Smooth transition for VC's scholars
 Scholarships
Supporting the next generation of promising young students has just become easier with the launch of online giving. Funded entirely from donations from alumni and the University community, the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships provide outstanding students who experience geographic and/or financial disadvantage with $5000 per year for the duration of their degree.
The University's Vice-Chancellor and燩resident, Professor James McWha, believes providing support for first-year students is critical to their University experience. "Making a smooth transition to University is extremely important in helping new students to get the most out of their first year. While we offer a wide range of resources, events and people on campus to help students make that transition, many of our students also face a real need for financial support in the pursuit of their academic goals," Professor McWha said. Louise Thomas and Justin Bannon are this year's recipients of the prestigious scholarships, bringing the total of students currently benefiting from the appeal to 11. Growing up on a sheep farm near Manoora in the mid-North of South Australia, Louise Thomas has always had a passion for sport and design. She chose a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical and Sports) at the 成人大片 to combine these interests and pursue her dream of becoming a sports engineer. For country students, moving out of home and relocating to the city can add significant pressure to their first year at university. Louise said the Vice-Chancellor's scholarship had eased the transition to tertiary study and would help her succeed at university. "The scholarship is enabling me to concentrate more on my studies without having to worry so much about the financial side of moving away from home and studying at university," Louise said. Hailing from the small town of Low Head on the north coast of Tasmania, Justin Bannon attended Launceston College and enjoyed playing golf and cricket in nearby George Town. Travelling to Adelaide to study for a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Commerce, Justin left behind paid employment and free accommodation, which presented some obvious financial challenges for him. "With the extra money, I've been able to settle into a new lifestyle with greater ease and use any spare time effectively, without having to work," Justin said. Expressing his appreciation for the support provided by the scholarship, Justin said: "It will ensure that I'm well placed to cover basic living costs while completing my studies. "With my most prominent goal currently being to finish my degree, I have peace of mind in knowing that coping financially won't be an issue," he said. For the first time since the Vice‑Chancellor's Scholarships Appeal started in 2003, donors can now support the appeal securely through a new online payment system. To find out more about the 2011 Vice‑Chancellor's Scholarships Appeal, or to make a donation, go to: Story by Connie Dutton
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