UCOL scholarships reward excellence

Media Release

Tuesday 25 June 2013

UCOL scholarships reward excellence

UCOL student Jo Berry returned from the Amazon jungle just in time to collect a semester one student scholarship at a ceremony held on the Palmerston North campus today.

Jo, a third year Bachelor of Applied Visual Imaging (BAVI) student has recently spent three weeks in Peru filming a documentary for her final year project, and is one of three winners of a Graduate Women UCOL Award.

Katie McAloon and Sarah McFadyen also received Graduate Women UCOL Awards for women enrolled at any UCOL campus, who have excelled in effort and achievement.

Katie is currently in her third year of the Bachelor of Nursing degree having already obtained a Bachelor of Environmental Management. In addition to her studies, she has a casual job at MASH and has been a volunteer for the St Johns in the emergency department. Katie hopes to gain a Masters degree and specialise in surgical nursing.

BAVI student Sarah McFadyen won Top Overall Year two student last year despite a few setbacks along the way. Sarah’s new goal is to be Top Overall Year three student. She hopes to ultimately own her own photography business.

Two nursing students have each been awarded a Fletcher Challenge Trust scholarship for further study.

Second year Bachelor of Nursing student Malta Stirling has redirected her career from teaching to nursing. She qualified as a primary school teacher while her children were young, now they are a bit older; Malta has taken the opportunity to follow her dream of becoming a nurse.

Eileen Collins has also gone back to studies now her children are older and has just finished her first year of the Bachelor of Nursing degree. Eileen gained a great deal of life experience while studying and being employed in various roles, from working with the homeless in London, to gaining a Certificate in Applied Counselling Skills.

The Palmerston North City Council Jaycee Trust Scholarships went to third year Bachelor of Nursing student Amy Van Echten and Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Imaging Technology) (MIT) student Anna Grenville.

Amy is involved in several community projects such as the Palmerston North Street Van where she spends one night a month offering food, hot drinks, first aid and support for those that may need them in the Square. In the future Amy sees herself as a practice nurse and helping to promote health within the community.

Anna Grenville is currently in her second year of MIT. She is an active volunteer and supporter of the annual Relay for Life and at the SPCA. Anna wants to specialise in ultrasound with an aim to work in a children’s hospital such as Starship in Auckland.

The Andrew Cliff Award recognises peer mentoring and was established in memory of a former senior lecturer. It was awarded to Ashlee Tautu. Ashlee is currently completing the National New Zealand Nanny Certificate and has a true passion for learning and helping others. She is regarded as a fantastic team member and is always the first person to volunteer for jobs and to help others.

The scholarships were presented at UCOL today (Tuesday) by Deputy Chief Executive Academic, Bonnie Dewart, who congratulated the winners and noted the very high quality of applications for the first semester awards. “There were many deserving applicants,” she says. “I wish we had more scholarships to offer, so more students could be rewarded for their efforts and achievements.”

“It is great to be able to support our students to achieve their full potential.”

ENDS

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