Scholars Week 2014

Monday, 15 September 2014

Academic excellence and commitment is being recognised and rewarded at the University of Newcastle (UON) annual Scholars' Week celebrations (15-19 September).

Scholars-Week-2014

Among the recipients is Newcastle student Jodie Cochrane who is the inaugural winner of the Catherine and Peter Tay High Achiever Engineering Undergraduate Scholarship.

Worth $32,000 over four years, the scholarship is awarded to a commencing student in the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment with an ATAR of more than 99.0. The scholarship is funded through a donation from generous graduate and former Colombo Plan Scholar Mr Peter Tay and his wife Catherine, who reside in Singapore.

Jodie, who is studying Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) / Bachelor of Mathematics, said being awarded a scholarship can make a huge difference to a student, reducing the financial strain of studying as well as boosting confidence.  

"This scholarship motivated me to try to achieve top marks in my HSC. It has also allowed me to reduce my work hours giving me more time to dedicate to my studies. I will strive to make Catherine and Peter proud of my achievements," Ms Cochrane said.

Jodie is hoping to use her degrees to work in power supply and renewable resources in the future.

More than 270 donor-funded scholarships are being awarded in addition to the University and Commonwealth supported scholarships. These scholarships are funded through donations by alumni, professional bodies, businesses and community members, many of whom support the Shaping Futures Scholarship Appeal, which assists disadvantaged students.

Scholarships are being awarded in a number of areas academic merit, sporting talent, artistic and musical abilities as well as equity bursaries.

UON Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, said Scholars' Week was about celebrating and recognising achievement and potential, as well as saying thank you to the University's supporters.

"The remarkable generosity of our benefactors is instrumental in providing opportunities for our students, and helps ensure talented students from all walks of life have access to a world-class higher education," Professor McMillen said.

Anyone wishing to donate to a student scholarship can contact the University of Newcastle Foundation and Development Office on 02 4921 7453 or visit www.newcastle.edu.au/foundation

Photo: A high resolution photo of Jodie Cochrane and scholarship donors Catherine and Peter Tay is attached.  For interviews or more information contact Tanya Carlyle, University of Newcastle Foundation Marketing & Communication Coordinator (02) 4985 4178 or 0407 276 061.

Contact

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  • Phone: 4921 5577 or 0418 445 888

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