A former Charles Sturt University nursing student’s memory lives on as she continues to help other students achieve their higher education goals after her tragic death almost eight years ago.

The Jess McLennan Memorial Prize was established at Charles Sturt after former Bachelor of Nursing student Jess McLennan died in a car accident in June 2016.

Miss McLennan was a critical care nurse at Wangaratta Hospital and heavily involved in her local community through sport.

The prize is open to any students studying a Bachelor of Nursing at Charles Sturt Albury-Wodonga. Students can be in any year, studying either online, on campus or a combination of both.

Charles Sturt Foundation Chief Executive Officer Ms Sarah Ansell said the one-off payment of $1,200 that the prize offers can assist students in achieving their goals.

“This prize allows students to alleviate financial burdens by purchasing equipment they need for study, to help with travel or cover any other costs associated with their degree that year,” she said.

“We are honoured any time a family gifts money to the University in memory of a loved one and we are proud to continue Jess McLennan’s legacy through this prize.”

Continuing students must have a GPA of 4.0 or above while commencing students need an ATAR score or 65 or above to be eligible.

Evidence of community/regional involvement must be attached through a letter of reference or certificate. Applicants must also include an outline of their career goals and aspirations in their submission.

Applications for this prize are open until 9am on Monday 15 January 2024. Applications can be submitted on the Charles Sturt website.

To support an aspiring student via a scholarship through the Charles Sturt Foundation, contact the Charles Sturt Advancement Office.

ENDS