Generous Scholarship Donors Celebrated

Generous Scholarship Donors Celebrated

RMIT scholars and leaders recently connected with the University’s cherished scholarship donor community, to celebrate their generous and life-changing support at the annual RMIT Scholarship Dinner.

Maria Florez established the Andreas Florez Scholarship with her family and friends in memory of her son, Andreas Florez. In early 2016, while working on the release of his debut EP Delusions of Grandeur, Andreas was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive strain of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). He passed away six months later. 

The scholarship supports Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry) students experiencing circumstances impacting their education. Maria says the impact of the scholarship on its worthy recipients is heartwarming to her family.  

“This scholarship helps us fulfil our scope of honouring Andreas’ memory and to carry on his love of music and travel,” said Maria.  

“Education is a powerful, empowering gift. Through it we aim to provide an opportunity that will enable, enrich, and transform students’ lives into the future.”

(L-R) RMIT Interim DVC, International and Engagement Layton Pike, Luna McLeod (recipient of The Andreas Florez Scholarship), Antonio Florez, RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Alec Cameron, Maria Florez, Javier Florez. (L-R) RMIT Interim DVC, International and Engagement Layton Pike, Luna McLeod (recipient of The Andreas Florez Scholarship), Antonio Florez, RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Alec Cameron, Maria Florez, Javier Florez.

RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Alec Cameron delivered a welcome address to over 130 special guests at RMIT’s iconic Storey Hall. 

“It’s been almost 138 years since RMIT was founded by our first philanthropist, Francis Ormond,” Cameron said.

“While RMIT continues to provide access to life-changing education, times are increasingly complex and the pressures on today’s students only seem to compound.

“Tonight, we honour the generosity of our donors, and we applaud the exceptional students who turn their vision into reality.” 

Professor Cameron also formally announced a new scholarship in memory of RMIT Deputy Vice-Chancellor International and Engagement, Saskia Loer Hansen. 

“Our new scholarship in Saskia’s name will provide RMIT students facing financial hardship with the kind of international experiences Saskia found so transformative in her own life and career,” continued Professor Cameron. 

“I will always remember Saskia’s passion for the opportunity of education, and I’m pleased we can honour her outstanding contribution to RMIT and beyond in this longstanding way.”

A panel featuring Dr Crispin Szydzik (Professor Robert and Josephine Shanks PhD scholar 2017-18), Brenda McKinty (George Alexander Foundation scholar in 2016-17), Kiera Stevens (representing the Northcote Trust, which has supported RMIT scholarships since 2008), and moderator Monica Hanns (RMIT Philanthropy Business Partner), entertained guests with a thought-provoking discussion on their experiences as scholars and donors during the event. 

RMIT awarded over 4,200 scholarships and grants in 2024, allowing thousands of students to access support with their studies.

Find out how you can support life-changing RMIT scholarships.

Monica Hann and Professor Alec Cameron speaking at the annual RMIT Scholarship Dinner. Brenda McKinty and Professor Alec Cameron speaking at the annual RMIT Scholarship Dinner
26 May 2025

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26 May 2025

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