08 May 2009

On 24 April, the 2009 Faculty of Engineering Scholarships were presented by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Professor Graham Davies, Professor Richard Henry, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and scholarship donors. This year about 190 undergraduate Engineering students received scholarships.

Professor Davies said the UNSW Engineering Faculty attracts the very best students and the best students come with the scholarships we offer.

‘This evening is important for two reasons: to recognise the students who are being presented with scholarships and to say a big ‘”thank you” to the scholarship donors,’ Professor Davies said.

Professor Henry concurred that the Scholarship Presentation gives the Faculty the opportunity to recognise our high achievers.

‘Universities become great through the strength of their staff and the strength of their students,’ said Professor Henry.

Third year Mining Engineering student Guy Oosterhoff, who is the recipient of the Felix Resources Mining Engineering Scholarship, provided the audience with a student perspective.

‘My enjoyment of university has escalated, because without the financial support of a scholarship it isn’t possible to participate in university life to the same extent,’ said Guy. ‘Students should be grateful for the industrial training benefits they receive through industry scholarships.’

John Bevan (Civil Engineering) said his Leighton Holdings Limited Rural Undergraduate Scholarship has made his life much easier because he needs to be self-sufficient while at university.

‘I come from Lightning Ridge, which is basically in the middle of nowhere,’ said John. ‘My school principal described this scholarship as a “golden opportunity”, but I don’t think that even sums it up. I am really looking forward to the prospect of work experience with Leighton Holdings.’

Closer to home, Jaclyn Egan (Electrical Engineering) attended Brigidine College in Randwick and has received the Vida Balshaw Women in Engineering Scholarship.

‘It was wonderful to get this scholarship, to be recognised as a woman in this degree.’ she said. ‘Eventually I want to take my Electrical Engineering degree into the biomedical field. It would be amazing to work to help others.’

Kimberley Anderson (Computer Engineering) says her Faculty of Engineering Rural Scholarship of $9500 per year tax-free for four years will go towards paying her college fees and for her textbooks.

‘It’s been a huge change coming to UNSW,’ says Kimberley. ‘I came from a very small town where you know everyone. Everyone is very helpful though. I love campus life and I am starting to find my place here.’

We would like to thank all those who contribute to the success of our Scholarships Program, especially the Faculty Schools, the residential colleges and private and industry scholarship donors. Their generosity gives students the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

View Photographs from the 2009 Faculty of Engineering Scholarships Presentation.