Founded in memory of musician Andreas Florez, the scholarship supports transformative international study experiences for gifted students in music, film and design.
Andreas Florez was a vibrant and exceptionally talented musician who was passionately embarking on a career in the music world after graduating from RMIT University with a Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry) with Distinction in 2015.
In early 2016, while working on the release of his debut EP Delusions of Grandeur, Andreas was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive strain of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML). Andreas passed away six months later on 31 August 2016, after an incredibly brave battle with the disease.
To honour the legacy of Andreas now and into the future, The Andreas Florez Travel Scholarship for Artistic Excellence has been established to support gifted music, film or design students to study overseas as part of their RMIT program.
Whilst the pain and sadness of tragically losing Andreas will always remain, it is of great comfort to know that Andreas’s legacy will provide the powerful gift of education and opportunity that will transform students’ lives into the future. We are deeply grateful to all who can support us in this cause so dear to our hearts.
- Maria Florez, Andreas’ mother
The impact of Andreas' travel scholarship
Patrick's story
Patrick Riley, recipient of the Andreas Florez Travel Scholarship for Artistic Excellence in 2018 said the experience was “something I will remember for the rest of my life”.
Completing a Bachelor of Arts (Photography), Patrick travelled to the Danish School of Media and Journalism in Aarhus to study International Photojournalism.
From completing his final project in Athens, to meeting renowned photographers at the World Press Photo awards in Copenhagen, Patrick is grateful for the amazing opportunities the scholarship made possible.
I would love to make clear to the Florez family that this scholarship allowed me to experience Europe in a way not possible without it. I was able to make lifelong friends with other international students, each sharing different parts of their cultures and languages. I will refer to the cliché of it being a life changing experience, because it really was.
Support Andreas' legacy
Please donate today and help young creatives enjoy life-changing study opportunities abroad.
100% of your gift goes to the area that you choose to support. Gifts over $2 are tax deductible in Australia.
About your donation
RMIT University (ABN 49 781 030 034) is registered as a charity with the ACNC and is endorsed by the Australian Tax Office as a Deductible Gift Recipient. RMIT can accept income tax deductible donations from individuals, corporations, trusts and foundations. An email receipt will be automatically sent to you once your donation has been processed. If you do not receive your receipt within an hour of donating, or if you have questions or would prefer to make your donation over the phone, please contact our Philanthropy Team directly on +61 3 9925 5220 during business hours or email us anytime at giving@rmit.edu.au. Alternatively, you can contact us via mail at RMIT Philanthropy, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne VIC 3001, Australia.
All philanthropic gifts are held in the RMIT Philanthropic Fund which is managed by the Philanthropy Fund Committee in accordance with the University’s legislative and policy requirements, including our Sustainability Policy. Where it is no longer possible, practicable or productive for RMIT to apply a gift strictly in accordance with a donor’s stated original purpose or requirements, the gift will be applied in a way that we consider aligns with the donor’s intentions and the objective they have sought to achieve, through their generous support.
Donation management
All donations are deposited into the RMIT Philanthropic Fund and invested as per RMIT’s Responsible Investment Principles through our partnership with Russell Investments. The RMIT Philanthropy Fund is managed by the Philanthropy Fund Committee in accordance with the University’s legislative and policy requirements. Interest and earnings generated through investments are directed back into the endowment to support its ongoing success and impact.
Privacy Collection Statement
Your information is collected by RMIT for the purposes of processing your donation; ensuring your information is up to date in RMIT’s relationship management system; and pursuing RMIT’s philanthropic activities. You agree that we can send you relevant RMIT communications and invite you to events that we think will be relevant to you and your interests. You can unsubscribe at any time. You may request access to, or correction of, your personal information held by RMIT by contacting giving@rmit.edu.au. Your personal information will be held and used in accordance with our Privacy Statement.
Contact us
If you are interested in making an impact, please get in touch.
