About Betty Loughhead
(27 August 1926 – 10 July 2014)
The scholarship is named after Betty Loughhead MBE, JP. Betty was an early member of SI Christchurch joining in 1949.
The scholarship was established to recognise Ms Loughhead’s desire to provide second-chance education scholarships for women who are New Zealand citizens. The trust was established to continue Ms Loughhead’s legacy.
International President of Soroptimist International
In 1982 she became Federation President of the South West Pacific (now South East Asia Pacific), and then became the first New Zealander to hold the position of International President of Soroptimist International (1983-1985).
Scholarship named in her honour
The Betty Loughhead Soroptimist Scholarship was established in 1987, and was named in her honour. A campaign to obtain funding was started and through the goodwill of the Members the first scholarships were presented in 1989.
For women to educate, empower, enable
Clubs and members across New Zealand have continued to contribute to the Scholarship Trust, enabling women to continue their education and advance their careers.