Emmeke Kuijpers
Memorial Scholarship Appeal

Emmeke Kuijpers Memorial Scholarship Appeal

A brilliant social scientist, a caring, generous and beautiful soul.

Western Sydney University joins her colleagues, partner, family and friends in mourning the loss of Emmeke Kuijpers, Western graduate and humanitarian. Emmeke sadly passed away in December 2021 after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

In honour of Emmeke, the University plans to establish the Emmeke Kuijpers Scholarship Fund. This fund will support scholarships and/or academic prizes for students at the Schools of Social Science and Law at Western Sydney University. The goal is for this fund to reach $125,000 which will allow for an annual scholarship to be offered in Emmeke's name in perpetuity.

Emmeke lived and studied in the US, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East and spoke four languages. She embodied the spirit of Western Sydney University, overcoming adversity to excel through education. Emmeke was widowed in 2007 and was left to raise four children on her own, enduring sustained financial and psychological hardship. Her passion for social science and law drove her to enrol in a combined social science/law degree at Western in 2013 as a mature age student, whilst balancing the demands of being a loving and supportive mother.

Emmeke was very proud of the culture and ethics of Western Sydney University, and on completion of her social science degree chose to work in the Governance Services department at the University. She graduated from Western Sydney University’s School of Social Science in 2018. Sadly, whilst Emmeke's illness prevented her from attaining her dream of completing her law degree prior to her death, Western Sydney University has awarded her the honour of a posthumous Bachelor of Laws.

In keeping with Emmeke's passionate support for the disadvantaged, the criteria for the award of the scholarship will include a preference for students from financially and socially disadvantaged backgrounds. Emmeke was also a passionate advocate for the indigenous community and volunteered her time to work at the Aboriginal Legal Service.

WSU Shield Logo

$15,010

RAISED TO DATE

As study was for Emmeke, a scholarship can be life changing. In Emmeke's memory, we ask you to give as generously as possible to the Emmeke Kuijpers Scholarship Fund. Scholarships provide students with a huge vote of confidence in that someone believes in their journey and allows them to step back from the struggles of finances to focus on their studies.

The annual awarding of an Emmeke Kuijpers scholarship will provide an opportunity for donors and all of us who knew her to gather, celebrate her legacy and remember her contribution to our lives and that of the scholarship recipients.

Emmeke was a beloved partner, mother, sister, daughter and friend who dedicated herself passionately to social justice. Her warmth, passion and generosity touched all those who knew her, and your donation will keep Emmeke's legacy alive.

Contact
To discuss your gift please email giving@westernsydney.edu.au

Thank you.

*100% of funds raised will go to the Emmeke Kuijpers Memorial Fund in support of students electing to study Social Science or Social Science/Law at Western Sydney University. Preference will be given to those students who are mature age and coming from a financial and/or socially disadvantaged background.

Donations over $2 are tax deductible – please seek independent tax advice according your indiviual circumstances.