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Wednesday, 26 June 2013

"Just remember Ciara in your prayers."

This was the request made by Mr Denis Glennon to 25 year-old Law/Arts student Melusha Robson , winner of the 2013 Ciara Glennon Memorial Law Scholarship .

Melusha, who came to Perth from the small Indian town of Coimbatore in the state of Tamil Nadu when she was 18 - leaving behind her parents and friends - was a worthy recipient of the scholarship, Mr Glennon said.

At a presentation ceremony in the Prescott Room, Mr Glennon and his wife Mrs Una Glennon; the Hon Wayne Martin, Chief Justice of Western Australia; and Mr Paul Riethmuller, Ashurst Perth practice leader, joined Acting Vice-Chancellor, Winthrop Professor Bill Louden; UWA colleagues and Glennon family friends to congratulate the young scholarship winner.

"The Ciara Glennon Scholarship is a particularly important scholarship within our University and within our Law School," Professor Louden said.

"It holds an important place on our calendar, particularly as it is in memory of a graduate of this University - a vibrant and popular young woman whose life and tragic death had such a remarkable influence on so many."

Melusha, who will graduate next year, works in two part-time jobs to put herself through university and is passionate about helping in the community. She volunteers with the State Emergency Services during emergencies such as floods, storms, fires and searches for missing people and also volunteers at the Employment Law Centre during their evening legal service for vulnerable clients.

And, as if all that weren't enough, she gives up more time for Movies for Burswood which raises money for children's charities.

"My parents have always encouraged me to share, particularly with those less fortunate than me," Melusha said.

"In India, I used to spend part of my birthdays at a local orphanage and I've contributed half of my first salary at various jobs to the orphanage. I hope to continue to support it."

Mr Glennon said people such as Melusha were like a "beacon on the hill" whose cheerfulness, dignity and kind-heartedness "privately heartened and communally gratified".

Chief Justice Wayne Martin said while WA was rich in natural resources, the State's most valuable assets were its human resources.

"We are very fortunate to attract people like Melusha from around the world who enrich our State," he said.

Established at UWA in 1998 after 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 the 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.

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