Doris West's generosity is helping women realise their career goals.

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Nephew Renfrey Potts, a former professor of mathematics at the University of Adelaide, says his aunt's lifetime interest in education and her association with the University of Adelaide must also have been behind her decision to leave her life's savings - more than $750,000 - to the University of Adelaide.

"She didn't tell anyone in the family of her intentions and quite frankly we were all surprised at the size of the legacy," said Professor Potts.

However, he says Doris West was proud of her success in graduating from the University of Adelaide in the post World War I period and she had devoted considerable time to working with female graduates while a member of a university women's association.

Details about Doris West's early life are sketchy.

Born Doris Hunter in 1898 in Western Victoria, she was an attractive, highly intelligent child renowned for her strong will. She decided early in life to become a teacher and steadfastly pursued her goal despite repeated family moves.

She completed her high school education in Bendigo then enrolled at the Adelaide Teachers College, but subsequently moved to the University of Adelaide, from which she graduated in 1921 with a bachelor of Arts.

She was on staff at Adelaide high School for many years and was highly regarded by her colleagues who remembered her as an "excellent and fair teacher".

When she eventually married Arnold West (at the age of 36) she was forced to give up her teaching career since it was education policy not to employ married women, although she was able to return to the profession briefly during World War II due to a shortage of male teachers.

"Once the war was over, she filled the career void by developing many and varied interests," said Professor Potts.

During the 1940s Doris West was elected President of what is today known as the Australian federation of University Women and remained an active and interested member of the organisation until ill health forced her resignation in the late 1970s.

"There's no doubt that Doris considered herself a bit of an intellectual,: says Professor Potts, "and she worked hard during her days as a member of the Australian federation of University Women to help other women reach their full potential through education."

With this in mind, when the University was exploring ways to use the bequest and simultaneously honour its benefactor, Professor Potts suggested a scholarship fund be established to help women wishing to continue their studies.

The inaugural Doris West Scholarships were awarded in 1992 to Marie-Therese Kelly, for postgraduate studies by research in Physics and to Stephanie Austin, for postgraduate studies by coursework in Environmental Studies.

However, Doris West was equally passionate about music.

"She loved music and regularly attended the Elder Conservatorium's concerts. She really admired pianist Clemens Leske and knew the importance of a good piano."

Although funds were not earmarked for any particular purpose in her will, Professor Potts says the University's decision to allocate $20,000 annually to the Conservatorium's Piano Fund would have pleased his aunt.

Last year the funds were used to help purchase a second Steinway piano and future allocations have been dedicated for maintenance and other special purchases.

Doris West died at the Helping Hand nursing Home in North Adelaide in late 1990. However, her generous legacy will ensure that other women will be able to take advantage of the educational opportunities she valued so highly.