Caring for all creatures
Joyce Agnes Stewart‑Hamilton (née Noble) had a deep love for pets – especially dogs – and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. Although she could not fulfil this dream in her own lifetime, a gift in her Will established the Noble Stewart-Hamilton Scholarship to support Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students experiencing financial need, ensuring others can pursue the opportunity she longed for.
One student carrying Joyce’s legacy forward is current scholarship recipient Emmanuelle Blythe.
Growing up in Ballarat, Emmanuelle always felt connected to animals and knew she wanted to become a veterinarian. As a high school student, she became a volunteer wildlife rescuer and even created her own wildlife ambulance.
“I bought a tiny car and decked it out with wildlife rescue equipment – nets, pouches, carriers, tools and a ladder,” she says. “I often find myself up a ladder, standing on my car, swimming in a lake or trudging through bushland looking for a tiny face calling out for help.”
After high school, Emmanuelle embarked on a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne with the support of an undergraduate access scholarship. This initial financial assistance made it possible for her to move from Ballarat to Melbourne, immerse herself in university life and eventually gain admission into vet school. It also enabled her to explore interests beyond her veterinary science goals.
“I took a geology subject and attended the field trip using my scholarship. It opened a whole new hobby: rock and gem fossicking! This hobby has helped me lead a balanced life during the demanding vet school years.”
Now in her final year studying a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Emmanuelle is profoundly grateful for the stability and freedom afforded by the Noble Stewart-Hamilton Scholarship. She can cover accommodation costs during her months of unpaid placement. She can buy textbooks on favourite subjects including the medical treatment of Australian native mammals and small exotic animals.
Rather than working every weekend to support herself, she can gain hands-on experience: caring for wildlife from her home, volunteering at stray cat de‑sexing clinics, and providing foster care for a disabled cat named Bug (whom she has now adopted). “These experiences are invaluable in growing my confidence in animal medicine,” Emmanuelle says.
In 2025, Joyce’s gift also supported Emmanuelle to follow a life-changing opportunity that would not otherwise have been possible: she travelled to Aotearoa New Zealand and completed a placement at the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital. “I was lucky enough to work with some of the world’s rarest bird species: the kākāpō and the hoiho,” Emmanuelle says. “Seeing how this wildlife hospital runs really inspired me. I can see myself working to this high standard of care for wildlife and am very excited to keep learning this year.”
Looking ahead, Emmanuelle hopes to work as – in veterinary industry terms – an exotic animal veterinarian, with a particular interest in guinea pig, rabbit and bird medicine. Finding work in wildlife medicine can be difficult, but she will continue her volunteer rescue work and can care for any wildlife brought into a vet clinic. “The impact I hope to have through my work is simple: to be a voice for those who do not have one, and to provide respectful and compassionate care to all animals and their people.”
Reflecting on Joyce’s gift, Emmanuelle says that Joyce “feels like an aunty, supporting me in many aspects of my life. I am proud of who I am today because of the experiences her generosity has enabled. I hope that in the future I can support young people like Joyce did.” She says she will work hard to make a difference in the lives of animals and people alike – and promises to give any dogs she cares for an extra pat from Joyce.
I am proud of who I am today because of the experiences her generosity has enabled. I hope that in the future I can support young people like Joyce did.
Learn more about giving
Delve into stories of donor impact or find public lectures, gallery openings and more.
-
Impact of giving
The generosity of our donor community can be felt across industries – and will continue to improve lives for generations to come. Learn more about how our supporters are building a brighter future.
-
Ways to give
Whether you’d like to make a one-off gift or explore other meaningful options like leaving a gift in your Will, there are plenty of ways you can give to the University for a brighter future.
-
News and events
Stay connected with your passionate University community through thought-provoking public lectures, events celebrating our donor community or expert commentary on global issues.
How can we help?
FAQs and contact details
Find helpful answers to common questions and specialised contact details.
Give to education and research
Learn how you can support students and researchers.
Ways to give
Explore the varied and meaningful ways you can give towards a brighter future for all.