Supporting emerging leaders in science

For Bachelor of Science alum Stuart Colvin, supporting the Narrm Scholarship Program is a way of honouring the transformational impact of his own experience as a student at the University of Melbourne in the 1960s.

“No one else in my family had been to university; it was very new,” he reflected. “If it hadn’t been for a Commonwealth Scholarship, I wouldn’t have made it to the University of Melbourne at all.

“Now, I want to pay it forward. Why shouldn’t I share what I’ve had with others, and enable those same opportunities?”

_{Stuart and Sue Colvin at the expansive new Student Precinct in the heart of the Parkville campus.}

After university, Stuart forged a career in software development and business intelligence projects. Together with his wife Sue, in 2011 he formed Colvin Associates International, which specialises in leadership development.

Reflecting on their successful careers, the couple decided to support the University’s general scholarships program as a way of giving back.

Backing ambitious student support

They soon concluded they wanted to “be more intentional” with their giving, and when the University announced the Narrm Scholarship Program, they realised it would give them that opportunity.

“I’ve had really tremendous opportunities and experiences that were created by education,” Stuart said.

“The Narrm Scholarship Program was really a perfect fit for what I was looking to support, which was something that partly reflected my own circumstances studying at the University.”

Announced in 2023, the Narrm Scholarship Program is the most comprehensive scholarship program offered to undergraduate students in Australia.

Named after the Woi-wurrung word for the Melbourne region, meaning ‘place’, the Program aims to boost numbers of traditionally underrepresented students, significantly and sustainably.

In addition to a financial support package, recipients benefit from a tailored enrichment program to support transition to university, success throughout their studies, and career readiness.

Collectively, 441 donors have contributed over $1.3 million towards the Narrm Scholarship Program since its launch, with some giving in response to appeals and others generously contributing through a gift in their Will. We are grateful for the commitment of our donor community who have joined us in this bold ambition.

Generosity honouring family

Stuart and Sue created the Colvin Bower Scholarship through the Narrm Scholarship Program, named in honour of both of their families, to support a student enrolled in the Bachelor of Science.

For Sue, supporting the scholarship is a particularly meaningful way of honouring the legacy of her father Jack Bower, who studied both a Bachelor and Master of Science at the University. He was awarded an 1851 Scholarship to Cambridge University and later returned to the University of Melbourne as a Senior Lecturer in physics.

“My father came from humble beginnings, but he was a very bright person,” said Sue.

As well as supporting the Narrm Scholarship Program, Stuart has been a long-time volunteer mentor for students. He said both mentoring students and supporting the Colvin Bower Scholarship are enabling him to support the next generation of science leaders.

“I’ve realised that I can actually help these students make better success for themselves, particularly when they lack confidence. I want to feel that I’ve helped people make a difference.

“I’m hoping to help create some of the leaders who will be able to create a more equitable world for all of us.”

Learn more about supporting the Narrm Scholarship Program.