Inaugural Alumni Scholarship to Lismore poet

Lismore poet She Hawke says she is living in “comparative comfort” this year after receiving two scholarships.

The Doctor of Philosophy candidate was recently announced as the recipient of Southern Cross University’s inaugural Alumni top-up scholarship worth $1500 a year for the next three years.

Added to her Commonwealth Government Australian Postgraduate Award, which is worth $18,000 a year for the next three years, and some part-time tutoring at the University, She said she could now devote her time exclusively to her studies.

“The scholarships mean I can concentrate on my studies without stressing about finding part-time work,” she said.

“It really takes the (financial) pressure off.”
“I can also just go into the bookshop and buy a book if I need to, or buy my daughter new clothes.”

While money may have been tight for the single mother, it certainly did not affect her studies, with She graduating in April with a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours.

Her efforts were rewarded with a University Medal, presented annually for academic excellence to First Class Honours graduates who have displayed high achievement at all times.

She’s PhD thesis aims to add a new dimension to the accepted Greek mythologies upon which Western tradition is based.
SCU’s Community Relations and Alumni Officer Loma Graydon said She was a worthy recipient of the scholarship.

“She has been a particularly high achiever and has been very supportive of the University’s Alumni scholarship program,” Loma said.

“I wish her well for her remaining studies and look forward to seeing many more SCU graduates benefit from this scholarship.”

CAPTION: SCU Community Relations and Alumni Officer Loma Graydon (left) and She Hawke following the announcement of the scholarship.