Wednesday, 15 July 2009

The University of Western Australia’s Celebration of Annual Givingrecently brought students and alumni together at Winthrop Hall torecognise the importance of educational philanthropy.

More than 200 people joined the Vice Chancellor Professor AlanRobson in Winthrop Hall recently for a celebration to recognise thethousands who have donated to the University of Western Australia’sAnnual Fund.

In his address Professor Robson acknowledged the generous support ofdonors reflected the bold vision of the University's founders, almost acentury ago, which has inspired generations of Western Australians tocontribute to the development of The University of Western Australia.

"We thank you for your support of the Annual Fund, which was set upin 2001 and has grown steadily since then. In 2009 alone we have atarget of $1 million and I'm delighted to report that we are almosthalfway to achieving that target, with gifts from 2,524 graduatestotalling almost $500,000."

Contributions from the UWA Annual Funds have been used to supportthe Hackett Foundation Alumni Honours Scholarships (one in eachFaculty); the SWANS Scholarship program, refurbishment of theMcGillivray Organ, and the installation of handrails around theVice-Chancellery, Winthrop Hall and Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery. Inaddition, funding at the end of the year will go towards re-pavingaround the Reflection Pond outside Winthrop Hall.

Donors to the Annual Fund are able to request that theircontributions be directed to support specific areas of teaching,learning or research within their Faculty, through the Dean'sUnrestricted Fund.

An important part of this year's fundraising includes a plan toconsult alumni to discuss ways in which graduates can become involvedin UWA's centenary celebrations.

Guest speaker UWA law graduate, principal of Albion Capital Partnersand Viaticus Capital and non-executive director of Iluka Resources,Gavin Rezos, outlined a number of reasons for giving to education.Among them was that education will not only improve the lives of ourchildren but that improvements in science, medicine, architecture,engineering and technology will improve our own lives in later years.

"I encourage you all to help grow the UWA alumni programmes ofgiving to assist the continued growth in stature and importance ofeducation at UWA," he said.

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