The Peace and Social Justice Scholarship in memory of Marty Morrison

In 2025, the University of Sydney will launch the Peace and Social Justice Scholarship, established by Melanie Morrison and her siblings to honour their mother, Marty Morrison. Marty, a lifelong educator and activist, was dedicated to peace, human rights, and social justice - values she passed on to her family and inspired in countless others around the world.

A lifetime of activism

Marty Morrison’s scholarship will support students pursuing a Master of Social Justice within the School of Social and Political Sciences, helping to ensure her legacy continues to inspire future generations.

Early life and lasting influences

Born Martha Elizabeth Hessell in Winslow, Arizona, Marty grew up immersed in a deep commitment to social justice. Her father, Reverend William Hessell, was a Methodist minister who actively advocated for the rights of African Americans. Marty’s early experiences - such as organising meals for Japanese American friends following the Pearl Harbor internments - ignited her lifelong dedication to equity and compassion.

During her years at UCLA, her activism grew as she took part in civil rights actions, including sit-ins against racial discrimination. Her career later took her around the world as an educator, with teaching roles in Singapore, Thailand, Palestine, and Jakarta - each experience reinforcing her belief that education could drive social change. At the age of 82 in 2010, Marty took the extraordinary step of travelling to Palestine to teach and participate in peaceful protests, demonstrating the tireless passion and commitment she maintained throughout her life.

Stories of impact: Compassion in action

The impact of Marty’s work lives on in the stories her family remembers. One that stands out is her support for Jarnil, an Afghan refugee detained on Nauru. Marty’s advocacy - alongside that of other dedicated supporters - helped bring Jarnil and his family to Australia, where they have since thrived. His children now pursue promising careers, with one studying law in Melbourne. They often express how Marty “not only changed our lives but saved them.”

A scholarship to continue her vision

For her children, this scholarship feels like a natural continuation of Marty’s lifelong commitment to human rights and social justice.

Marty’s husband, Bill Morrison, attended the University on a government scholarship, and Marty herself had briefly studied anthropology there—a pursuit she greatly enjoyed.

Inspiring the next generation of advocates

Melanie and her siblings hope that the scholarship’s recipients will feel inspired by their mother’s unwavering dedication to peace and justice. Marty often questioned why societies have ministers for war but not for peace. Her children remember this as a reminder of her vision for a more compassionate world.

Empowering change through education

Through this scholarship, the Morrison family aims to support students committed to social justice, empowering them to work toward a more resilient and peaceful world. “By choosing a Master of Social Justice, these students gain the skills to stand for change,” Melanie explained. “We believe this scholarship will enable future advocates to continue her work and create a world that values peace and justice.”

This scholarship is valued at $8,000 per annum for one year for a recipient enrolled full-time, or $4,000 per annum for two years for a recipient enrolled part-time. Through this scholarship, students will gain not only financial support but also the opportunity to immerse themselves in the social justice landscape, helping them develop the skills to advocate for real, lasting change in their communities.

Marty’s broader influence

Marty was particularly focused on advocacy for refugees, the elimination of racial discrimination, and gender equality. Her work extended far beyond her immediate family, influencing policies and individuals worldwide. Her advocacy on behalf of refugees, her commitment to peace protests, and her work on gender equality and racial justice all reflect her belief that a better world is not only possible but achievable.

A family’s continued commitment

Through the establishment of this scholarship, the Morrison family hopes to carry forward Marty’s mission of peace and justice, both at the University and in their own lives. Melanie Morrison, through her work with the Sydney Peace Foundation, continues to advocate for the causes their mother championed.

“The Peace and Social Justice Scholarship is one of many ways the University of Sydney is working to build a future rooted in equity and compassion. Others who wish to honour Marty’s legacy can contribute to this fund, ensuring that future generations of social justice leaders continue to be supported.”

With this scholarship, Marty Morrison’s legacy of compassion, resilience, and dedication will continue to guide and inspire students to drive change and create a more peaceful, just world for years to come.

This scholarship was generously funded by Tanya Burrows, Kim Morrison, and Melanie Morrison.