Chapman Memorial Scholarship

In 1953, the Chapman Memorial Committee raised £1,359-15-10 by public subscription which was donated to the University in memory of James D Chapman (45), City Engineer and Surveyor, and his sons Stirling (17) and Rodney Chapman (15) who were students of Kings College (now called Pembroke).  All three tragically died when fishing off Tent Rock on the south coast between Victor Harbor and Cape Jervis. 

In 1974 King's College amalgamated with Girton Girls’ School to become Pembroke School. 

The funds were donated for the purpose of establishing a Scholarship at the University in the Faculty of either Engineering or Science known as the “Chapman Memorial Scholarship”. 

James Chapman was the son of Professor Sir Robert William Chapman, CMG, MA, BCE (Melb), MIE (Aust), Professor of Mathematics and Mechanics 1910-1919; Professor of Engineering 1907-1909 and 1920-1937 (Emeritus Professor 1937).  James completed his Bachelor of Engineering degree at the University and, at the time of his death was City Engineer and Surveyor having been appointed in late 1947 after Mr WCD Veale became Town Clerk.  To honour his memory and that of his sons a Chapman Memorial Committee was established.  Through the promotion of the fund and as a result of Chapman's popularity within the City Council, £1,359-15-10 was raised and donated to the University for the Scholarship.

The Scholarship, valued at $15,000 ($5k per year for three years), is awarded every three years to a commencing student (on the recommendation of the Principal of Pembroke School) with the highest overall ATAR score (or equivalent) who accepts a place in an Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematical Sciences or Sciences program at the University of Adelaide.

Further reading:

Trove - The Advertiser - 26 April 1948

For a confidential discussion about how you can give in memory or celebration, please contact the Development team on +61 8 8313 5800 or development@adelaide.edu.au