The University of Newcastle will honour its many donors with the unveiling of a Donor Honour Board.

The Donor Honour Board aims to acknowledge the contributions of donors since the University of Newcastle‟s inception in 1965, which is in excess of $30 million.

The Honour Board is an initiative of the University of Newcastle (UON) Foundation, which is responsible for encouraging philanthropic support for the University.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Saunders said through their generosity, community members, graduates, businesses and industry have helped shape not only the University but also the wider community.

“The ongoing support of the community demonstrates a great respect for the University of Newcastle and a great passion for education by the community.

“Donations to the University have helped advance critical research, improved the sustainability of our local environment and assisted students from disadvantaged backgrounds to attend university and much more,” Professor Saunders said.

The Great Hall has been chosen as the location of the Donor Honour Board.

“The Great Hall is a symbol of the bond between the University and the community as it was built through community donations through the „buy-a-brick‟ campaign led by Alderman Frank Purdue.”

The Donor Honour Board will be unveiled by donor Chris Piggott on behalf of the donors at a special ceremony attended by donors and University staff.

Donations over $10,000 have been included on the Honour Board. New donations will be added to the board on an annual basis.

To find out more about the UON Foundation visit www.newcastle.edu.au/foundation

Media opportunity: The Donor Honour Board will be unveiled at 5.30pm in the Great Hall at the University of Newcastle. All media are invited to attend.

About the UON Foundation:
The UON Foundation is the platform for philanthropic support for the University of Newcastle. Donations help fund student scholarships, academic positions and research. The Foundation also aims to create and sustain relationships between the community, business, alumni and the University.

Media contact: Tanya Carlyle, UON Foundation Communication Officer (02) 4985 4178 or 0407 276 061.