1997 Annual Appeal ahead of expectations

The University's 1997 Annual Appeal has raised more than $700,000 placing it well ahead of its original goal of $600,000.

A total amount of $701,362, was donated to the University by graduates, parents, staff, clubs, foundations, business and friends of the University.

Money raised will be used by the University to enhance teaching and research activities including specific projects, scholarships and the University of Queensland Foundation.

Graduates donated 43 percent of the money raised, followed by business (34 percent), friends (8.6 percent) and parents (4.4 percent).

In a breakdown of donations to faculties, the highest amount, $211,154, was donated to the Faculty of Health Sciences. It was followed by the Faculty of Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture ($93,837), the Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science ($77,935), the Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences ($29,584), the Faculty of Arts ($24,811) and the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences ($4716).

From the total of 2541 gifts, 1306 ($566,022) were directed to faculties, schools and departments, 666 ($74,485) to emerging needs, 212 ($15,426) to the library, 191 ($32,047) to the Foundation and 166 ($13,380) to UQ Link Scholarships.

Figures also showed the number of donors and the average gift to the Annual Appeal has risen from 1582 donors with an average gift of $85.13 in 1991 to 2341 donors with an average gift of $299.60 in 1997.

Much of this increase can be attributed not only to an increase in alumni support but also a significant increase in annual corporate scholarships, according to 1997 Annual Appeal president Russell McCrory, who said he was delighted with the response.

'This level of support from graduates, organisations and other members of the community is very encouraging,' he said.

'The success of the appeal indicates the recognition of the University's important role in the community and the funds raised will further enhance its value to the society which it serves.'

For more information contact Dr Linda Griffith on telephone 3221 6265