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The University of Western Australia was founded on a culture of philanthropy, of giving back to the community and investing in the future to foster the highest possible educational standards. For some graduates, this translates into philanthropic acts directed to the university that helped shape their success. Nowadays, graduates are increasingly moving beyond ‘cheque book philanthropy’ and wish to become directly involved. That’s the case with James McClements, a graduate of UWA’s Business School.

James grew up in a mining town in Western Australia and attended university as part of the BHP scholarship program that involved summers working in an iron ore mine. James went on to obtain an Honours degree in economics. From there, he worked in Australia and the United States and gained extensive experience in the financial industry, in particular resource financing and investing in mining companies globally. Most notably, James co-founded a private equity firm, where as Senior Partner he is primarily responsible for investment strategy.

As a private donor to the UWA Business School, James’ desire to become more involved led him to become a part of the Business School’s fundraising committee. He is credited with pulling together support from mid-tier Australian mining companies, who all now contribute to the Business School’s Mining Leaders Scholarship Fund. Designed to support a Business School student with an interest in the mining industry, the scholarship is awarded annually to an individual looking to gain financial and leadership skills. In 2008, the Mining Leaders Scholarship was awarded
to Ivan Komyshan, a final year BCom/BEng student.

While the Business School receives significant corporate and individual philanthropic funding, this stream of revenue has not reached the levels of funding received by many universities overseas. A fact not lost on James who recognises from his significant experiences in the United States that broadening and deepening the level of philanthropy remains a key challenge for the higher education sector in Australia.

James’ story reflects how philanthropic gestures, such as the scholarship program he was offered as a student, generates a cycle of positive outcomes. His experience has inspired him to replicate similar opportunities for upcoming UWA Business School talent. The initial support James has secured for the Mining Leaders Scholarship Fund, will see it awarded for 15+ years.

James is leading the way in rejuvenating giving in Western Australia. He has identified
a need, is directly involved in the program and encourages others who value the importance of education to come forward and invest in this state’s future.