The opportunity to travel around Europe while she was working and studying allowed Penny to immerse herself in different cultures and histories. For the Wilson family, education was about learning while having fun. Anne wanted to honour Penny’s memory and help other Arts students to have the same opportunities for cultural experiences, ensuring Penny’s spirit of adventure could continue.
“Determined” is the word Anne Wilson uses to describe her daughter, UC alumna Penelope (Penny) Wilson. “She was always able to see things through, and she thought over everything. If ever
you thought you needed to give her advice, she’d have covered all the bases anyway.”
Sadly, Penny passed away from cancer in 2017.
Now Penny’s mum, Anne, has made sure her daughter’s legacy will live on through the Penelope Wilson Art and Culture Internship Grant.
Penny had visited and lived in many countries, beginning with family holidays as a child. After graduating from UC in 2002 with a Master of Arts in Art History, she travelled to the United Kingdom to undertake a museum internship and earn her Master of Arts from the University of London.
"I hope the internship grant allows students to travel, even if it just funds a trip while they're doing their internship. It's for anything extra they might need so they can have an authentic experience."
Anne Wilson
“I hope the internship grant allows students to travel, even if it just funds a trip while they’re doing their internship,” says Anne. “It’s for anything extra they might need so they can have an authentic experience.” Anne says Penny was very happy about going to the UK and made a lot of meaningful connections there. “There’s so much correspondence from all the people she met.” Anne has piles of farewell cards and well wishes from her daughter’s former colleagues and friends. “She was a fearless explorer as a child and that continued into adulthood,” Anne says. “She had no apprehension relating to new places, settings, or people because all her earlier travel experiences had shown she could deal with anything arising.”
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