The inaugural Curtin University Equity and Diversity Leadership Award was recently presented to students Susan Furphy and Harry Ashton.
The award recognises Curtin students who go beyond their study commitments to improve the lives of others, through understanding the importance of inclusivity and diversity.
Professor Jill Downie, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Education presented each student with the award, which included $1,500 in prize money.
“This award is reflective of the way Curtin is working to maintain a culturally safe environment, to ensure all our staff and students have a rich and globally relevant experience within the university,” Professor Downie said.
“Curtin places great emphasis on valuing diversity, promoting equity and inclusion and with our new Student Equity Strategy, it’s wonderful to see this being taken on by our students.”
Harry Ashton, a Pharmacy student, is a volunteer counsellor working with youth who have experienced family violence. He is also an active advocate for increasing support services in the not-for-profit sexuality and gender diversity community.
Fellow recipient and fourth year Occupational Therapy student, Susan Furphy, has volunteered as a massage therapist with organisations that provide free health services to people enduring financial hardship, homelessness and chronic illness or disease. Susan is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Crawley in their youth team and leadership and mentoring program.
Both recipients said that receiving the award was surprising and hoped it would inspire other Curtin students to fulfil their own potential.
Curtin was recently announced as the Highest Ranking University for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) equality for the second year running at the national Pride in Diversity (PID) Awards.
For further information on the Equity and Diversity Leadership Award, contact Curtin Scholarships.
