In May 2025, Sr Elizabeth Donnan ibvm, beloved educator, advocate, and friend, passed away after a life devoted to serving others. In her honour, Mary Ward International and the Loreto Sisters have established The Sr Elizabeth Donnan ibvm Scholarship Fund, a tribute to her enduring commitment to dignity and opportunity through education.
For over two decades in Western Zambia, Sr Elizabeth walked alongside remote communities, supporting community-led schools, building classroom furniture, and championing every child’s right to learn. Her legacy lives on most powerfully at Sancta Maria College of Nursing and Midwifery in Lukulu, where, along with Sr Pat Hanvey ibvm, she established the College to serve the community and create lasting change.
As manager of the College’s student bursary program, Sr Elizabeth worked tirelessly to ensure that no student was turned away due to financial hardship. She understood that education transforms individual lives and, in doing so, strengthens families and communities.
“I am the first girl child in my community to go on to further studies,” says current scholarship holder Jacqueline. “I will be a role model to encourage other girls that they can also make it in life.”
The Scholarship Fund will continue Sr Elizabeth’s life-changing work, providing financial support for students from remote and disadvantaged communities pursuing nursing education. Covering tuition, training costs, travel, and accommodation, the fund enables students to focus wholly on their studies and on becoming the compassionate healthcare professionals their communities need.
In Sr Elizabeth’s own words, “When a student is awarded a scholarship, their demeanour is transformed from one carrying an impossible burden to a person who is free to laugh and enjoy life.”
With your support, we can ensure that Sr Elizabeth’s legacy continues to inspire and transform lives. For more information contact mwiaustralia@loreto.org.au
Learn more about the Sr Elizabeth Donnan ibvm Scholarship Fund here.
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