News Archive

I have just returned from a successful visit to the United Kingdom and the United States, where, with the support of the team from Development and Alumni Relations, I had the pleasure of meeting some of our alumni who are forging successful careers overseas.

While our graduates may be living tens of thousands of kilometres away in either New York or London, they remain strong supporters of the University, and are eager to give back to the institution.

It highlighted to me the power of a good education, and the doors it can open at home and abroad. As we gear up for our centenary celebrations, it will be important that alumni, wherever they are in the world, can be involved and contribute.

Meanwhile, two recent events on campus – the relaunch of the Clough Scholars program and the Celebration of Philanthropy cocktail party – gave me pause to consider the enormous difference donations and bequests have made and continue to make to our University over almost a century.

UWA was founded on philanthropy and today our University can do much more for our students and researchers – and for the wider community – thanks to the generous support of individuals and corporate sponsors.

Over the years, our University has flourished through the enthusiasm and commitment of forward-thinking leaders who recognise the importance of excellence in education.

Among these visionary leaders is Dr Harold Clough who initiated the Clough Scholar Program, and was personally involved with it until 2004.

The scholarship has been reinvigorated after an eight-year sabbatical and reaffirms the longstanding relationship between Clough Limited and our Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics. This program has enabled many engineering students to go on to successful careers, to lead industry and government organisations and to continue the tradition of giving back.

Donations and bequests can also help a dedicated researcher by providing vital support, underpinning work that has the potential to make positive differences in the world.

At UWA we are fortunate to receive generous gifts – big and small – that open doors for students and researchers. Joining the University this year, I was struck by the affection with which UWA is held by our students, alumni and the community.

As well as many individuals who provide donations, we are pleased to have the support of corporations such as leading resource companies with which we have educational partnerships and, in a number of cases, professorial chairs.

These collaborations will advance the understanding of liquid natural gas processing and mining technologies and enable our academics to develop new technologies, protect the environment and teach our students new skills.

Individual and corporate generosity has other benefits, too, such as funding to support a new stage for our iconic Octagon Theatre and the redevelopment of the historic Masonic Hall on Broadway into a multi-purpose arts centre.

One of the ultimate gifts is a person’s decision to donate their body to medical and scientific research and teaching and we continue to be extremely grateful to those people and their families.

More than ever before, our University is a globally relevant institution playing a key part in the development of Australia’s knowledge economy – and the kindness of our donors is essential in this endeavour.

Paul Johnson

Vice-Chancellor

Published in UWA News , 29 October 2012