“Simply a matter of giving something back”
It was in a past issue of Alchemy
that Peter Beaumont read about a
new scholarship established by fellow
pharmacy alumnus, Michael Halprin.
The story inspired Peter to do
something similar.
Peter sees supporting scholarships as the ideal
way to acknowledge the education that fostered
a rewarding career. “It’s a way of saying thank you
to my country, which granted me a Commonwealth
Scholarship,” Peter says. “It’s also a thank you
to the profession and the many people who
contributed to my education.
Peter has been a generous supporter of the Faculty
for many years. This year, he decided to formalise
this support by funding a scholarship. The Peter
Beaumont Scholarship will provide encouragement
and support for students whose location and
financial situation may hinder their introduction
to university.
“I hope this scholarship helps future pharmacy
professionals in commencing their studies.
And I hope this story may inspire others to
support scholarships themselves. It’s simply
a matter of giving something back.”
To be introduced in 2016, the $5000 scholarship
will be awarded to a commencing Bachelor of
Pharmacy (Honours) student living at least 50 km
outside Melbourne at the time of application, and
on assessment of financial need. The scholarship
will be awarded for the first year of study.
Hailing from regional Victoria (and a long line
of pharmacists and other medical professionals),
Peter graduated from the Victorian College of
Pharmacy in 1957, having commenced training
in Daylesford. He enjoyed a long career as a
retail pharmacist, establishing two pharmacies
in Shepparton, and acquiring others in Aspendale
and Seaford. He continued to operate the
Aspendale Pharmacy until his retirement in 1994.
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Peter has made provision in his Will to continue
funding the scholarship for at least an additional
10 years.
We thank Peter for his generosity and lifelong
contribution to the pharmacy profession.
And we wish him many happy returns for
a landmark birthday in June!