Caring for Older Person Excellence (COPE) Student Fund

Honouring Dr Sarah Cope

A legacy of compassion, excellence, and care for older people

Dr Sarah Cope was an Assistant Professor of Nursing at the University of Canberra for just over two years, yet the impact she made in that short time was profound. Her life was tragically cut short by cancer, but her influence continues to shape nursing education, research, and practice.

Sarah was a vibrant and deeply admired woman, known for her boundless energy, generosity of spirit, and unwavering commitment to those most vulnerable in our community. She was a passionate advocate for improving ageing and dementia care and dedicated her career to enhancing the lives of older people.

A lasting presence on campus

In October 2019, a callistemon tree was planted on campus as a living reminder of Sarah’s bright spirit, passion, and extraordinary drive. Like Sarah, it stands strong, colourful, and enduring.

Sarah was immensely proud to be part of the UC nursing team. She taught in mental health nursing and specialised in research focused on caring for older people. Her professional career included her role as Dementia Practice Lead at Uniting, where she was widely respected for her leadership and commitment to evidence-informed, person-centred care.

An educator who inspired

During her time at UC, Sarah made an enormous impact on staff and students, not only within nursing but across the wider university. Her passion for teaching touched the hearts and minds of students and continues to inspire nursing students today.

Sarah is fondly remembered for her whirlwind energy, sense of humour, and infectious laugh. She loved hot rod cars, horse riding, vintage fashion, Doc Marten boots, tattoos, and spending time with her family and her husband, Ian. Bright red was her signature colour, and her colleagues often wear red in her remembrance.

Continuing Sarah’s legacy: The COPE Award

In legacy to Sarah, the Caring for Older Person Excellence (COPE) Award was created. Presented annually during the COPE Memorial Lecture, the award recognises an undergraduate nursing student who demonstrates enthusiasm for providing evidence-informed, individualised care with older people.

How your gift makes a difference

Your donation helps ensure Sarah’s legacy lives on by supporting nursing students who share her passion for compassionate, high-quality care for older people. Together, we can continue the work Sarah believed in so deeply and inspire future generations to care with empathy, excellence, and courage.

The COPE Award and event is enabled by the Centre for Ageing Research and Translation, and supports CARAT’s flagship career pathway programs, the Gerontological Nursing Competencies and Clinical Placements with Older People .

Donate today to honour Dr Sarah Cope and support the next generation of nursing leaders.

Improving care for older people is a challenge not solved overnight, and it is a quest that has been ongoing for a while. It is going to take many minds, hearts and an incredible amount of persistence, but that challenge is exactly what makes the work and journey so meaningful.”

Becky Pillidge | 2025 COPE Award recipient

I find working with older people incredibly rewarding for two reasons – I love how the clinical aspect is really challenging and really complex, as the people you're caring for often have multiple chronic health conditions. I also think this area of nursing is fun, as you get to know people who have lived incredible lives and you can learn so much from their wisdom and life experience.

Elliot Downes | 2024 COPE Award recipient

Right now, working with older people in a home care setting – to support them and their loved ones – is deeply rewarding, and I enjoy knowing that I can help support them to remain in the home environment longer with the friends, family and support networks they depend on to feel at home and safe.

Mary-Kate Adhikari | 2023 COPE Award recipient

I was over the moon to be recognised by my peers and teachers and to be acknowledged for the work that I've been trying to do towards aged care. We need to ensure care is person-centred — valuing the person for who they are and respecting their goals and wishes.

Nerissa Askelin | 2022 COPE Award recipient

I'm very proud to have this connection with Sarah, even though I wasn’t fortunate enough to work with her. If I can come anywhere close to being the nurse she was, I would be very, very happy.

Lachlan Stewart | 2021 COPE Award recipient

It is such an honour to win the COPE award for 2020. I feel so proud to share in Dr Sarah Cope's enthusiasm, passion and excellence in caring for older people.

Jana Pavlich | 2020 COPE Award recipient