A fifth-year Law/Arts student with a passion for helping people less fortunate than others has been awarded this year's Ciara Glennon Memorial Law Scholarship. 

Western Australia's Chief Justice Wayne Martin QC today presented Ashlee Uren, 22, of Ascot, with the prestigious scholarship at The University of Western Australia.

Ms Uren has worked for many years as a volunteer for community groups and charities, including the Cancer Council, the Starlight Foundation and Friends of Ascot Waters. 

Last year she raised funds as part of a campaign called ‘Live Below the Line' for the Global Poverty Project, an international not-for-profit campaigning organisation, and also worked as a volunteer for the project's ‘The End of Polio' campaign.

In September 2011, Ashlee was offered a paid position as Artist Hospitality Director for the Global Poverty Project's ‘The End of Polio' Concert held on the opening day of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October.  She continued to contribute in a voluntary capacity as well, and was subsequently employed as its WA State Coordinator.

Established at UWA in 1998 following the death of lawyer Ciara Glennon, the scholarship is sponsored by Ashurst (formerly Blake Dawson), the law firm where Ms Glennon worked.  It is awarded annually to a full-time student from UWA's Law School who: 

• requires financial assistance to continue their studies;
• makes a recognisable contribution to the community in a charitable, cultural, religious or sporting area;
• demonstrates an active interest in an area outside the practice of law; and
• demonstrates a balanced, well-rounded approach to life and a genuine concern for others.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Johnson said Ms Uren more than adequately fulfilled the selection criteria for the scholarship.

"Ashlee's substantial contribution to the community reflects the aims of this University, which is to serve the community and the State, and to encourage excellence in all we do," Professor Johnson said.

Past winners of the Ciara Glennon Scholarship include 2003 Rhodes Scholar Ben Gauntlett and 2010 Rhodes Scholar at Large Jessica Panegyres.

Media references

Ashlee Uren  (+61 4) 31 923 003
Michael Sinclair-Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 3229  /  (+61 4) 00 700 783