Laura Beagley.
The New Zealand Superfund has awarded its first Sustainable Finance scholarships and the University of Otago recipient is third-year student Laura Beagley.
The 20-year-old Aucklander has spent the last two and half years at the University, after completing high school at Epsom Girls Grammar.
Laura chose to study at Otago as it gave her a chance to be more independent. She says when she visited the campus she was impressed by how connected it was to the whole city. She also loves the natural beauty of the city.
She was thrilled to receive the scholarship, which will go towards her course fees.
“The scholarship gives me more confidence to pursue a future career in sustainable finance,” Laura says.
Laura is pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce and Science with majors in Finance and Ecology, and a minor in Sustainable Finance. She was awarded a University of Otago New Frontiers Entrance Scholarship in 2022.
Director, Climate and Energy Finance Group Dr Sebastian Gehricke says the new scholarship is “an exciting initiative, where the New Zealand Superfund is giving scholarships around the motu”. Adding that Otago is unique amongst NZ universities in giving funding towards a Sustainable Finance minor.
He says Laura is an outstanding student, with the best Grade Point Average (GPA) that he has ever seen.
“She is very passionate about a future career in sustainability, combining success with positive impact. This specialisation is in high demand in New Zealand and globally. The lack of such capabilities is one of the key barriers for the global transition to a low emission, climate resilient future, according to several reports over the last few years.”
Associate Professor Helen Roberts says she would like to thank and acknowledge both the generosity and the vision that the New Zealand Superfund has provided through the creation of this scholarship.
“It is a wonderful way to financially support a student with a passion for sustainable finance. The scholarship also sends a clear signal to the market that sustainable finance practice is both important and valued.”
In congratulating Laura she says, “This is a fantastic endorsement of the hard work invested in your study and the outstanding success you have achieved to date. We are very proud of our students and their achievements, and grateful for the financial backing and recognition of the minor in Sustainable Finance that the New Zealand Superfund scholarship represents to all our stakeholders.
“This is an $8,000 annual scholarship. We look forward to more sustainable finance students submitting applications in the future,” Associate Professor Roberts says.