Backing the next generation of rural leaders
Rural inventor and philanthropist George Alexander AM set up the George Alexander Foundation in 1972, and it continues to support undergraduate scholarships at ANU. The Foundation aims to reduce some of the significant geographic barriers to tertiary education faced by rural and regional students.
Current scholarship recipient, Simone De Nys, always had an interest in international relations, languages and politics. The scholarship enabled her to move from Townsville in North Queensland to Canberra, to study a Bachelor of Arts and International Security Studies at ANU.
I decided to pursue a degree that catered to all my interests,
says Simone.
With the security of a scholarship, Simone could pursue international study opportunities at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan, and a semester exchange at the University of Geneva in Switzerland.
Simone believes in giving back to her university community, and is a member of the executive for the Rural, Remote and Regional Students' Society (RRRS), a social support network for ANU students.
"I am infinitely grateful to The George Alexander Foundation for all of their help, support and understanding throughout my time at university," said Simone.
This impact story is a feature in the 2020 Report to Donors
