UNSW alumna and lawyer Vanessa Hardman was a gifted sportswoman with a passion for travel, a selfless commitment to family, friends and colleagues, and an aptitude for always staying positive. In 2016, after battling breast cancer for six years, Vanessa passed away at the age of 47. Vanessa, was also a securitisation partner at international law firm Allen & Overy in London. “She continued working and leading international conference calls from hospital beds throughout her illness. She just lived life to the fullest and carried on… It was inspirational,” says Spacie. 

A memorial scholarship has been established in her honour and will help future UNSW Law students carry on her legacy. “One of Vanessa’s biggest strengths was her selflessness,” remembers her husband, Dominic Spacie. “She always put other people before herself… and she enjoyed being a mentor.”  

In 2015, Vanessa joined the Board of the UK Foundation of UNSW Australia, where she supported a project to organise funds for a scholarship which will provide full-tuition to help a disadvantaged student complete a law degree at UNSW. It would also allow them to complete their final year of study in London with a mentorship and work placement at a top international firm. 

UNSW Sydney is proud to support the Vanessa Hardman Memorial Scholarship.