Meet our donors

My father’s kindness shaped the way I see the world. He would quietly give to schools or people in need and remind us, “If you give to others, God will give you more, and you will never be empty-handed.” Those words stayed in my heart.

Continuing the great tradition of our university being established by the community, for the community, a new generation of supporters are working together to build Alumni & Community House. Glenn Turner AM explains why he chose to honour one of the University of Newcastle’s greatest friends, the late Dr Bernard 'Bernie' Curran AM, through this project.

"Giving back to the communities we’re part of is very important to us. Providing scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people studying health degrees enables us to make a practical difference in the lives of people living in regional and remote communities."

“When I was growing up, I was lucky enough to be the recipient of some incredible scholarships which positively shaped my upbringing and education.” Dylan Alcott AO

Across the University, our community is united by a desire to make the world a better place. The Staff Donor Collective is one area creating ripples of positive change through regular payroll donations.

Sue Outram and Andrew Zdenkowski explain why they donate to the University of Newcastle and their passion for The Andrew Zdenkowski & Sue Outram Environmental Sustainability Scholarship

Giving through the University has been a no-brainer for our family. Fidelma, our five kids and me sit down around the kitchen table every year and discuss where we are going to give back to the community. We appreciate that we are in a position to do this, and as my two daughters and I all went to Newcastle Uni it was a unanimous decision.

My husband and I decided that we wanted to contribute to causes that are important to our family. We sat down with our two daughters, who are in their twenties, to talk about causes we are connected to and passionate about.

I’ve worked with asylum seeker students at the University of Newcastle and seen some of the difficulties they face. So I was excited to be involved in setting up a program to provide extra support for students in similar situations.

I am a great believer in access to education, especially for women. It can be empowering and transformative. The scholarships offered by the University can make tertiary education a reality, not just a dream, for young women in our region.

The rest of my family didn’t get to go to high school but I received a scholarship and became a physiotherapist. I wouldn’t have had nearly as stimulating a life if I hadn’t had that scholarship.

Hear from four researchers leading life-changing work thanks to the generosity of a gift beyond a lifetime.