Scholarship support
Donors have created several new Monash University scholarships in 2008 that will provide opportunities for talented students and address some key research questions.
Coinciding with the launch of the University's architecture program, infrastructure business Plenary Group has pledged more than $600,000 to create an endowed scholarship. Structuring the scholarship as an endowment means that it will continue in perpetuity.
The James Cox PhD Scholarship in Architecture commemorates the late Jim Cox, a founding director of Plenary Group and the driving force behind major Melbourne construction projects including the Victorian County Court building and Southern Cross Station.
"We hope the scholarship will have a lasting impact on the lives of some of our most talented aspiring designers as well as a direct impact on future Melbourne communities," said John O'Rourke, founding principal of Plenary Group.
A group of Monash University medical alumni intend to raise a $1 million scholarship endowment to improve rural and Indigenous health. The Monash Medical Pioneers Scholarship -- the first gift initiated by a Monash reunion group -- aims to give more rural Indigenous students the opportunity to gain a Monash degree from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and return to serve their community after graduating.
Tan Sri Dato' Dr Abu Bakar Suleiman (MBBS 1968, HonMD 1997) said the MBBS graduates wanted to give back to Monash and to students.
"Medicine is all about service to patients, their families and the community. We all had a great start in medicine through Monash and this initiative is a token of our appreciation," Tan Sri Abu Bakar said. "I'm glad that members of the MBBS Class of 1968 support this initiative, which can also be supported by members of other MBBS classes who share this sentiment."
The new Faculty of Science Dean's Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme aims to support a large number of talented students undertaking Higher Degrees by Research (HDRs). The scholarships will be offered to students pursuing an HDR after achieving a first-class honours degree.
Dean of Science Rob Norris and his wife Margaret have demonstrated their commitment to the scholarships by donating $20,000, and pledging an annual gift plus a bequest of $100,000. Professor Norris said the endowed scholarships addressed a national need for more investment in science and technology research.
"Margaret and I are thrilled to assist in supporting the faculty's brightest students. The scholarship will provide excellent graduates for Australia and for Monash by offering students an immediate pathway to study an HDR," he said.
The former Monash Alumni Association Incorporated (MAAI) has also established a new scholarship.
After winding up the incorporated association, members allocated the assets to establish the Monash Alumni Scholarship Fund. The University has matched the donation and the association will continue as a Melbourne alumni chapter.
John Kearsey, Divisional Director of Donor, Alumni and Community Relations, said the scholarship reflected the commitment of the alumni group.
"This scholarship pays tribute to the MAAI, which has a long-standing relationship with the University and has shown great dedication to alumni over the years. There's no doubt the scholarship will have a tremendous impact on the lives of our students," he said.
To donate to scholarships at Monash visit Giving to Monash University.