Darryn Melrose Scholarship to Support the Next Generation of Creative Talent

Created to recognise Darryn’s lasting impact on MDS, creative technology education, and the wider industry, the scholarship reflects the values he championed throughout his career: opportunity, innovation, industry connection, and a deep belief in the power of education to change lives.

Honouring a Lasting Legacy

Darryn Melrose was a long-serving leader at MDS, a respected figure across the creative and education sectors, and someone who believed strongly in the potential of every student.

Across leadership roles spanning marketing, technology, education, and industry partnerships, Darryn became known for his people-first approach, strategic vision, and ability to bring communities together around a shared purpose. Whether working with students, faculty, industry partners, or colleagues, he consistently advocated for learning experiences that were future-focused, industry-connected, and grounded in real opportunity.

His connection to MDS spanned more than a decade, including serving as Chief Executive from 2013 to 2019 before returning in 2025 as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer. Throughout that time, he played a significant role in shaping the direction of the school and strengthening its ties to the industries students aspire to work in.

The scholarship has been established to continue that legacy - supporting emerging creative talent and helping students pursue their ambitions with the same curiosity, courage, and purpose that Darryn brought to his work. 

Rick Kaplan, Senior Vice President, MDS, says Darryn’s impact was ultimately about people and the creative community he helped build:

Darryn was a visionary leader who believed technology was only ever a tool — his real passion was people, creativity, and nurturing the spark in every student and lecturer at MDS. He believed curiosity could unlock extraordinary futures, and he helped create a school where creative people could find their place, grow in confidence, and feel they belonged. The family he built at MDS is his lasting legacy.”

Supporting Future Creative Leaders

The Darryn Melrose Scholarship will provide one student each year with one year of tuition fees at MDS, helping remove barriers to study and creating greater access to creative and technology education.

For prospective students considering a future in areas such as design, animation, visual effects, game development, artificial intelligence, or creative advertising, the scholarship reflects MDS’s ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of creative professionals.

Steve Dorner, Managing Director at MDS, says the scholarship represents an opportunity to honour Darryn in a way that aligns closely with his values and passion for students:

Darryn believed deeply in the transformative power of education and in creating genuine opportunities for people to thrive. This scholarship is about continuing that impact - supporting talented students as they take the next step in their creative journey and ensuring Darryn’s legacy continues to shape future generations at MDS.” 

A Legacy That Continues Through Students

While Darryn is remembered for his leadership, humour, generosity, and optimism, colleagues say his greatest impact was the way he supported people and encouraged them to think bigger about what was possible.

That spirit continues through the Darryn Melrose Scholarship - an investment in future creatives who will go on to shape industries, communities, and ideas in the years ahead.

Applications and full eligibility details for the Darryn Melrose Scholarship can be found on the MDS Scholarships page.