For Grahame and Sandra Humphrey, the creation of a scholarship for students from rural and regional backgrounds was not just a philanthropic gesture – it was grounded in their own life experiences and enduring values.
Born in Cowra, regional NSW, in 1935, Grahame’s life was transformed by a scholarship that brought him to St Andrew’s College as a fresher in 1954. It was a formative experience. College gave him not just a place to live, but a home away from home, and the foundation to thrive both socially and academically. He went on to become a teacher, solicitor, and later, a university lecturer – a journey made possible by the opportunity to access further education in the city. Sandra was a Fulbright Scholar and was Deputy Vice Chancellor at Charles Sturt University. She has been a trailblazer in higher education, and has long championed access and equity and believes in the transformational power of education. Neither forgot the challenges faced by country students, nor the value of the support they received along the way. Together, they created the Humphrey Scholarship to support talented students with limited means, honouring their past by investing in the future. We spoke with Sandra about the meaning behind their scholarship an the impact they hope it will have for the future.
Sandra, Grahame’s connection to College goes back decades – he was a fresher in 1954 and you were also married at St Andrew’s in 1969! What inspired you to establish a scholarship last year?
Grahame has always had a deep connection to St Andrew’s – it was his alma mater and a place he often spoke of fondly.
He came to College from Nowra on a scholarship, and over the years, shared many colourful stories from his time there. Although we’ve both studied at other academic institutions, we’ve always felt that Drew’s is uniquely geared towards supporting students from the country who often face significant barriers in pursuing higher education.
When we were growing up, university education wasn’t the norm for rural students – many went into farming or local trades. For someone from the country, university often felt out of reach. Supporting a scholarship felt like a meaningful way to help change that for the next generation.
The Humphrey Rural and Regional Scholarship supports students from regional backgrounds. With your own roots in Cowra (Grahame) and Parkes (Sandra), why do you believe this support is so important?
We both came from country towns and understand the challenges – and opportunities – that come with that. Grahame’s family has deep roots in Cowra; his great-grandfather was granted land for helping establish the local education system, and his father was the postmaster there during the time of the Japanese breakout. I (Sandra) grew up in Parkes and came through the public school system, eventually earning scholarships to study Arts at the University of Sydney.
Living in College provides far more than just a roof over your head. It’s a supportive environment, a home away from home. Particularly for rural students, College offers the chance to build networks, mix with a diverse group of people, and access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
In my experience, many College students came from boarding schools and already had established networks. Scholarships help level the playing field for those who don’t have that background. They allow students to fully participate – socially, academically, and culturally – without needing to juggle as much part-time work or worry about how they’ll afford the experience.
College is also a place where young women and men can live and learn on equal footing – something that, in our era, was rare in the regions. Supporting rural students gives them access to opportunities, experiences, and perspectives that broaden their horizons and help them to thrive.
What impact do you hope this scholarship will have on its recipients, both now and in the future?
We hope it gives recipients the freedom to make the most of their time at College – to explore, grow, and take on opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach. University isn’t just about lectures and textbooks; it’s about becoming a well-rounded individual, and scholarships can make that possible.
Grahame’s own journey – starting as a teacher, later retraining in law, and eventually becoming a university lecturer – was made possible because he had the support to pursue those opportunities. I was similarly supported by my family to pursue higher education. We both recognise how vital that support was.
We also hope it encourages students to try new things and consider careers they might not have imagined. The world is changing rapidly – with advancements in AI and technology, many jobs of the future don’t even exist yet. Our aim is to give students a foundation from which they can confidently adapt, explore, and contribute.
What would you say to someone considering a gift to support a scholarship at St Andrew’s?
Education is one of the most powerful ways to change a life. A scholarship can give someone the chance to explore new areas of study, build lasting networks, and take advantage of all that College life offers.
St Andrew’s is an institution that supports local Australian students while welcoming students from diverse nationalities and backgrounds. That mix enriches everyone’s experience. Scholarships help ensure that those with potential, regardless of where they’re from, can participate fully in College life – and those connections and experiences will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
The Humphrey Rural & Regional Scholarship: Recipients Lilly Hassall & Tom Lynch
Thanks to the support of the Humphrey Rural & Regional Scholarship, St Andrew’s has become a true home away from home for both Lilly and Tom, two students from country New South Wales.
