A lifetime of giving back
In July 2026, John Dugas marked 50 years of service at the University of Newcastle – a milestone reflecting his lifelong commitment to teaching, curiosity and giving back.
📷 John Dugas (left), bequest and scholarship donor, with former student and alumna Julie Thomas-Bailey (right).
Throughout his career, John has taught across Education, Architecture, Engineering and the Newcastle Business School, as well as internationally in Wuhan, China and Chandigarh, India.
“If you don’t love what you’re doing, you don’t stick around for 50 years,” John says. “For me, teaching is about curiosity. That’s when the real learning starts.”
After growing up in the rural town of Gloucester, NSW, John seized an opportunity to complete high school in Sydney before receiving a Commonwealth scholarship to study at the University of Newcastle. He completed a Bachelor of Arts in 1971 and a Diploma in Education in 1972, before working abroad and returning to Newcastle. In 1985, he completed a Master of Education at the University of Newcastle.
What started as a casual academic position at the University grew into a fulfilling career and a commitment to bring education within reach of more students.
“At the end of the day, education is about people. I’ve always asked, ‘How can I facilitate the best possible learning experience for students?’
That philosophy extends to giving. Even a small contribution, pooled with others, can give several students their start,” John says.
For years, John has donated to support scholarships because he understands how even a modest gift can help ease the burden of rising study costs for students experiencing financial hardship and disadvantage.
Growing up in a rural town and benefiting from a scholarship himself, John understands the opportunities education can create. Now, he has chosen to leave a gift in his Will to support scholarships for students from regional communities, helping future generations access those same opportunities.
“Giving back is an act of gratitude,” he says. “Someone gave me a leg up, and it only seems reasonable to do the same for someone else.”
For 50 years, John’s commitment to education and generosity have helped transform lives. That is a legacy to truly be proud of.
Education is utterly transformative. It creates a capability that gives you choices and options in life. Through my gift in my Will, I hope to help students achieve things they otherwise might not have attained.”
John Dugas
Newcastle Business School
College of Human and Social Futures
Contact
- Office of Philanthropy
- Phone: 02 4921 8612
- Email: donor-relations@newcastle.edu.au
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