A cohort of 63 students has been named the 2016 Tim Fairfax AC Learning Potential Fund Scholars, taking the number of lives touched by the QUT Chancellor’s scholarships to more than 100.
The 2016 scholars were presented with their scholarship certificate on Wednesday at a ceremony held on Gardens Point Campus.
Although they hail from diverse backgrounds, the scholars all face exceptional financial and circumstantial challenges in attending university.
Established by a gift from QUT Chancellor, Mr Tim Fairfax AC through the QUT Learning Potential Fund, the scholarships are designed to support students facing financial disadvantage.
Mr Fairfax had already established a Learning Potential Fund Scholarship program before making another significant gift that would allow scholarships to be established specifically for regional and remote students from Queensland and the Northern Territory.
The scholarships allow students to enter university feeling a level of support that extends beyond financial benefit.
“The QUT Learning Potential Fund is a cause dear to my heart,” Mr Fairfax said.
“I derive immense satisfaction from seeing recipients launch themselves into university life with the confidence that someone is looking out for them.”
QUT Alumni and Development Office Director, Simone Garske, said Mr Fairfax’s scholarships are a demonstration of his commitment to ensuring that people from all backgrounds can access education.
“The university’s own commitment to equity is well-known – in fact the Learning Potential Fund has awarded over 24,000 scholarships since the program was established in 1998,” said Ms Garske.
“But what these gifts from the Chancellor show is that his commitment to this program extends well beyond the bounds of university practice – Mr Fairfax is deeply passionate about giving opportunity to these students on a personal level.”
“We are so incredibly proud that to have a Chancellor that supports social justice with such devotion.”
For more information on the QUT Learning Potential Fund, please visit the Learning Potential Fund website or email LearningPotentialFund@qut.edu.au.
For more information on equity scholarships, please visit the scholarships website or email equityscholarships@qut.edu.au.
