News Archive

Since May 2012, the Development and Alumni Relations office has run four phone appeals, connecting with thousands of alumni, working with over 160 students, and raising over $800,000 towards support for our students.

Each year, the Alumni Annual Fund is spearheaded by a team of talented student callers, who engage with our alumni, updating them with the latest news from campus, comparing stories about their experiences as a UWA student and seeking donations to support current and future students of the University.

The phone appeals offer a unique opportunity for our students to gain valuable career advice and hear about the outstanding things our alumni have accomplished since leaving University.

The students build new skills, learn more about UWA and, of course, earn some money.

Simon Thuijs, Bachelor of Philosophy student and Fogarty Foundation Scholarship recipient, has taken part in three phone appeals and gained much from his experience.

"Whether they offer me valuable career advice or simply engage in a great chat, every conversation is an experience which I value", he said.

It gives me great confidence in my own studies and University when I hear of the successes of people who came before me. This combined with the fact that so many graduates are willing to give back and contribute to UWA's mission makes me feel privileged to attend this University."

The annual funds raised go toward supporting students via alumni scholarships (114 scholarships since 2001), program support such as the Fairway Program assisting students in need achieve their goal of a university education, and also to support priority areas or projects within the University.

These priorities range from Faculty support, to building the all-weather seating area in Jackson Court, to re-paving the Reflection Pond so that thousands of graduating students and their families can enjoy the Graduation experience.

Most recently, the funds raised in 2012 by our alumni were used to provide Akram Azimi, the 2013 Young Australian of the Year, with a grant of $20,000 allowing him to continue his award-winning community work and still focus on his studies.

This year will see the arrival of a new funding process for Faculties and student groups to apply for financial support via the Area of Greatest Need fund. The new process will provide support for innovative projects for students and the University community overall. More information about the application process will be available later this month.