Curtin’s 2025 Scholarship Celebration Event brought together recipients, donors, industry partners and staff to recognise the life-changing impact of scholarships.

The 192 guests heard from 2024 John Curtin Undergraduate Scholarship recipient Ava Nasiri Zahed, a second-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy student, who shared how her scholarship journey fostered a strong sense of belonging and empowerment. Watch her keynote speech here.

Vice-Chancellor Harlene Hayne reflected on her own experience as a scholarship recipient, and Master of Ceremonies John Fitzgerald (Chief Advancement Officer), also from the Give to Change staff community, shared his perspective on the importance of giving.

Special thanks to John for stepping in as MC at the last minute, and to Alana Hammond, Georgia Tripp (University Advancement) and Bec Turner (University Events) for bringing the event to life. Thanks also to everyone involved in making the night a success.

(L-R) Balladong-Whadjuk Elder Kim Collard, Ava Nasiri Zahed, Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne and John Fitzgerald.
A woman points to a large black display with white writing on it with statements from different scholarship recipients on their experiences.
Curtin scholarship recipient Alyssa Lothian shares her statement on the Scholarship Quote Wall.
A large room full of people mingling.
Donors had the opportunity to meet their scholarship recipients and hear about impact of their support.