Sydney student wins Order of Australia Association Foundation Scholarship
Left to right: Jennifer Corderoy, Ayman Miazi, the Governor-General, Her Excellency, the Hon. Sam Mostyn AC, Matthew Selkrig, Jade Harrison, Paris Lay-Yee and Dr Helen Nugent AC, Chairman of the Order of Australia Association Foundation
University of Sydney student Matthew Selkrig has won a prestigious Order of Australia Association Foundation Scholarship, presented this week by Governor-General Sam Mostyn.
Matthew, a second-year Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Advanced Studies student and Dalyell Scholar, was one of five recipients of the $40,000 scholarship, which recognises students across Australia who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership and community involvement. As well as financial support, recipients benefit from mentorship provided by a member of the Order of Australia in their field of study.
The scholarships are awarded thanks to generous philanthropic support from the Order of Australia Association Foundation, with Matthew’s scholarship supported by Paul Wheelton AM KSJ, a Director of the Foundation.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn presented student Matthew Selkrig with the Order of Australia Association Foundation Scholarship.
“I’m incredibly grateful for this recognition,” said Matthew. “It affirms the determination with which I approach my education. It will certainly continue to motivate me to keep pushing in the areas of my passion: finance and sustainability.”
The scholarship will give him the financial freedom to balance his studies with internships, complete an international exchange program and participate in competitions with University societies domestically and abroad.
Eventually he hopes to work in a sector that prioritises environmental, social and governance issues in investment. He has a particular interest in renewable energy projects and hopes to use his skills to contribute to the global transition away from fossil fuels.
Alongside his studies, Matthew has undertaken internships and worked part-time at Macquarie Bank through an industry placement program organised through the Business School. He is Alumni Director of the Sydney University Business Society and President of Beta Alpha Psi, an international honours organisation for accounting, finance, business analytics or digital technology students and professionals. He has also been involved in the Sydney University Impact Investing Society.
“I truly believe you get out of university what you put in,” he said. “I can’t recommend joining societies enough. They’ve made my time here so rewarding, both personally and professionally.”
Dean of the University of Sydney Business School Professor Leisa Sargent warmly congratulated Matthew on his achievement. “Matthew has brought himself into every aspect of University life, from his studies to our clubs and societies’ extracurricular activities,” she said. “He is a valued student leader in our Business School community. His energy and enthusiasm will set him up for a bright future.”
On behalf of the Board of the Order of Australia Association Foundation, the Chairman Dr Helen Nugent AC said: “Each of these awardees is exceptional in their field of study; they have given back extensively to the community; and they can benefit from the financial and mentorship support provided by the scholarship. Each awardee has a powerful individual story and dares to dream big for what they can contribute to the future of Australia.”
Other scholarship recipients for 2024 are Jennifer Corderoy (University of New England), Jade Harrison (University of Technology Sydney), Paris Lay-Yee (University of Technology Sydney) and Ayman Miazi (Monash University). To date, the Order of Australia Association Foundation has awarded 60 scholarships.
