
“I want to ensure that mineral resources are sustained for future generations, as well as maintaining the ecosystems around mine sites.”

► Thursday 19 May – Conservatorium (Music)
Jayden Lawrence - Friends of the University (Music) Scholarship winner: 18-year-old Bachelor of Music student Jayden Lawrence has been playing the piano for eight years. He wants to make music his career and compose scores for film and television.
“My scholarship will go towards buying a new piano. Thank you to the Friends of the University of helping me.”

► Friday 20 May – Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment
Nadia Zakrzewski, Xstrata Coal Scholarship in Engineering winner: Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)/Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental) student Nadia Zakrzewski is pursuing a career in engineering. Undeterred by the male dominance in the field, her initial interest was inspired by her father, also an engineer.
“The opportunity to interact with and learn from established engineers in company such as Xstrata Coal, would be invaluable to my education and personal development.”

About the UON Foundation: The UON Foundation is the platform for philanthropic support for the University of Newcastle. Donations help fund student scholarships, academic positions and research.

Media contact: Tanya Carlyle, UON Foundation Marketing & Communication Coordinator, (02) 4985 4178 or 0407 276 061.