Scholarships awarded to Rising Stars of SCU

Well-known musician, composer and producer Russell Dunlop will be honoured when the inaugural Russell Dunlop Scholarship is awarded as part of Southern Cross University’s Rising Stars scholarship program at the Lismore campus tomorrow.

Mr Dunlop, a former ensemble teacher in SCU’s Contemporary Music degree, died in 2009 but his memory will live on through the scholarship which has been organised by family and friends.

Mr Dunlop is well known for his work with Bruce Brown with whom he co-produced a string of notable albums and singles during the 1980s from bands such as Mental As Anything, The Reels and Machinations. Mr Dunlop and Mr Brown also had the novelty hit ‘Space Invaders’. One of his last musical projects was producing and mixing the soundtrack for the Rachel Ward movie Beautiful Kate.

The Russell Dunlop Scholarship is awarded to a student in the Contemporary Music degree who has shown musical talent, diligence, motivation and who is in need of support. The scholarship winner for 2012 is third year Bachelor of Contemporary Music student Adam Corocher.

“I was very surprised but honoured to receive the scholarship,” Mr Corocher said.

“I have similar aspirations to Mr Dunlop and if I can emulate him as a drummer, vocalist, composer or producer I would be very happy.”

Mr Corocher, who lives at Kingscliff and attends the Lismore campus, is a talented drummer who has played with well-known Blues artist Wiley Reed as well as being a regular in soul band The Norma and Louise Band.

More than $500,000 worth of scholarships will be handed out through the SCU’s scholarship program to 130 scholarship holders. There are 42 external contributors to the Rising Star scholarship program worth more than $400,000. Most scholarships are valued at $5000 per year but they range from $500 to $12,000. The scholarships are supported by a range of partners including businesses, community groups and trusts, each of who receive a donor appreciation certificate. There is also a cadetship program offered to five students through the National Australia Bank worth $100,000.

There are 21 Vice-Chancellor Scholarships to be awarded across the three campuses including seven new scholarships and 14 continuing. Each scholarship is worth $5000.

“We would like to acknowledge the commitment of all our donors who continue to support this very worthwhile program. Scholarships can make all the difference for many students who are combining work and study,” Southern Cross University Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Lee said.

Another new scholarship to be awarded this year is the Bellingen Shire Creative Arts Scholarship. Catherine Eaglesham, a first year student studying an Associate Degree in Creative Writing, is the recipient.

Ms Eaglesham, a 49-year-old grandmother from Thora, decided to undertake study at SCU after overcoming cancer three years ago.

“I wanted to do something for myself and I’ve always been very interested in writing,” she said.

“I’ve kept journals and things like that and I have always enjoyed writing essays or poetry … I like words. I have plenty to do with the Bellingen Shire in the creative arts so it’s a good fit. I am very happy to receive the scholarship.”

The Rising Star scholarships will be awarded at ceremonies across the three SCU campuses starting with Lismore on Thursday, March 22 at 10am at the Whitebrook Theatre; at the Gold Coast on Friday, March 23 at 1pm in room A220; and at Coffs Harbour on Thursday, March 29 at 10am at the O Block Theatre.

Photo: Adam Corocher