A Degree of Good Sense

New Zealand Federation of University Women (NZFGW)
Graduate Women Wellington (GWW)

11 June 2013

A Degree of Good Sense – GWW awards inaugural $100,000 GWW PhD Scholarship

Graduate Women Wellington (GWW) celebrated International Federation of University Women (IFUW) Day this month awarded a new GWW PhD Scholarship to Amanda Taylor who is studying epiphytes.

“The scholarship is worth $100,000. One of Amanda’s areas of study is Otari Wilton Bush in Wellington. She is a dynamic young woman and enthusiastic about conservation”, says Joy Dunsheath, President of GWW.

The award was presented at Premier House and the event “was a great opportunity to, acknowledge that our members, as graduates themselves, are aware of what education can do for women – we’ve worked over 91 years as volunteers and supporters for other women to achieve their potential through tertiary level education. Through supporting women in tertiary education GWW is promoting Strong Hearts, Strong Minds, Strong Women,” says Dunsheath.

GWW announced two other awards - the NZFGW GWW Victoria University Staff Development Award to Bronwyn Tweedle and the Science, Engineering and Architecture Management Award to Nicola Chisnall.

“Last year our Charitable Trust disbursed almost $170,000 in 32 grants and scholarships. This year we will distribute grants to the same level, in addition to this new PhD Scholarship,” says Dunsheath.

The GWW has a strong tradition of supporting the education of women and each year awards various scholarships and awards.

Awards at Premier House were presented by the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to New Zealand, Her Excellency Ambassador Damla Yeşim Say, who was also the keynote speaker. GWW members Dame Laurie Salas, and Dr. Jo Cribb, Chief Executive of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs also presented awards. IFUW’s Conference is in Istanbul in August 2013 and several GWW branch members are attending.

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