Postgraduate legacy

Issue 20 | Spring/Summer 2007

Photography: Tony Miller, Monash University Archives IN465

Lady Audrey McNeill is a committed supporter of scholarships at Monash University. Her late husband, Sir James, served on the Monash Council and was involved with the University from 1969 to 1987.

The McNeill family established a postgraduate scholarship, on Sir James' instigation and in his honour, which was first offered in 1990.

The Sir James McNeill Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship is awarded each year and has supported more than 20 individuals. In recent years, the scholarship fund has been able to support two new recipients each year. The award is open to students undertaking a doctorate in music, engineering, science or medicine.

The scholarship was designed to reflect Sir James' commitment to the University.

"He was very interested in education and was very actively involved with the University," Lady Audrey said.

"The family is very proud to be involved in this way, as was my dear husband."

The first scholarship recipient was Evelyn Brandt (BSc(Hons) 1990, PhD 1994) (pictured with Lady Audrey in 1990) who completed her PhD about human interferon and gene expression. Dr Brandt has since worked extensively in medical research and science education.

A more recent scholarship recipient is School of Music student Mr Iwan Amir, who is looking at the 'sitting dance' tradition in the Indonesian province of Aceh. This beautiful form of song, dance and percussion has not previously been studied extensively. Among its other strengths, the Monash School of Music is considered to be the world centre of research into the music of Sumatra -- the island where Aceh is located.

Although now living in Queensland, Lady Audrey corresponds with many of the scholarship recipients. She believes in the power of scholarships and understands their importance, particularly for postgraduate students. She has also pledged a generous bequest to Monash in her will.

Ultimately, Lady Audrey believes that the scholarship is the ideal way to honour a man so interested in education.

"The scholarship is a very special way for my husband's good name and memory to be remembered ... and it will be continued for many years."

For more information about making a bequest to Monash University in your will, please contact Astrid Sweres via email astrid.sweres@adm.monash.edu.au or on + 61 3 9903 1607.