Professor John Cleverley Memorial Scholarship

To make a donation please click here

In celebration of his life, please support the Professor John Cleverley Memorial Scholarship.

Professor John Cleverley was born in England in 1931. Aged 17, he immigrated to Australia, where his legacy in teaching and inspiring those around him began. 

At age 20, Cleverley attended Sydney Technical College, followed by Balmain Teachers College and eventually the University of Sydney. At the University, he achieved his undergraduate and post-graduate studies - a BA, MEd (Hons), and PhD. It was here, Cleverley began teaching international and comparative studies in education. This period was pivotal in Cleverley's career, as it led to one of his greatest achievements: his involvement in the now famous China education study tour of 1972. 

Cleverley dedicated his life to providing safe spaces for the sharing of ideas, the impacts of which are still being realised today. Cleverley recognised the value in education and cultural exchange, demonstrated through his role in the creation of the innovative Sydney University China Education Society in 1972. Known today as the University of Sydney China Education Centre, the Centre continues to promote educational, cultural and professional links between Australia and China.

Throughout his life, Cleverley was committed to supporting opportunities for indigenous Australians at the University of Sydney, managing the Aboriginal Teachers Aides program for a decade until his retirement in 1993. 

He was appointed Director of Aboriginal Teachers' Aides Training Program in 1984 and continued to serve as director on and off until 1991 when he stepped down on the appointment of first Aboriginal Director, Veronica Arbon. Following his retirement in 1993, Cleverley continued an association with the Koori Centre, mentoring and being involved in special project activities.

In 2010 he co-authored Taking Our Place, Aboriginal Education and the Story of the Koori Centre at the University of Sydney with Janet Mooney. This book was the first account of struggles and outcomes arising from the engagement of Indigenous people with a tertiary institution in Australia.   

Professor John Cleverley impacted many throughout his life, as a school teacher, to his role as Pro Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Sydney and eventual appointment as an honorary professor at prestigious Universities across China. He will be terribly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, friends, students and colleagues. 

His passing is an immense loss to the University of Sydney community.

Please join us in honouring his memory by contributing to the Professor John Cleverley Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will support Indigenous students pursuing postgraduate research in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Your gift could help support a bright student excel in their studies, without the stress of living expenses, conference costs, field work or other related costs. All donations $2 and above are tax-deductible.

If you would like to make a gift by cheque, please make the cheque out to "University of Sydney" and complete this gift form. 100% of your gift will go directly to the Professor John Cleverley Memorial Scholarship. Post the cheque and completed gift form to the below address:

               Advancement Services Level 2,

               F23 Administration Building The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006 Australia

Thank you for your generosity.