After a lifetime of seeing the benefits of education, the late Sylvanie Morgan has left a generous $1.5 million bequest that will continue to create opportunity.
The donation is supporting Southern Lights Access Scholarships, which assist students who might not have otherwise had access to tertiary education. It is the largest ever bequest received by the University for access scholarships.
It is also timely. With over one third of Tasmanian students coming from the lowest SES quartile, they need our support.
Sylvanie, who studied teaching at the University of Tasmania, taught at high schools in Victoria, where she rose to Vice-Principal. Later, she began new and varied careers as a bookkeeper and entrepreneurial business owner – selling large-sized women’s shoes. But her commitment to education continued. She hosted female international students studying English at her home in Melbourne and was a long-term supporter of University of Tasmania appeals, including the annual Southern Lights Appeal.
Sylvanie’s longtime friend and executor David Pietsch remembers her as a fierce supporter of Tasmania, the arts, quality public education and the University of Tasmania.
“We met in 1971 in London where we lived in share houses with other Australians, many of whom were university graduates, and then shared houses again in Melbourne on our return to Australia,” he said.
When Sylvanie’s health began to decline in 2022, David and a group of five friends from their time in London, plus two others from Melbourne, formed what they called the ‘G7’ to care for her in her own home, until her death in 2024. While she could, Sylvanie continued to sew backpacks and quilts for children in need, showing her love in actions through gifts of service or produce from her garden or kitchen. The spirit of caring for others now continues after Sylvanie’s death through her bequest.
To date, more than 40 students have benefited from Southern Lights Scholarships, which were established six years ago.
One such student is Naren, who joined the University’s High Achiever Program and completed university-level psychology units while still in school. That same passion led him to begin a Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine, but the path wasn’t easy financially.
When he heard he had been awarded a Southern Lights Access scholarship, he says a weight lifted from his shoulders.
“I felt like the whole family could breathe for a moment.”
Naren
Naren is making the most of every opportunity. He volunteers through the Salvation Army’s STeP123 program, helping primary school students learn to read and, as part of the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme, he visits a war veteran with dementia, offering friendship, conversation and dignity.
Alongside his studies Naren is completing mental health and dementia care training, building the skills he’ll use as a clinician.
“Tasmania has done so much to help me, and I want to give back to my community. I want other people to have the opportunities that I’ve had,” he said.
Director of Advancement Rebecca Cuthill says the University is incredibly grateful for Sylvanie Morgan’s bequest, a generous gift from a teacher who believed in the power of education to change lives.
“Sylvanie was a longstanding and dedicated donor supporting University appeals, and this bequest adds to her earlier contributions and those of others in a powerful way,” Rebecca said.
“Each and every donation to these scholarships, no matter the size, is valuable as they contribute to a pooled fund and profoundly impact students’ lives.”
Leaving a gift in your Will is a powerful and lasting statement of your life, passion and values. Your generosity can make a vital impact for future generations. To find out more or for contact details please visit:
Our Bequest Society recognises donors who have confirmed their intention to leave a bequest to the University of Tasmania in their Will.
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