James Rapley Memorial Scholarship
Established 2014
To Honour James' memory, we initially established a perpetual scholarship in his name at Whitley College Melbourne for a Rural Student studying either Engineering
.or Science at Melbourne University
We then discussed it with our younger children, Julia and David, and also with James' girlfriend Karen, who all agreed it was the most appropriate course of action
Transitioning from high school to University, whilst at the same time moving from a rural environment to the city, is a mammoth step in itself without, at the same time, having to find part-time employment to pay for living expenses.
To properly honour James, his family decided to set up a scholarship for students from a Rural background, studying Engineering or Science Degrees, to offset some of their first-year accommodation fees at Whitley College, a college affiliated with Melbourne University
Since the scholarship was initially set up, Whitley College has been sold. The Scholarship was transferred to the Melbourne University Scholarship Board and would be available to subsidise accommodation at any of the smaller Colleges affiliated with the University
Whitley was the smallest college affiliated with Melbourne University and it had an almost family atmosphere that was quite nurturing and helped bring a shy student
.out of his shell. It is that sort of atmosphere we wish to encourage
We have committed a significant amount of funds, but need your help to make sure
.the scholarship continues to deliver value to students into the future
RAISED TO DATE
Our Family, together with the Melbourne University Basketball Club and James' friends, initially provided approximately,
$320,000.
In 2021, ALEXANDER JANNINK, a friend and colleague of James, who established Acusensus in response to James' death, made an extremely generous donation of $100,000.
The current amount awarded each year is approximately $12,000. We need to raise another $100,000 at least to ensure the scholarship can be self sufficient and continue in perpetuity in James' honour.
Any donation you could make would be most gratefully received.
Previous Recipients
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Catherine (left), Nathan (middle) with David (James' brother, right)
Nathan
This scholarship has meant so much to me in the three years that I’ve received it. I thought I’d be able to spend one year at College with some financial assistance, but the generosity of the Rapley's and this scholarship meant that I completed my entire undergraduate while residing at Janet Clarke Hall.
The friends that I’ve made in that time will be lifelong, and lessons I’ve learned from my fellow residents and tutors certainly held me in good stead during difficult times.
I was proud to hear about the kind of person James was – a kind, clever, and determined man on whom his friends could depend. That is the kind of person I strive to be.
Catherine
The James Rapley Scholarship has made all the difference in my undergrad. Alike to James, I moved from regional/rural Victoria to pursue my dreams at university. The financial support meant that I could focus on my studies without the burden of worrying about tuition and living expenses.
Through the generosity of the Rapley’s, I stayed at St Mary’s for two years. My memories at college are some that I’ll treasure forever. The community, experiences, and lifelong friendships formed during those years have shaped me in ways beyond the classroom.
James is someone I look up to, despite having never met him. I am forever grateful and hope that in some way; James’ legacy is alive through me and the other recipients.
ELIGABILITY CRITERION
This scholarship was established in memory of James Rapley and is awarded to students from rural areas to support them to study science or engineering at the University of Melbourne.
Total value up to $36,000
An accommodation allowance of $12,000 per year for up to three years. The allowance is paid directly to the Residential College.
One scholarship awarded each year.
No application is required.
You will be automatically considered for this award.
All Study areas are applicable.
Citizenship requirements: Australian / domestic student
PLEASE HELP US REACH OUR GOAL
Any donation you could make would be most gratefully received. Donations to the Scholarship at Melbourne University may be made directly to the Scholarships Board by clicking on the link below.
Using this link ensures that the donation is credited the James Rapley Memorial Scholarship. All donations remain Tax deductible in Australia
Thank you for commemorating James' life and memory.
This scholarship was established by the Rapley Family in memory of their son and brother James Rapley, Student Club President 2005, in celebration of his life and the importance of the College Community to his personal development.
Originally from Seymour, James spent the first three years of his studies living at Whitley College and was President of the Student Advisory Council in 2005.
James was known for his intelligence, passion for sports and active engagement in his community. He was committed to using his skills for the greater social good.
James had a successful career in software development, taking up a role at Groupon in 2013 in the United States. He was in LA on his way home for Christmas when he was tragically killed while riding his bicycle. He is loved and dearly missed by friends and family.
WHITLEY COLLEGE
Whitley College, was James' residential College for the first 3 years he was at Melbourne University. Together with Whitley we have established a scholarship, the James Rapley Memorial Scholarship, for Rural students doing a Science or Engineering Degree.
Attending Whitley college had a tremendous impact on James' life. Growing up in a small country town where sport is king, being the dux of the school was not "cool".
When he went to Whitley he suddenly discovered that being smart was "cool". Not only that, he could fit in with the Melbourne University basketball club and have access to a good Gym and training facilities and he quickly grew into the impressive man we remember.
At Whitley he also became involved in debating and public speaking clubs and, surprise surprise, won prizes for that as well. Obviously we want his memory to go on and a perpetual scholarship in his name there is an appropriate way to go about it.