Academic excellence is being recognised and rewarded this week, with the University of Newcastle holding its annual Scholars' Week celebrations.

This year 1,500 scholarships worth $5 million are being awarded to University of Newcastle students. 250 scholarships are funded by donations from members of the community, businesses and alumni. The remainder are funded by the Commonwealth Government and the University.
 
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, said Scholars' Week was about celebrating and recognising achievement and potential, as well as thanking the University's generous supporters.
 
"Scholars' Week embodies one of the most important aspects of our University's mission - a commitment to equity.

"The University leads the country in providing more opportunities for people with ability and determination to enter and succeed in higher education regardless of their background - such as the students we are celebrating this week.

"The financial help the University receives from individual donors, businesses, industry, professional and community organisations to support these scholars is invaluable."

Scholars' Week events this week include a 'Celebrating Scholarship' evening on Monday, 3 June, Faculty of Business & Law Scholarships and Prizes ceremony on Tuesday, 4 June, the Central Coast campus Scholarships and Awards ceremony on Wednesday, 5 June and the Conservatorium Scholarship & Prize Winners Concert and Ceremony on Thursday, 6 June.
 
Mature age student Sophia Captain, who has emigrated from Russia, is one of the students recognised at the awards night held on 3 June.

Sophia, who is studying a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Welfare, is one of the winners of the Shaping Futures Scholarship, which is funded by donations from the public.

"As a single mother of two young boys, it is difficult for me to work full-time and to study. This scholarship will help ease the financial pressure. I thank everyone who has contributed to this scholarship."

Anyone wishing to donate to a student scholarship can contact the University of Newcastle Foundation on (02) 4921 7454 or visit the Foundation website.