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So many students in need of support
6 June 2009
In the last month or so there has been a number of events or meetings with individuals, where students’ needs and scholarship support have been front and centre.
It seems also to have been a period when I have again been made acutely aware of how many students are struggling financially, and how much more help is needed to back them in their studies.
We have had wonderful help from inspirational people like Tim Fairfax and Sir Clem Renouf, whose valuable scholarships are welcomed by students, as are the scholarships from many other donors.
In addition, organisations such as Rotary, University of the Third Age and the Australian Federation of University Women, amongst many other valuable donors, have been long-term supporters of University students, and we remain deeply grateful.
At the various functions, either formally or informally, students express in their own words how much the financial help sustains them across the span of their studies. They are often very moving accounts of sacrifices, difficulties, family support networks – yet all pervaded with the recognition that persisting with degree studies will eventually pay off. Some students have said that the scholarships and their University studies, with the staff support they have received, have changed their lives forever, and for the better.
Then there are those other stories of individually able students, easily capable of gaining a degree, who cannot sustain their studies because they have to work so many hours to make ends meet. It’s tragic when I hear stories like that and yet there are so many students who have to drop out even though they have enormous potential.
I hope that the examples set by our current donor individuals and organisations is emulated by others because many of our best and brightest still experience financial disadvantage that threatens their careers and they need your help.
Professor Paul Thomas AM is Vice-Chancellor and President at the University of the Sunshine Coast.