The story behind the Dr Christopher Baker Memorial Scholarship

The Swinburne Philanthropy and Social Impact Alumni (SPSIA) group is again offering the Dr Christopher Baker Memorial Scholarship in honour of the highly regarded and passionate social change leader who died in 2020. 

The scholarship is for a student studying the Graduate Certificate in Social Impact at Swinburne University in 2025.

“Christopher was a fellow student, colleague and mentor and most importantly a treasured friend to many alumni, so we are very pleased to assist a student who is passionate about social change,” said Christopher’s friend and SPSIA Committee Member, Carolyn Munckton.   

“Christopher was one of the driving forces in the establishment of the alumni group back in 2005 when its purpose was to put learning into action by thinking through how to best support the community through grants to charities.”

After Christopher’s death in June 2020, the SPSIA committee sought to ensure Christopher’s legacy would continue to assist students. The SPSIA Charitable Fund Account, a sub-fund within Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, was established in 2006 and thanks to the generous collective contributions of friends, colleagues and graduates has grown to $150,000. The SPSIA Committee determined to support a scholarship from the annual income.

“So many people now are wanting to have purpose in their working lives,” Carolyn says, adding that the Graduate Certificate in Social Impact “can provide a new career pathway or broaden and develop skills and knowledge for those already ‘doing good in their jobs’.”

The $5,000 scholarship provides fee support for individuals who are dedicated to making a positive difference in the world.

Further information and the application is available on Swinburne’s website. Applications close 12 January 2025.