The annual scholarships and prizes presentation ceremony at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Bathurst on Friday 26 May will see 84 scholarships awarded to students.Across the University in 2017 a total of 296 scholarships worth over $1.2 million will be awarded, making it one of the strongest scholarship portfolios in the country. The number and value of CSU scholarships has increased 21 per cent since 2015. A number of academic prizes will also be presented.University Council member Professor Jo-Anne Reid will welcome recipients and their guests to the presentation ceremony."Scholarship ceremonies are one of the best days on the University's calendar," Professor Reid said."Not only do they allow us to recognise the achievements of our worthy recipients, they also celebrate the fantastic community of donors who share Charles Sturt University's passion for ensuring our students reach their full potential."We are very grateful for the generosity of donors, many of whom have expanded their commitment this year, and we thank them for recognising the significant value their contribution provides to the education of our students."Professor Reid said the Charles Sturt University Foundation Trust works to strengthen the connection between the University's network of campuses and communities and CSU students in Bathurst, Albury-Wodonga, Canberra, Dubbo, Goulburn, Orange, Parramatta, Port Macquarie and Wagga Wagga, and at specialist locations throughout Australia."The relationships we build with our communities allows us to not only place our students in a profession to build skills as they study, but also to embed those same students into the community itself for the benefit of everyone involved," she said."At Charles Sturt University, we believe the contributions we make to the lives of our students and communities are the most rewarding part of our work."Head of Campus at CSU in Bathurst Associate Professor Chika Anyanwu said, "This year's awards will include 37 scholarships to our Indigenous students. As we mark National Sorry Day this Friday, we at Charles Sturt University hope that these scholarships will make some tangible difference in the healing process of our Indigenous students and their families, by empowering them, as well as bridging the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians."Special guests at the ceremony will include Councillor Bill West, Mayor of Cowra Council, Councillor Monica Morse from the Bathurst Regional Council, donors, scholarship recipients and prize winners.The ceremony starts at 11.30am on Friday 26 May in the CD Blake Auditorium (building 1220) at CSU in Bathurst.