Lilly (Fr 2024) grew up in the regional town of Orange, NSW. While she loved the comfort and closeness of the rural community, she always dreamed of one day living in Sydney. This became a reality in 2024 when she started studying at the University of Sydney for a Bachelor of Liberal Arts / Science. Tom (Fr 2023) grew up in regional NSW in Bathurst and moved to Sydney to study a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering / Commerce at the University of Sydney.
How has the past year gone for you? What opportunities did you take up and what were you involved in at College or University?
Lilly: I took advantage of all elements of College life, spectating at all sporting and creative arts events. I participated in the small Dance team, along with representing Drew’s in big Choir and Chapel Choir. I have also engaged in many Pastoral Care Leader initiatives such as Power Pose Pilates, We Need to Talk and Walk and Talk, which are awesome ways to connect. I got the opportunity to attend my former high school and speak about the College experience, which was a very full circle moment.
Tom: As a cricketer, I have been continually involved with the Rawson Cricket Team. It was a highlight to play with some talented freshers and my best mates. I was also involved in the Palladian Cup as an accompanist on the drum kit, for a first place performance! As a member of both the Highlander Bar Committee and the Father’s Day Committee, I’ve had the pleasure of building friendships with the staff throughout the year as well.
What were the most significant highlights or achievements of your year?
Lilly: The gift of this scholarship and getting the opportunity to attend St Andrew’s and study at the University of Sydney. It has given me all the chances to continue to engage and compete in creative arts whilst I study.
Tom: Being elected by my peers to the House Committee for 2025. I am excited about being deeply involved in the planning of student life over the year.
How has receiving financial support through your scholarship influenced your experience this year?
Lilly: With the assistance of a scholarship, there has been the opening of a door that would have been shut. I would not be able to be studying here in Sydney without this gift, and I am immensely grateful. It has given me the freedom to balance my studies, extra-curricular and work more easily, and there is less financial burden on my family and myself.
Tom: This scholarship wholly allows me to reside at Drew’s, study at the University of Sydney, and make the move from Bathurst to Sydney. Furthermore, the financial burden on my family is greatly alleviated, and I am able to fully embrace the opportunities at College, focus on my studies and pursue my cricket aspirations.
In your view, how has the scholarship program contributed more broadly to the life and community at College?
Lilly: I believe that the scholarship program is incredibly generous and allows for a broader and more diverse College cohort, which creates a more rounded community. I love seeing students like me, who wouldn’t be here without the gift of a scholarship, who can give so much to College, and contribute at all points of College life. I believe that this diversity is such an asset for our College culture, and creates equitable opportunity.
Thomas: This enormous generosity enriches the College community by allowing students from diverse backgrounds to enjoy the breadth of opportunity here. Being in a community surrounded by different perspectives and ambitions is one of the most valuable aspects of Drew’s. It truly develops one’s confidence, strengthens their character and allows for lifelong connections with incredible people.
Is there anything you would like to personally say to your scholarship benefactors?
Lilly: I am so incredibly grateful for the College’s generosity and will continue to prove myself wherever I can. I hope to one day pay it forward. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Tom: Residing at St Andrew’s has been a life changing experience. The uplifting community has given me so much confidence in myself and has given me my greatest friends. Your generosity has directly enabled my residence at Andrew’s, and for that, my family and I are eternally grateful.
Tom: Residing at St Andrew’s has been a life changing experience. The uplifting community has given me so much confidence in myself and has given me my greatest friends. Your generosity has directly enabled my residence at Andrew’s, and for that, my family and I are eternally grateful.
You can make a one-off or annual gift to our Annual Giving Appeal, which provides Rural & Regional Scholarships, Government School Student Scholarships, and First Nations Scholarships.
Additionally, you can establish a named scholarship in perpetuity or support an annual named scholarship over 3 – 5 years. To find out more, contact the Director of Advancement, Hannah Atwell, via email: advancement@standrewscollege.edu.au or T: +61 2 9565 7303