The Inaugural Sir Harry Gibbs Law Scholarship

Sir Harry Gibbs was an Emmanuel collegian in the 1930s and at the pinnacle of his judicial career, was appointed Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia in 1981. He served in this position until his retirement in 1987.

Special guest speaker at the dinner, The Honourable Justice Roslyn Atkinson, also joined in congratulating Simon on his successful application for the scholarship which covers Simon’s residential fees at Emmanuel College while he studies law and journalism at The University of Queensland.

The idea of establishing a law scholarship for an Emmanuel student arose from discussions between Sir Harry and Emmanuel College Principal Adjunct Professor Stewart Gill shortly before Sir Harry’s death in 2005.

“Our shared vision was to provide a full residential scholarship for a student studying law at The University of Queensland with an expectation that the student would pursue a career in the law and act as an ambassador for the College,” Dr Gill said.

“Simon is a very worthy first recipient of the Sir Harry Gibbs Law Scholarship and he has contributed a great deal to college life since he first arrived from Bundaberg in 2006.

“Simon’s academic achievement is excellent; he edits our student newsletter; plays bass, tenor and side drum in the College pipe band; and competes in AFL, soccer, rowing and distance running.”

“We’d like to be able to provide many more scholarships in the future and we’re working hard to achieve this, particularly for students from rural or remote areas or students from an Indigenous background. Educational philanthropy is so important.”

The Honourable Justice Atkinson’s speech featured at the dinner is entitled “The Chief Justice and Justice Murphy: Leadership in a Time of Crisis” and is available from the Emmanuel College office.