Biomedical Science graduate wins Catenian Scholarship 2019

29 Aug 2019

By The Record

Catenian Scholarship recipient Ashleigh Habkouk and UNDA Chancellor Christopher Ellison pose for photographers at Ms Habkouk’s graduation ceremony, where she delivered the valedictory speech. Photo: Supplied.
Catenian Scholarship recipient Ashleigh Habkouk and UNDA Chancellor Christopher Ellison pose for photographers at Ms Habkouk’s graduation ceremony, where she delivered the valedictory speech. Photo: Supplied.

By Eric Martin

The Catenian Association of Australia is currently in the process of discerning the next recipient of the organisation’s scholarship of $5000 continuous, which closed on 12 August after being advertised to Catholic students across Australia.

The winner of the last scholarship granted, Ashleigh Georgia Habkouk, graduated with a high distinction in Biomedical Science on Tuesday 23 July from the University of Notre Dame; one of only six students in the July 2019 cohort (of 600) to reach that achievement.

Miss Habkouk was given the honour of addressing the 200 graduating students from the four campus, with a valedictory speech before Pro-Chancellor Professor Selma Alliex publicly invited Ashleigh to return as a student to the Fremantle Campus in 2020.

Both of Miss Habkouk’s parents (Bun and George) flew in from Sydney to congratulate their daughter and to celebrate her success.

The Catenian Symbol of a circular chain (from the Latin for chain – ‘Catena’) symbolises that the Centrality of the Catholic faith and the strengthening of friendships formed within the organisation. Photo: Supplied.

In his address, the Chancellor of Notre Dame Australia, the Hon Christopher Ellison publicly acknowledged the work of the Catenian Association in supporting the University, with a Catenian delegation – led by Provincial President Keith Morgan – invited as guests to attend the award ceremony.

In 1980, the Catenian Association formed the Bursary Fund, a UK-registered charity, with the aim of offering financial help to young people, and has distributed more than $1,800,000 AUD in support of thousands of young Catholics from all over the world, even from countries where there is no Catenian presence.

The Bursary Fund makes two types of award: Many young Catholics travel to Lourdes to work as a helper or as support staff to an assisted pilgrim, a life-changing experience with an HCPT or Diocesan Pilgrimage – the Catenian Association will provide financial assistance for those wishing to offer their services to assist pilgrims on the Caminos.

Each year, the Bursary Fund makes awards totalling over $250,000 to young Catholics aged between 16 and 24 to support religious pilgrimages.

Furthermore, the “Individual Project Award” is a financial grant made to assist a young Catholic who aspires to achieve an altruistic goal through a project that will benefit others.