Chance conversation inspires UQ alum to support future generations

A chance conversation between a University of Queensland alum and a scholarship recipient inspired an ongoing commitment to support future generations of students experiencing financial hardship.

In 2019, Ann Crook (Bachelor of Arts 1974, Grad Dip Arts 1993) received a call from then-student Tegan Frei (Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education 2023) as part of UQ’s telephone fundraising campaign but did not expect the conversation to have such a lasting impact.

"I asked Tegan about her own pathway to UQ, and she told me she had participated in the Young Achievers Program (YAP) and that financial support had helped her get through university," Mrs Crook said.

"We had a long chat, and I was struck by her story and resilience.

“I ended the call by donating to the program." 

Mrs Crook said she was inspired to give after hearing directly from a student who had overcome adversity and benefitted from a scholarship.

She and her husband, Emeritus Professor Paul Crook (Bachelor of Arts (Honours) 1959, Doctor of Letters 1988, Doctor of Philosophy) had both attended UQ with the support of scholarships.

“My husband and I know firsthand what opportunities can be created when you pursue university,” Mrs Crook said.

“If we can help someone like Tegan realise their potential, then that’s a cause worth contributing to.” 

Inspired by that conversation, the Crook family established the Professor Paul Crook and Ann Crook Young Achievers Scholarship in 2020, to provide financial support to students who have participated in YAP and subsequently enrol at UQ who face financial hardship.

YAP has been transforming student lives since 2009, supporting students from under-represented backgrounds to access higher education, providing support from their final years of high school through to university graduation. 

In 2025 the program supported 563 students, with 72 per cent being the first in their family to attend university.

Lasting impact

Ms Frei said she fondly remembered the phone call with Mrs Crook and was struck by her generosity.

“It was quite rare to receive such a large donation while doing the calling rounds, and I was taken aback by how generous Ann was,” Ms Frei said.

“Her strong belief in the program really resonated with me.”

Ms Frei said she had wanted to study teaching since she was young and her own journey through university was made possible due to donors like Mrs Crook. 

“I come from a low socioeconomic background, and the thought of not being able to go to university because of circumstances outside of my control was devastating,” she said. 

“When you are in that position, you kind of lose a little bit of hope thinking that maybe it's an unrealistic dream…but getting accepted into the YAP program made it feel reachable.”

Now working as a student administration officer in UQ’s Business, Economics and Law Faculty, Ms Frei is still strongly connected to YAP.

“Now that I am in the workforce I want to give back to the program that supported me,” she said. 

“It’s really shown me how powerful giving can be – you aren’t just giving money; you are changing someone’s life.” 

Unlocking potential

This UQ Giving Day (21 October), Mrs Crook hopes more people will consider supporting the Young Achievers Program and other causes across the University.

“The Young Achievers Program is an incredible initiative at UQ – the fact that it helps so many students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, supports them through their degree and allows them to fully reach their potential is so touching,” she said.

“It makes my husband and I proud every time we see a YAP student graduate and go on to succeed in their careers.”

Mrs Crook said anyone considering donating to UQ Giving Day should know their gift will have a positive outcome for students like Tegan.

“No matter how much you give, you know that your donation will be used to create a scholarship, allowing for another student like Tegan to attend university,” she said. 

Visit the UQ Giving Day website to donate.