Education fund provides new opportunities for local students

A new education fund designed to help financially disadvantaged students go to university has been established by the Northern Rivers Community Foundation and Southern Cross University.

The endowed fund has been established following donations of $25,000 each from local businessman, Dr Peter Bowen and his wife Julianne, and Southern Cross University.

Investment income from the Southern Cross University-Bowen Education Fund will be used to support scholarships and bursaries for students who have shown outstanding academic achievement, but who are facing financial hardship.

Others in the community are being invited to contribute to the fund to increase the capacity to support local students.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Clark welcomed the very generous contribution from Peter and Julianne Bowen.

“It’s a great pleasure to form this partnership with the Northern Rivers Community Foundation. This education fund is an exciting development in the support of student education and achievement in our shared region,” Professor Clark said.

“Southern Cross University is committed to providing opportunities for people who have the ability and drive to further their education, but who may be financially disadvantaged,” Professor Clark said.

“This is a long-term scholarship program, which we hope will grow significantly in the coming years. It will complement our existing scholarships, which are supported by a range of businesses and individuals within our region.”

Peter Bowen’s donation recognises the significant support he received during his university years.

“My education would not have been possible without generous financial support. Having experienced the life long benefits of a university education Julianne and I would now like to assist others who aspire to achieve a degree but need assistance. We hope that others in the community who have benefited from a university education will help grow the fund,” Peter said.

You can learn more about the Northern Rivers Community Foundation at www.nrcf.org.au. People wishing to contribute to the fund can do so online or by contacting Tracy Clement on 66219996 or Rebecca Park at Southern Cross University on 6620 3463.

The first scholarships will be available in 2009.

Photo: Dr Peter Bowen and wife Julianne, Professor Paul Clark and Christopher Dean.