Donors support UQ’s bright future

More than 240 of The University of Queensland’s (UQ) donors and supporters attended the Celebration of Giving reception at the end of last year to show their continued support for the University.

The annual event was an opportunity for the University to thank and recognise donors for their support through what has been a challenging and eventful year.

The reception was hosted by Chancellor John Story at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) at St Lucia campus.

Mr Story said he was overwhelmed by the turnout and the show of goodwill.

“The Celebration of Giving event is a tremendous opportunity for the University to say thank you to its donors and supporters in person,” Mr Story said.

“I spoke to many donors throughout the night and was extremely humbled by their compassion and resolve to continue supporting the University.

“UQ and the community will continue to look to the future. “

Among the guests were prominent donors and UQ supporters Andrew Brice, Patricia Byrne, Lesley Bryant, Dr Rosamond Siemon, Dr Donald Tugby, Ms Jessie Yeowart, Dr Felice Zaccari and Mrs Margredel Zaccari.

Donors and supporters were given an opportunity to learn about the work UQ is doing to help solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.

Guests toured the IMB labs, where 400 research staff and students work to improve human health through the development of new pharmaceuticals, cell therapies and diagnostics.

IMB Director Professor Brandon Wainwright was honoured to show donors and supporters the University’s internationally recognised centre for molecular bioscience research.

“It was fitting for the Celebration of Giving to be held at the IMB, which was founded on the extraordinarily generous support of The Atlantic Philanthropies, together with funding from the state and federal governments,” Professor Wainwright said.

“Continued donations and funding will give the IMB the security it needs to conduct research which will lead to improvements in the lives of Queenslanders and people around the world.

“UQ’s donors and supporters are to be applauded and celebrated.”

Prominent UQ donor, alumnus and UQef board member Mr Andrew Brice also addressed the Celebration of Giving guests.

Co-founder of accommodation website Wotif.com, Mr Brice showed his appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for taking a “great leap of faith” to establish UQef, a Public Ancillary Fund that provides a vehicle outside of the University for significant donations.

Through UQef, Mr Brice and his wife Jennifer established the Young Achievers Program to turn adversity into advantage and make higher education more accessible for disadvantaged students.

In late 2011, UQ celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of Young Achievers at ceremonies across Queensland.

The events mark the first step to transitioning to tertiary education for the 81 Year 12 students – many of whom are planning to pursue studies at UQ in 2012.