Freemasons University Scholarships exist because masonry embraces learning.
(by Mary-Jo Tohill, stuff.co.nz/The Southland Times, June 18 2018)
The Otago Masonic Charitable Trust South Otago branch will present grants to recipients at Clinton on Sunday.
The branch will give out $14,000 in grants and also the Elwing Certificate for a yacht-bound adventure at Stewart Island.
This year’s recipient is Jessica Craik, of Balclutha, who will use her award in December.
Last week the trust, which is the umbrella organisation of all Otago masonic lodges, marked its 60th anniversary since the first meeting on May 28, 1958.
Freemasons New Zealand Grand Master Mark Winger said it was quite a milestone.
“So we are this year celebrating 60 years of charity in Otago. Over the years how this has been dispensed and organised has changed as Freemasonry has adapted and as the needs of the community have changed. Today is a celebration of our charitable links with the wider community of Otago.”
For 40 years, Freemasons from throughout New Zealand have awarded nearly $5.2 million in scholarships to 1162 of the country’s university students, in the largest privately funded programme in the country.
In return, the organisation asks that students show commitment to voluntary and community service.
In May, eight postgraduate students received a total of $80,000 and 19 university students $114,000 at a ceremony at Parliament’s Legislative Council Chamber. The 27 students came from…
read more at stuff.co.nz/The Southland Times website
