The Nelson Branch of NZFGW provides the Selection Committee for this scholarship; the administration expenses of this committee are paid by NZFGW. The scholarship fund is invested in USA and the University of Idaho administers the scholarship.

History of the Scholarship

The Rebecca L Lynch Memorial Scholarship was established in 1985 and is funded by money invested in USA by Maurice and Alice Lynch, parents of Rebecca (who was killed in an accident in Nairobi at the age of 9). Maurice was in the US Air Force, based in Christchurch and flying to the Antarctic, and the family loved New Zealand. When Rebecca died, they decided to initiate a memorial scholarship for a New Zealander to attend their old university, the University of Idaho, of which they are both graduates (Maurice as a geologist and Alice as an archaeologist).

Maurice and Alice Lynch take a great interest in the women who win the scholarships, and a number of them have visited the Lynches at their home in Alaska. Their daughter Lisa lives in Nelson and is on the selection committee and keeps her parents well informed. They have visited the Nelson Branch a couple of times, and talked about the scholarship.

The University of Idaho offers a wide range of studies, and it is possible to cross credit subjects towards degrees at New Zealand universities.

Description of the Scholarship

• One scholarship is awarded each year.
• The scholarship is available for one year, from January to December, at the University of Idaho.
• Recipients must:
  • have New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency;
  • be an unmarried female;
  • be under 24 years of age;
  • be enrolled in their first or second year of university study;
  • still be undergraduates at the time of taking up the scholarship.
• Non-resident tuition fees, registration fees, and room and board costs are covered by the scholarship.
• Applications close on 30th September each year.

Rebecca L Lynch Memorial Scholarship
c/o Patti Rizer
P.O. Box 1257
NELSON
patti@ts.co.nz