Four University of Waikato (Tauranga campus) students have secured Acorn Foundation scholarships. Funded by the foundation’s donors and trustees of TECT (Tauranga Energy Community Trust) the scholarships were presented at the university recently.
Scholarships are keys that open the gateways to further education, the University of Waikato’s Joseph Macfarlane said. “We are in awe of this cohort of scholarship recipients, and we are grateful to both the Acorn Foundation and TECT for the generosity of support.”
Awarded to Aria Gibson, the Beverly Perszyk Scholarship is intended for students who are the first in their families to go on to tertiary study and complete at least one year at university. Gibson is in her second year of a Bachelor of Science, majoring in marine science.
“Attending university was a massive step for me as it marked the beginning of my journey into adulthood and gaining independence,” Aria said. “My parents have always advocated for choice in regard to the journey after high school and are incredibly proud.”
Intended for adult learners (aged 40 years or more) during any stage of their study at the University of Waikato’s Tauranga campus, the Kenneth Perszyk Sr Adult Learner Scholarship was presented to Simon McGillivray. The Te Puke High School deputy principal is completing a Diploma in Te Tohu Paetahi, an immersion Māori language programme.
“I would like to think it’s never too late to learn, improve learning outcomes, provide opportunities for Māori students and inspire new Te Reo Māori learners,” Simon said.
Approximately 45 per cent of the student population of Te Puke High School is Māori. Simon expects his course will assist him to demonstrate the cultural significance and important taonga of Te Reo Māori in education and society.
A new inclusion, the Bruce Longmore Scholarship was awarded to Bella Muir, in her third year of a Bachelor of Science, majoring in marine science. The scholarship is for students in undergraduate or postgraduate education with at least two years study in marine science, environmental science, or ecology and biodiversity.
“I would like to think it’s never too late to learn, improve learning outcomes, provide opportunities for Ma-ori students and inspire new Te Reo Ma-ori learners.” – Simon McGillivray
Te Puke’s Louisa Westerlund was awarded the Eva Trowbridge Scholarship. Launched in 2007, it has now assisted 18 adult students aged 25 years and older to undertake studies through the University of Waikato Tauranga campus. A volunteer at Bay Financial Mentors and other non-profit organisations, Louisa is studying for a Bachelor of Laws.
Acorn Foundation CEO, Lori Luke, said it was a pleasure to attend the award ceremony.
“The students were so enthusiastic about studying at the University of Waikato Tauranga campus and were really grateful for the support they have received this year,” she said. “It is a real pleasure to assist our donors to meet their giving goals through these scholarships.”
In addition, eleven students granted TECT First-in-Family awards, for those who have no family members previously enrolled in tertiary study, and ten awarded TECT Returning Student scholarships, for second or third-year students to continue their studies.
TECT CEO, Wayne Werder, highlighted the importance of these scholarships.
“With the current struggles many are facing relating to cost of living, being able to support students is an important way to take some pressure off them, to enable them to focus on their studies,” he said. “It is great to see another cohort of first in family recipients who, as the name suggests, are the first in their family to embark on a university journey.”
