At the University of Tasmania’s Sandy Bay campus, you’ll find a living treasure who’s been around for almost half of the institution’s lifetime.
Her name is Rhonda Frances Ewart.
She’s the University’s longest-serving staff member – devoting 60 years of her professional career to supporting its cause.
Rhonda is a well-respected and admired employee who since 1958 has held roles in student administration, examinations, public relations and extensions, as well as research.
Despite formally retiring in 1998, she still works part-time in the Advancement Office – the University’s fundraising arm – in addition to volunteering many more hours of her time.
It’s fitting, given she is a generous benefactor.
Rhonda funds the Zoe Ewart Scholarship (Law), which honours her late mother’s memory by encouraging talented students to explore legal and justice issues at a tertiary level.
It’s a reflection on her own experience following social inequity challenges that her family faced during her childhood.
Rhonda is adamant that opportunities should be made available for all members of society – a view that aligns with the University’s social mission and makes her an important pillar of the framework upholding its cause.
With Vice-Chancellor Rufus Black at a morning tea honouring her achievement.
She was recently honoured for her milestone achievement with a morning tea attended by recipients of her scholarship, alongside colleagues from her present and past, as well as the Governor, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Kate Warner.
Speaking at the morning
tea, Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black said: “There are few
people in this State who would get two Governors and any number of other
distinguished people to put aside whatever they were doing to come and join you
[at such a function].
“For so many people, you are a touchstone that reminds us about the best that the University of Tasmania is, has been and will be.”
Rhonda, in her response, said:
Since 1958 my journey at UTAS has been full of unexpected and wonderful experiences ... my loyalty and love for the University and the values it represents is something that I will always cherish.
“I was recently reminded that it is not the length of
time that counts but what has been
achieved while in that position and I hope that I have met that requirement.”
Authored by Shantelle Rodman.
Rhonda’s Story: youtube.com/watch?v=MYR5b9SvfUg
Your gift changes lives: utas.edu.au/giving/why-give