Scholarships Supporting the Next Generation at Waikato University
Students, donors, whānau, and supporters gathered at the University of Waikato on 24 March to celebrate the latest recipients of scholarships administered through Acorn.
Held at the University’s Tauranga campus, the evening was a chance to recognise not only the achievements of the students, but also the generosity of the donors whose legacies continue supporting local people through education. Ken Perszyk is one of those donors, as he has chosen to honour his parents through establishing scholarships at the university where he works.
The Acorn Foundation Beverly Perszyk First in Family Scholarship is named for his mum, who grew up during the Great Depression in the United States as one of eight siblings. Although she chose not to attend university herself and instead went straight to work, Beverly deeply believed in the opportunities tertiary education could create for others, particularly students who are the first in their family to take that step.
This year’s recipient, Nikkita Orchard, is entering her third year of a Bachelor of Laws and hopes her journey will inspire both her siblings and her son. With the Kenneth Perszyk Snr Adult Learner Scholarship, Ken reflects his father’s belief that it’s never too late to pursue education or change direction in life.
Kenneth Snr completed his own university degree at the age of 42 after years of balancing evening study alongside full-time work.
2026 recipient Darren Wagstaff is currently studying towards a Bachelor in Sport, with hopes of eventually becoming a teacher. Darren’s story is one of resilience and perseverance, and his passion for helping others through health, fitness, and education was a fitting reflection of the scholarship’s purpose.
The Bruce Longmore Scholarship was set up by his wife to honour Bruce, a lifelong learner who served in the Army, Fire Service, and Ambulance Service, and who later ran a fishing charter business. Bruce had a deep love for the ocean, practical learning, and helping others, values that resonate through the scholarship today.
This year’s recipient, Julia McLean, is returning to study a Master of Science in Ecology and Biodiversity. As an aspiring marine scientist and scientific diver, Julia’s research focuses on marine ecosystems and climate resilience, while her volunteer conservation work reflects a strong commitment to protecting New Zealand’s coastal environment.
The Acorn Foundation Eva Trowbridge Scholarship honours Eva, who emigrated from England to New Zealand in the 1960s and spent many years working at Tauranga Hospital. Eva and her husband Norman contributed to their community throughout their lives, and the scholarship continues that legacy by supporting students pursuing tertiary education.
Recipient Kayla Dewhurst made the decision to step away from a successful hospitality career to pursue law through the University of Waikato. Alongside her studies, she continues volunteering within the community and hopes to one day use her legal skills to help others.
Jo Wilson, Acorn’s Scholarship Manager, said evenings like this are always a reminder of the real impact local generosity can have.
“What makes these scholarships so special is that they’re deeply personal. Behind every scholarship is someone who wanted to create opportunities for others long into the future.
Seeing those legacies continue through students who are passionate about their studies is honestly quite emotional and heartwarming.”
Through the Acorn Foundation’s endowment model, these scholarships will continue supporting future generations of students for many
years to come.