From left to right: Kelly Berentson, Ben Jones, Erin Murphy, Jasmine Campbell, Rique Campus, Meila Kamo
Congratulations flowed on Tuesday 7 March for 19 local students from the University of Waikato Tauranga campus.
Four adult learners were presented with Acorn Foundation scholarships, five students were granted TECT First-in-Family awards, and ten students were awarded TECT Returning Student scholarships.
These awards are provided by TECT trustees and Acorn Foundation donors to help students at the University of Waikato Tauranga campus afford the costs of tertiary education.
The TECT Tauranga Campus First-in-Family awards are designed to help students who have no family members who have previously enrolled in tertiary study to afford university expenses. The TECT Tauranga Campus Returning Student scholarships are intended to provide support for second or third year students to continue with their studies.
Wayne Werder, TECT CEO, says that the trust is proud to support students in our local community.
“Study expenses have continued to increase, and we are really pleased to be able to provide financial awards that help students afford the cost of university.”
Five students were selected for the First-in-Family Scholarships: Melissa Burton, Rique Campus, Trent Irving, Ashlee Salmon, and Ramanpreet Toor.
Rique Campus said, “Being the first and only child in my family to attend university is a real honour. There are so many kids across the globe who do not have the privilege of attending higher education – some who don’t even attend secondary school – and so being in this position in a country where I can do this and receive funding for it makes me feel very grateful.”
Ten winners of the Returning Student scholarship received their certificates on Tuesday. These top-performing students are Faith Hirini, Olivia Manninen, Kelly Berentson, Ben Jones, Bronte Hemmings, Hugh Roberts, Jasmine Campbell, Erin Murphy, Meila Kamo and Terence Tata.
“I am just grateful because, you know, it’s been challenging the past few years, but with the scholarship you don’t have that same financial stress, which I think a lot of university students can relate to. It’s opened up more opportunities and means I have less stress and can concentrate on studying,” said Meila.
Acorn Foundation's scholarships are made possible thanks to donors who have chosen to make provision for scholarships. The scholarships awarded were:
the Acorn Foundation Beverly Perszyk Scholarship, which is intended for a student who is the first in their family to go on to tertiary study and who has successfully completed at least one year at university - awarded to Ashley Heads;
the Acorn Foundation Kenneth Perszyk Senior Adult Learner Scholarship and the Acorn Foundation Adult Learner Scholarship, which provide financial assistance for adult learners (40 years and over) - awarded to Sharon Barrett;
the Acorn Foundation Adult Learner Scholarship, which was set up by an anonymous donor passionate about the benefits of higher education - awarded to Danielle Goodall; and
the Acorn Foundation Eva Trowbridge Scholarship, which has assisted 15 adult students, 25 years and older, to undertake studies through the University of Waikato Tauranga campus since 2007 - awarded to Taylor Hodgson.
“Acorn’s generous donors are proud to support areas of the greatest needs in our community and many are also committed to rewarding excellence. These women are incredibly deserving recipients of these four scholarships, and we are thrilled to be able to provide a hand up as they undertake study at the University of Waikato Tauranga campus,” said Lori Luke, Acorn Foundation CEO.
Lynda Johnston, Professor of Geography and Assistant Vice-Chancellor Sustainability, spoke about the importance of scholarships. According to Lynda, “Scholarships attract more students to education. Our University is committed to this Bay of Plenty region. We are making a difference, not just to individuals but also to communities within the region. A healthy community is one that is well educated and when people are educated, they have more life choices.”
Congratulations to all of the TECT and Acorn Foundation University of Waikato Tauranga Campus scholarship winners!
