Lisa's legacy benefits 50 students
Monday 26 September 2011
It is a testimony to the outstanding achievement of both Clive and Tricia Wilson, and a fitting tribute to the memory of their daughter, that 50 students have now received bursaries to help them through their studies at Southampton Solent University.
Now in its ninth year, The Lisa Wilson Scholarship Fund was set up by Clive and Tricia Wilson in memory of their daughter, and Solent graduate, Lisa, who died in a car crash in Australia in 2002, aged only 23. To date the Fund has raised more than £200,000 and has become an integral part of the support system at the University.
The award takes the form of a bursary of up to a maximum of £1,000 per year which is renewed annually. It is available to students who have overcome adversity or can demonstrate why they need extra financial help with their studies. Seven new recipients were awarded the scholarship this year.
This year, the Lisa Wilson Prize for outstanding achievement was awarded to Sharon Elegbede. Sharon - who will graduate with a 2:1 in LLB (Hons) Law with Business Management this November – was unable to collect her award in person as she is currently undertaking an internship with the US Government. She did, however, send her thanks to the Wilson family and her appreciation of the scholarship.
The Vice- Chancellor, Professor Van Gore, thanked the Wilson family for their generous support: “Each year we are reminded how talented, courageous and confident Lisa was and each year Tricia and Clive demonstrate where their daughter gained those attributes.”
“It is to their great and continuing credit that they have turned a personal tragedy into something so positive and constructive for the public good.”
Following the presentation to this year’s scholarship recipients, Professor Van Gore invited the Wilson family to view a new student relaxation area which has been decorated with a design representing pictures and journal entries from Lisa’s world travels. He said: “This wall, designed by Illustration graduate Ed Brown, seeks, in a small but visible way, to mark Lisa’s legacy.”
FOR FURTHER IMFORMATION CONTACT THE PRESS OFFICE ON 023 8031 9040
For further information about the Lisa Wilson Scholarship Fund visit www.lisathedaddy.com| or email geeta.uppal@solent.ac.uk.