Family-inspired scholarships focus on the future

Monday, 26 April 2021

A new scholarship to help students with caregiving responsibilities fulfil their academic and career aspirations has been set up to honour the legacy of a wonderful carer and lifelong learner.

Family-inspired scholarships focus on the future
 The Frost Family have joined forces to remember their special mother and grandmother, Winifred Frost, through a new scholarship for students with caring responsibilities.

Newcastle alumna Winifred Frost (Master of Mathematics 1984; Bachelor of Arts 1969) spent many years working as a tutor, studying and caring for her family of eight children and many grandchildren. In particular, she
is fondly remembered as a wonderful caregiver to her youngest daughter Brigid, who was born with a significant intellectual disability.

“The University of Newcastle was one of Win’s favourite places to be,” says grandson Joe Frost, who works at the University of Newcastle as a Web Content Officer. “She would be honoured to share the pleasure of learning and achievement with a University of Newcastle student who is also a caregiver.”

Winifred was a questioner. She always sought to learn more about presented facts and share her knowledge with others. Whether working as a tutor, studying or caring for her children and grandchildren, she instilled the love of learning in those around her.

The Winifred Frost Shaping Futures Scholarship for Carers recognises the additional challenges that carers often face in pursuing higher education, while juggling the needs of others. It aims to share Winifred’s passion for learning as part of a legacy that will continue to give back.

The power of higher education to change lives is immeasurable and profound. Scholarships are a lifeline for students facing hardship and we are so grateful to our supporters for choosing to honour their loved ones through a philanthropic scholarship.”
Professor Penny Jane Burke 
Director, Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education and Global Innovation Chair of Equity

If you would like to remember a special person by supporting students or research in their honour, contact Leanne Innes on 02 4921 8612 or donor-relations@newcastle.edu.au

Read more in The Gift magazine