Message from the Vice-Chancellor

The University of Newcastle has benefited greatly over the past 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.

The University of Newcastle Foundation has been charged with the responsibility of encouraging further philanthropic support for the University and working determinedly on investing the revenue raised for the best interests of our donors and beneficiaries. The Foundation team has been working tirelessly alongside the generous members of our community to increase the financial support available to students and researchers here at the University.

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

As Vice-Chancellor, it is an honour to be involved in the work of the Foundation and witness the unwavering support the University receives from generous members of the community. My focus is on ensuring that the projects of the Foundation continue to enhance the work of the University, and, in particular, are of benfit 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 hope to build further on the great tradition of Philanthropy at the University and to continue working together in determining the future direction of the University and the community. The work of the University of Newcastle Foundation deserves our strong and generous support.

Professor Caroline McMillen
Vice-Chancellor and President