September 16, 2024

Inaugural walk to fund scholarship honouring nursing academic

Dr Kim Livingstone Memorial Scholarship will help disadvantaged students to finish their studies

Dr Kim Livingstone made an immense contribution to the University of Wollongong (UOW) during her time as a staff member in the School of Nursing, and now those former colleagues are doing everything they can to build on her legacy.

More than 40 staff members from UOW’s Wollongong and Sutherland campuses last month took part in a Jersey Day Walk-A-Thon, raising upwards of $2,000 (and counting) for the Kim Livingstone Memorial Scholarship.

Dr Livingstone passed away in January, at the age of 42, after a lifelong struggle with cystic fibrosis. She was a lecturer and nursing placement facilitator at UOW’s Sutherland Campus and received a posthumous Doctor of Philosophy earlier this year for her immense work and passion for nursing.

A registered nurse with many years of experience, Dr Livingstone was in the process of finalising her PhD entitled, ‘Uncovering registered nurse preceptors’ motivations for supervising undergraduate nursing students through work- integrated learning placements’ when she passed away, with journal publications already published.

This year was the first time the Walk-A-Thon had been held with staff from the School of Nursing taking part in the inaugural event to raise awareness of and funding for a UOW scholarship that is being established in Dr Livingstone’s name – the Dr Kim Livingstone Memorial Scholarship.

Spearheaded by Professor Yenna Salamonson, Head of School for the School of Nursing, the Jersey Day Walk-A-Thon saw dedicated staff members don their favourite sporting jerseys and walk up to 7.5km, with every kilometre representing money raised for Dr Livingstone.

“Kim was an exceptional PhD student and colleague, who was driven by a fierce desire to make every make count and to make a true impact on the world. We will continue to honour her work and to build on her legacy of helping others through the establishment of the Dr Kim Livingstone Memorial Scholarship,” Professor Salamonson said.

“Kimberley’s innovative teaching and research contributions, particularly in clinical education, have profoundly impacted the way nursing is taught and practised. She will always hold a special place in our hearts and continue to inspire nurses and nursing educators for years to come.”

The Jersey Day Walk-A-Thon raised $2400, which will be put towards a Go Fund Me established earlier this year that has so far seen more than $5000 in donations. The scholarship, which will help students who are financially disadvantaged to complete their degrees, will be established once $10,000 has been raised.

Professor Salamonson said the School of Nursing are aiming to make the day an annual event, with the money each year being put towards the scholarships.

“All donations will fund the Dr Kim Livingstone Memorial Scholarship, which is more than a tribute to her life and work; it is our way of extending Kim’s legacy so that she may continue to challenge adversity, inspire positivity, and empower future nurse leaders.”

For more information or to contribute to the GoFundMe, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/kim-livingstone-memorial-scholarship