News Archive

One of the great strengths of this University is its vibrant community spirit, a spirit that is particularly visible whenever volunteers are needed.

A 24-hour relay organised by students recently raised around $90,000 for cancer research, education, prevention and services for people living with the disease.

Students in the Guild Volunteering Hub worked with Cancer Council WA on its Relay For Life in which teams walked or jogged with a baton in relay style for 24 hours to highlight the fact that cancer never sleeps. These students are to be applauded for their involvement in this very worthwhile event.

Others have been engaged in a two semester program that is fundamental to helping our commencing students each year - the UniMentor scheme.

The program not only reflects our tradition of valuing new students and providing services to help them reach their full potential, it also allows the student mentors themselves to develop their communication and leadership skills through helping others in a voluntary capacity.

The energy and enthusiasm of all those involved is a true reflection of the altruism that exists within our University. And I particularly commend the efforts of our student mentors, who have so enthusiastically given up so much of their time.

We can all take heart from the generosity of so many of our students - whether it is as part of UniMentor, or helping at events such as the annual Parents' Welcome and our recent record-breaking Open Day.

At the Open Day in August, it was notable that there were more staff and student volunteers than in any other year. This is a very positive reflection on the willingness of staff and students to support the University.

As well as student volunteers, we are very fortunate in having so many career mentors involved in our Career Mentor Link program.

This continues to grow in numbers, helping students not at the beginning of their University education but towards the end, when they are making the transition into the workplace. This program is now making positive differences in the lives of students not only here, but also in Singapore, where it was launched in June. All our Singapore mentors are alumni, including one who took part as a ‘mentee' here on our Crawley campus a few years ago.

Without involvement such as this - from willing volunteers at all levels - our University would not be the great institution it is today, an institution recognised nationally and internationally as one of quality and substance through knowledge, teaching and discovery.

Generosity of spirit is a wonderful attribute. In fact, American theologian Charles Dole termed it ‘the mightiest practical force in the universe'.

Vice-Chancellor Alan Robson

• UWA News 1 November 2010