Jenny Simpson was a larger-than-life figure before she lost her battle with cancer in 2008. Now her crusade for the transformative power of education is living on, thanks to generous donors who have made the first Jenny Simpson Memorial Scholarship a reality.

The first memorial scholarship has been awarded to encourage STEPS (preparatory program) student Alberto Pogliacomi to continue into CQUniversity's new Law degree.

Bundaberg Head of Campus Professor Phillip Clift and Director of Academic Learning Services Karen Seary with Jenny Simpson Memorial Scholarship winner Alberto PogliacomiCQUniversity is now keen to expand the pool of donors to reach a goal of having five perpetual scholarships in Jenny's honour.

Donations can be made online or by post: details via www.cqu.edu.au/jennysimpson or Tamsen Clifford-Banks 49232 786 t.clifford-banks@cqu.edu.au .

Alberto was initially apprehensive about resuming his studies after 25 years in the workforce. He started by setting up a second-hand desk and borrowed computer in his garage, so he could study at 5.30am every morning before work. He grew his confidence by treating every positive assignment result as an indication of his growing abilities.

Jenny Simpson was a passionate and inspiring educator, teaching first of all in the primary and secondary school systems and then ending her career with 15 years at CQUniversity lecturing in the successful STEPS program. Jenny's philosophies continue to influence the STEPS curriculum and her former students and colleagues.

The memorial scholarship was proposed as a way to honour her contributions to education in Central Queensland and to associate her name with the opportunity and potential that education offers.

The support of generous friends, colleagues, former students, members of the community and local employers has made the initial Jenny Simpson Memorial Scholarship presentation a reality, encouraging STEPS students to continue their educational journey and enrol in a bachelor degree program at CQUniversity.

Jenny Simpson Memorial Scholarship donors Greg McDougall, Jill McDougall, Jill Liddell with friend Delma FinlaysonMany of our valued Jenny Simpson Memorial Scholarship donors travelled long distances to attend the presentation at Bundaberg Campus; some from as far away as Townsville. Also in attendance were Head of Bundaberg Campus Professor Philip Clift, Director of Academic Learning Services Karen Seary, and a number of other STEPS and Bundaberg campus staff who came to show their support.

CQUniversity's Director of Development Suzi Blair expressed her gratitude for the initial scholarship support but said "our goal is to really make Jenny's name synonymous with the transformative power of education by awarding five scholarships every year".

Donor Prize and Scholarship Coordinator Melissa Misztal says the scholarship
Jenny Simpson Memorial Scholarship Fund committee member Julie Willans with donor Keith Winstanley presentation was an emotionally-charged occasion as it cemented Jenny's name and legacy with the STEPS program and the educational landscape of Central Queensland in perpetuity.

"While it was exhilarating to be delivering on many months' work by awarding the scholarship to Alberto, it was also a little disappointing because we had so many worthy applicants and we are not yet in a position to help more of them. This is such a special scholarship - I would like to urge anyone interested to please get involved in this important opportunity to develop the potential of our region's people."

One of the initial donors was Keith Winstanley, Managing Director of Makeway Constructions in Townsville, who said Jenny Simpson was a wonderful person and good motivator.

"I'm very proud to be associated as a donor to a scholarship that bears her name - it will create a pathway to success for many STEPS students and will preserve her reputation as a dedicated teacher," Keith said.