Community connects to vision for Alumni House
Community support is building around Alumni House, with the exciting project attracting generous support from University of Newcastle alumni and community members who share the vision of connection and celebration.
We are honoured to recognise the $1 million foundational donation from alumnus Jeff McCloy (Bachelor of Engineering, 1973) and his family. This significant gift will help to provide important facilities and opportunities for students, alumni and our broader community while inspiring other donors to support this exciting project. We thank the McCloy family for their generous support, the wonderful demonstration of their belief in the power of education, and for being part of our University community.
We would also like to express our gratitude to alumna Noni Purnomo (Honorary Doctor of Letters, 2019; Bachelor of Engineering, 1995) for her generous gift to Alumni House which demonstrates her commitment to sustainability and inclusion. It is wonderful to see our global community coming together to support this exciting project.
Philanthropic support for Alumni House will be pivotal in creating a physical and virtual space to bring alumni, business and the wider community together. It will also provide space for loved ones to recognise and celebrate important connections, like Elizabeth and David Graham, who have chosen to honour their late mother through a gift to Alumni House.
I am proud to support Alumni House – it will help to connect me back to my University and be a home for all alumni when we return to Newcastle. It will provide students with mentoring and support, and give alumni access to resources and networking opportunities, wherever we are. As a warm, welcoming and culturally responsive space, it will ensure that everyone belongs. This building will celebrate all that we, as alumni, have achieved and continue to achieve. This is an inspiring project that will contribute to alumni, students, the University and the wider community.”
Noni Purnomo
Honorary Doctor of Letters, 2019; Bachelor of Engineering, 1995
President Commissioner, Bluebird Holding Group
Board Member of Australia Indonesia Institute
Honouring a legacy of connection
Alumna Carol Graham (nee Eastham; Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Economics, 1968) was a bright young student who enjoyed challenging herself and learning new skills. After graduation, she embarked on a career in the exciting new industry of computer programming, while helping behind the scenes in the family clothing business, Eastham’s. Carol met and fell in love with her husband Ian (Master of Science (Physics), 1970; Bachelor of Science with Honours in Physics, 1967) at the University of Newcastle and the couple had two children, David and Elizabeth, who she adored. Tragically, Carol died in a car accident in 1983.
When we heard about the plans for Alumni House, we loved the idea that Mum’s life could be honoured in a place for new and future students that was so connected to her history,” says Carol’s daughter, Elizabeth Graham.
“Carol loved her time at the University of Newcastle, especially the friends she made. She would be delighted to know she was helping students past and present to connect. Perhaps Alumni House will help launch a few more love stories!”
As part of the University’s commitment to recognise every donor for their generous support, the family is pleased that Carol’s legacy will be recognised through a named mentoring space within Alumni House.
With your help, we hope to raise $10 million and enable more alumni and friends to show their enduring commitment to our University and our community through the Alumni House project.
For further information on how you can help to bring this exciting project to life visit newcastle.edu.au/alumni-house
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.