The Peer Bursary Gift continues the legacy of our founder, Edmund Rice, whose mission was to educate boys who could not otherwise afford schooling.

Traditionally, each leaving class has presented the College with a parting memento. Many of these gifts remain visible throughout the campus today, including the stained-glass window in the Veritas Centre and the wooden display cabinet in the Edmund Rice Administration Building.

These contributions serve as lasting reminders of each class’s connection to the College.

In 2017, the Leaving Class chose a different path – one that truly reflected the spirit of Edmund Rice. Rather than raising funds for a physical gift, the boys chose to provide something far more meaningful, the opportunity for another student to receive a life-changing education at Aquinas College.

Since then, each Leaving Class has continued this tradition of giving back, contributing to a peer bursary that supports students to complete their Years 11 and 12 at Aquinas College. While the bursary is not awarded every year, these collective contributions build a lasting legacy, creating opportunities for future generations of Aquinians.