The Charles Sturt University Foundation Scholarships were presented on August 3 at Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges.

Bachelor of Social Work student Jazelle Foxley-Stewart received the Hastings Co-op Scholarship, valued at $1500, in the form of a Hastings Co-op credit voucher/card.

Jazelle said she felt honoured to receive the scholarship.

She said the scholarship would help tremendously in meeting the cost of living, particularly during placement time.

“Doing a placement and university, it puts that pressure on by not being able to work,” Jazelle said.

“You don’t have the hours or time to be working [when on placement] so you are not receiving that much income.”

Jazelle is still in touch with the Lions Club of Port Macquarie Tacking Point after receiving its scholarship four years ago.

The Port Macquarie ceremony included the presentation of the Jacob Berry Memorial Scholarship to Bachelor of Paramedicine student Tahlia Rance.

Tahlia delivered the vote of thanks.

“When speaking to other students who have been lucky enough to receive scholarships, we all agree how much it really impacts our lives, studies and future goals,” she said.

“The money that has been selflessly donated from the sponsors has driven us as students to strive for more and helped us believe in ourselves further.

“It drives us to become more motivated for our successes in tertiary studies and can mean the difference in doing extra study rather than having to take that extra shift at work.”

The Charles Sturt University Foundation annually awards 300 student scholarships across CSU’s campuses to those who have demonstrated sound academic achievement, strong community and industry connections and have set career goals.

The scholarships are made available through generous donations provided by individuals, organisations and charitable groups.

The Port Macquarie event also featured the presentation of Dean’s Awards in recognition of academic excellence.

About 220 people attended the combined presentation ceremony.