Donors who had given generously in support of a range of UNE projects, scholarships, student welfare and research initiatives were recognised at the annual Scholarship Donor Luncheon last week.
The celebratory luncheon provides UNE an opportunity to thank donors for their support of university activities and also provides students an opportunity to meet the people that are making their life easier and network with them.
UNE received $1,386,438.00 in gifts from 371 donors in 2023. This generosity enabled the University to support 218 students to pursue their study dreams. In the giving group were 18 donors who have given consecutively for 17 years as well as 32 new donors.
Both the Chancellor Mr James Harris and Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Moran emphasised the importance of personalised giving and the life-changing impact of scholarships on students in their speeches.
Professor Moran mentioned the need for ongoing conversations with donors and alumni about priorities to position UNE as an “unconventional” university with a strong focus on regional education. He also mentioned the need to grow awareness of UNE’s personalised education model compared to online-only models, allowing study to fit into our students’ busy lives seamlessly.
He concluded by asking students to think about ‘paying it forward’ through future support of the University and others’ education.
Speaking on behalf of scholarship recipients, UNE Zoology Ms Kathleen Murphy shared her experience and perspective on the transformative impact of university education, highlighting the value of scholarships, personalised support and mentorship in making a university experience meaningful.
Donations also supported UNE’s Student Emergency Assistance Fund. The Fund provides practical assistance of up to $1,000 for students in urgent need and assisted 13 students to the tune of $10,254 in 2023.
Following the formalities, students and donors had opportunity to mingle and share with donors how specific scholarships impacted their learning journeys.