Message from the Vice-Chancellor

The University of Newcastle has benefited greatly over the last 40 years from the generosity of donors wishing to contribute to the development of higher education in the communities we serve. Through donations, gifts and bequests, scholarships have been established to support bright and needy students, research particularly in the fields of health and engineering has been strengthened and the social and cultural lives of our communities have been enhanced. It is now time to take the activities of the University of Newcastle Foundation to the next level and work together to support the University's ambitious plans.

In 2006 the University Council approved the establishment of the University of Newcastle Foundation (UoN) as a new and separate entity, a company in its own right. It has been charged with the responsibility of encouraging philanthropic support for the University and working with the University on investing the revenue raised for the best interest of donors, beneficiaries and the University.

As Vice-Chancellor, it is my pleasure to be involved in the work of the UoN Foundation. My focus is on ensuring that the projects of the UoN Foundation enhance the work of the University, and, in particular, are of benefit to our community.

We are no longer a small institution on the outskirts of the city of Newcastle. We are a major force educationally, economically, socially, and culturally in the life of the Hunter and Central Coast region. We also have a major educational presence in Port Macquarie and Singapore and our graduates can be found all around the world. We accept and feel honoured by this role and responsibility.

The UoN Foundation represents a strong tradition of financial support for the University from community, business and industry, one that began with the Lord Mayor's Fundraising appeal for the Great Hall in the 1960's.

This is the time for us to build further on this tradition. It is also the time for us to work together in determining the future direction of the University. The work of the UoN Foundation deserves our strong and generous support.

Professor Nicholas Saunders
Vice-Chancellor and President