Report to Donors 2009 - University of Melbourne

Staff continue to support the University »
2009 » REPORT TO DONORS
Staff at the University of Melbourne contribute in so many ways to the
life and activities of the University and community. Staff have generously
supported the University philanthropically since its inception. Despite the
tough economic climate Australia experienced in 2009, staff continued to
make donations to support the University.
Last year, 195 staff donated more
than $620,000 to support projects
across the University. Staff are able to
donate through the workplace giving
program or directly to specific projects.
A major motivation for staff donors is to
provide students with the best possible
University experience. Having day to
day contact with students means that
Ms Brooke Young, Executive
Director of the Graduate School of
Business and Economics
Tim Neilson, Senior Fellow,
donated to the Law School this
year. Photo: Peter Casamento
University staff are able to recognise
the on-going and enriching impact that
scholarships and financial aid can have,
by enabling students to have more time
to focus on their studies.
Tim neilson, a Senior Fellow in the
Melbourne Law Masters Program,
donated to the Law School in this
year’s Annual Appeal to provide law
students with scholarships. “I decided
to give to the Law School I went
through. I am grateful for what others
did that made my time at the Law
School so beneficial to me, and I hope
that students will continue to have the
same quality of experience that I did. I
decided to give to scholarships because
clearly scholarships are important for
students,” said Mr neilson.
A long association with the University,
having obtained his undergraduate
degree in Arts at the University of
Melbourne, motivated Professor Ian
Holtham to make a donation to the
University. Professor Holtham is
currently Convenor of Keyboard in
the University’s School of Music and
is the Associate Dean (Academic)
of the Faculty of the VCA and Music.
“I don’t know a classical musician who
hasn’t received support in one form
or another. It’s consistent giving that
makes a difference.” For the last two
years, Professor Holtham has been a
member of the Chancellor’s Circle.
The now retired Head of Zoology,
Professor David Macmillan, had a
strong connection to the University,
and was strongly supported by those
he worked with. “I went blind in
2007 and the support I received from
the University was very humbling;
I continued in my position as Head
of the department for 12 months,
which I couldn’t have done without
their support and this was the best
therapy I could have had.” on retiring
from the Faculty, he demonstrated
his generosity and commitment to
Science by presenting the Library
with a rare Francis bacon book, in
addition to supporting the restoration
of the Tiegs Zoology Museum (a
collection of zoological specimens
dating from the late 19th century to
the present).
“I see the difference it makes...
Any financial support makes
a difference.”
brooke Young, executive Director
of the Graduate School of business
and economics was motivated to
give because of her involvement with
students. “I see the difference it
makes. First, it’s the recognition the
students get when they receive an
award. Second, the students feel
more involved in the University
community. Any financial support
makes a difference.”
Further information about the Staff
Giving program is available at http://
www.unimelb.edu.au/ /giving/staff
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