US$250,000 gift funds new UC scholarship

Photo caption: UC graduate and donor John Rutherford.

Thanks to a generous gift of US$250,000 (approximately NZ$402,500) to the University of Canterbury Foundation in America, the John Rutherford Scholarship will support bright and motivated second-year undergraduate students at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) who face financial hardship and have no other source of scholarship support.

John Rutherford, who graduated with a first-class Engineering degree from UC and is now based in the United States, has long been a champion of UC’s mission to enhance educational opportunities. He has previously supported UC’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and its Summer Startup Scholarships, Māpura Bright Start Scholarships, and the UCSA New Building Fund. His latest gift underscores his commitment to ensuring that students not only start their university journey, but also complete it successfully.

“I am very proud of the excellent education the University of Canterbury provided me,” Rutherford says. “I count it an honour and privilege to help others receive the same educational benefits that I received.”

Rutherford’s personal experience has shaped his philanthropic approach. Having faced the prospect of being unable to complete his master’s degree due to financial constraints, Rutherford understands the importance of financial support. His own scholarship was a lifeline, allowing him to finish his studies. This personal connection is evident in his decision to direct this new scholarship specifically towards second-year students. 

In a conversation about his philanthropic goals, Rutherford emphasised his interest in focusing on scholarships for financially disadvantaged students who have successfully navigated their first year of university and have shown the commitment and potential to succeed in their remaining studies.

 “We are immensely grateful to John Rutherford for his significant contribution,” says Professor Catherine Moran, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic at UC. “His gift not only enhances educational opportunities for UC students but also sets a powerful example of how philanthropy can directly impact students' lives at university and beyond.”

Emphasising UC’s commitment to accessible higher education without barriers, she adds “The John Rutherford Scholarship will play a crucial role in helping talented students achieve their academic and career goals, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of their success.”

This scholarship is expected to be available to students starting in the 2025 academic year.

For more information about how to establish a scholarship at UC, please contact Associate Director of Advancement Charu Uppal at charu.uppal@canterbury.ac.nz or on +64 3 369 3365.