Stellar students awarded ECU Scholarships

Edith Cowan University's (ECU) spectacular scholarship stars shone bright at this year’s annual Scholarship Ceremony.

ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Chapman was delighted to celebrate ECU's exceptionally talented recipients and recognise the generosity of donors who make philanthropic scholarships possible.

"Our valued donors make a tremendous impact in supporting our students who are our future," Professor Chapman said.

"These scholarships give recipients the encouragement and helping hand to achieve their dreams."

Making a tangible impact

Joel Eyre is currently studying a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) and was awarded the Lincoln McCashney Memorial Scholarship.

The Scholarship is awarded to recognise a third-year Education student who demonstrates the qualities that made the late Lincoln McCashney such an outstanding teacher, educator, and beloved mentor to many ECU students.

Joel completed a Bachelor of Science (Cyber Security) before enrolling in a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) to further his skills and make a positive difference in young people’s lives.

"I transitioned to teaching because people are my passion. I wanted to have a tangible impact on the lives of others, and I also wanted a career that could take me anywhere," Joel said.

"My philosophy is that all children have an innate desire to learn and, when provided with the right opportunities, can flourish both academically and emotionally.

"This stems from my own education where I was told I would never be an 'A' student in primary school. Fortunately, my Year 7 teacher saw my potential, helped me build my self-esteem and pushed me to have a strong work ethic."

Joel shared that being awarded the Lincoln McCashney Scholarship has helped him to prioritise his studies, allowing him to focus on his passion, and degree.

"I feel extremely honoured and grateful to have been awarded this scholarship.

"It has enabled me to leave my retail job so that I could focus on my studies and continue working relief as an Education Assistant – which is significantly more in line with my goals and values."

Advancing educational outcomes

Brooke Cuthbertson is a proud Palawa woman who received the Kate Mullin Education Scholarship.

New to ECU this year, the Kate Mullin Education Scholarship aims to encourage more literacy teachers in remote or rural Aboriginal communities.

Inspired by her own family and experiences in education, Brooke was the first in her family to complete high school and go to university.

"I am passionate about advancing educational outcomes for lower socio-economic communities and those who are disadvantaged," Brooke said.

"It is imperative to have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teachers. Representation is key – because you can't be what you can't see."

Being awarded the Kate Mullin Scholarship meant that Brooke was able to complete her final-year, unpaid, 9-week professional experience placement as part of her degree.

"I was absolutely honoured to receive the scholarship, it had a big impact on me and my family. It enabled me to complete my studies whilst balancing family responsibilities and not go into debt," Brooke said.

"The work that Kate Mullin did, including working closely with Aboriginal children, aligns with what I'm passionate about and what I aspire to achieve."

Brooke received the 2020 Vice-Chancellor's Student Award for Reconciliation, as a result of her dedication and advocacy for cultural awareness and education. She crossed the ECU graduation stage recently with a Bachelor of Education (Primary).

The 2023 Vice-Chancellor's Student Awards were also presented at the ECU Scholarship Ceremony.

Changing lives through scholarships

The gift of a scholarship has a life-changing impact. Whether your support is to help students overcome barriers to education, or to reward high achievers, your gift helps to ensure our students reach their full potential.

Find out more about Giving to ECU and contact ECU's Office of Development and Alumni Relations to find out how you can help.

Visit the ECU Scholarships webpage to explore scholarship opportunities at ECU.