A scholarship established in memory of an outstanding leader is allowing students to develop their own leadership skills overseas.
To read the full image descriptions, please click on the individual image above.
Louise King's exchange to New York is exactly the type of experience Saskia Loer Hansen would have loved for every RMIT student.
The second year Bachelor of Professional Communication student was the inaugural recipient of the Saskia Loer Hansen Memorial Scholarship, established in the memory of the visionary university leader, who died in 2025.
Saskia strongly believed in ensuring students had opportunities to become global citizens. Having enjoyed an international career herself, she recognised the value of gaining first-hand experience of other cultures and communities, and in bringing a broadened perspective back home. The scholarship has allowed Louise to combine her passion for communications and fashion by spending a semester at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
“Studying overseas was something I had dreamed about for years, but financially it felt out of reach,” Louise said.
“Even after being accepted into the program, I remember feeling excited but also deeply unsure, knowing I likely wouldn’t be able to afford it. The Saskia Loer Hansen Memorial Scholarship changed that completely.”
RMIT established the scholarship through an endowed fund that has been supported by many donors, including Saskia’s family, friends, and colleagues, and organisations that share her belief in the transformative power of an overseas educational experience.
The scholarship helps RMIT students from any program, who face financial disadvantage and who demonstrate leadership potential, to overcome barriers to international study.
Layton Pike, RMIT Vice-President, International, said he was thrilled to see how Louise benefited from the scholarship.
“Saskia was passionate about the power of education and the importance of global experiences for students in broadening their world and cultural perspectives,” he said.
“Louise is such a worthy recipient and has an exciting journey ahead of her.”
The donations to establish the scholarship are a testament to Saskia and her legacy. Saskia made a significant impact on the global education sector and was latterly the RMIT Deputy Vice-Chancellor, International and Engagement, and Interim General Director, RMIT Vietnam. She was widely respected for her humanity and commitment to putting people first.
Amy Harrington, RMIT Director, Philanthropy and Public Engagement, said collective giving was at the heart of the fund’s success.
“We know that not everyone is able to give large amounts to causes they support, but through programs like this the impact of every gift is multiplied,” she said.
“Whether someone makes a single gift, of any amount, or sets up a regular gift, every dollar is helping our students to enjoy the kind of overseas experience Saskia knew was so life-changing.”
For Louise, receiving the support to pursue her dream in New York, has felt “surreal, like stepping into a movie”.
“It didn’t just make this experience possible; it gave me the confidence to say yes to an opportunity I never thought I could take. Being here in New York is already shaping my studies, my career aspirations, and my belief in what’s possible for me.”
Life-changing scholarships
Give to scholarships and help create life-changing opportunities for students facing barriers to education.
