Whitireia Foundation Scholarship 2021

The Whitireia Foundation aims to assist students of Ford Sumner’s client, Whitireia Community Polytechnic, to realise their potential and to promote, support and enhance the goals and activities of the Polytechnic through research projects, educational innovation and improving campus facilities.

This year Ford Sumner again funded a scholarship award to a student continuing their studies who has shown strong academic performance, a marked improvement and active peer support.

We are delighted to announce that Luke Morgan, studying for a Bachelor Social Work, is this year’s recipient.  Upon leaving high school, Luke went into the trade industry for several years.  Luke then experienced a period of self-discovery with immense support from friends, whānau, and strangers. Support from strangers was the ‘light-bulb’ moment leading to empowerment, and subsequently, a change of career to repay the tangata whenua for their kind deed.

Currently a third-year Bachelor of Social Work student at Whitireia New Zealand,  Luke shares that “the desire to support and empower those experiencing difficulties, challenges, or setbacks has only amplified. A constant influx of knowledge guides and strengthens my personal and professional practice, values, and beliefs to best support the tangata whenua. However, this path is not mine alone; this path and any future accomplishments belong to my whānau. Conversely, I will never forget how this journey begun, nor why I do it. Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui!”

We wish Luke all the best for his future endeavours.