IMPACT OF GIVING GEOFFREY WHITE SCHOLARSHIP THE GEOFFREY WHITE SCHOLARSHIP FOR MEDICINE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2016 BY THE COMBINED EFFORTS OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF GEOFFREY WHITE (FR 1970), THE ST ANDREW’S COLLEGE COMMUNITY AND THE ST ANDREW’S COLLEGE FOUNDATION. IT IS CURRENTLY THE ONLY PERPETUAL SCHOLARSHIP TO SUPPORT MEDICAL STUDENTS.
Philanthropy Report 2020
The scholarship is in honour of eminent alumnus Associate Professor Geoffrey White AM (Fr 1970), who was a worldrenowned pioneer in the field of Vascular Surgery. Geoff tragically passed away in 2012 after a two-year battle with melanoma.
22
A second-generation Andrewsman, Geoff was best known for being a leader in the development of vascular treatments that replaced intrusive open heart surgery with far less invasive procedures, vastly improving the survival rates of patients. Geoff collaborated with colleagues, including fellow Andrewsman Emeritus Professor John Harris (Fr 1967) and Dr Michael Stevenson, to develop innovative new techniques and medical devices for minimally invasive endovascular surgery making open surgery for blocked arteries virtually obsolete. His work led to many patents worldwide, three published textbooks and countless research papers. He was a founding member of the International Society of Endovascular Surgery and a Member of the International Society of Cardiovascular
Surgery. His work continues in the lives of patients who benefit today from his pioneering techniques. The memorial scholarship is for a student studying medicine at the University of Sydney who maintains a distinction average, and has a demonstrated need for financial support. The scholarship has supported three students so far, and the College will continue to honour Geoff White’s legacy through this scholarship, inspiring and providing for medical students in years to come.
We spoke with 2020 recipient Dyone Bettega (Fr 2018), pictured right, about how the Geoffrey White Scholarship has helped her achieve her goals. Dyone is in her fourth year, studying a Bachelor of Medical Science at The University of Sydney. She is also a Pastoral Care Leader and avid sportswoman, having been a member of the Rosebowl Rowing, Hockey, Basketball and Athletics Teams during her time at College so far. What have been your favourite experiences at College? I love meeting my peers who have come to St Andrew’s from all walks of life and with so many interesting stories, unique interests and amazing personalities! Additionally, I’ve loved partaking in any and all sport at College. It’s such an incredible way to foster strong team spirit, to have a laugh and to enjoy competing for each other and the wider College community. What are your plans for this next year? This year I will be continuing my residence at St Andrew’s College and undertaking
