Suzanne Aubert knew the importance of tertiary education for young people. In 1992, the Centennial Year of the Sisters of Compassion, the congregation established the Suzanne Aubert Tertiary Scholarship Grant. Since then, many students have benefitted from the grant and have gained national recognition in their respective professional careers.

The scholarships are offered to third-year-plus, tertiary students. The committee says it was overwhelmed by the depth of compassion, commitment and character of the applicants for 2020, and would have handed out scholarships to all the applicants if possible, making the selection difficult.

Initially three scholarships were to be awarded but due to the generosity of a benefactor, two more scholarships were granted, for which the committee has gratefully and thankfully acknowledged.

Chelsea Coplestone is entering her fourth and final year of a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)/ Bachelor of Arts, majoring in History, University of Waikato, to become a primary/secondary school teacher.

Tessa Dalgety Evans is a wahine who is passionate about the arts and humanities, and hopes to be part of building a better future for Aotearoa through language, reo, pūrākau, narratives, art and music.

Daniel Chow from New Plymouth is entering his third year of studying Medicine at the University of Auckland.

Jessica Tombs has been accepted into her final year of study with Otago Polytechnic, completing a Bachelor of Midwifery.

Joseph Mettrick is studying at The University of Auckland and will be entering his third year of medical school in 2020.