A history of
philanthropy at UQ

UQ Great Court sandstone column with a jacaranda tree in the background

People give for many reasons, but what brings us all together – no matter the size of the gift – is the universal pleasure that comes with using our own means to drive change in the world.

This timeline of philanthropy at The University of Queensland (UQ) offers a window into the proud philanthropic history of the University and how giving has shaped teaching, learning and research at UQ. While it does not share the stories of every gift the University has received, it is designed to offer an insight into the people and the acts of generosity that have helped build UQ into the University it is today.

* Gifts marked with a purple asterisk form part of UQ's physical Philanthropy Trail.

You can follow the trail on the map at the end of this timeline, and in person next time you're on campus!

1910 • Thomas Morrow Prize

Believed to be UQ’s first gift, the prize was established in 1910 to reward the best undergraduate essay on Australian literature, exploration, history or scientific inquiry. It continues to support students today, with the first recipient going on to become a donor herself, establishing 2 prizes through gifts in her will.

Around twenty men and women in academic dress stand in front of a grand building with pillars and archways, posed in two rows.

UQ graduates at the George St campus (prior to St Lucia) in 1916. Image: UQ Fryer Library

UQ graduates at the George St campus (prior to St Lucia) in 1916. Image: UQ Fryer Library

c1910 • Gift to establish Chair in Agriculture

A black and white portrait of an older man with a beard. He wears a formal, old-fashioned suit with a necktie. He looks serious and faces away from the camera.

Robert Christison. Image: State Library of Queensland

In the 1910s, grazier Robert Christison gave £1000 and helped raise an additional £4500 to found UQ’s Faculty of Agriculture, but died before seeing his vision realised. The amount was insufficient until a further £5000 was received in 1927 from the then-Minister for Agriculture, William Forgan Smith. In 2021, Christison’s granddaughters left a bequest to continue the family’s philanthropic legacy, establishing the Christison Family Endowment to support health research.

1911 • Archibald Scholarship

A black and white photograph of a man with a full beard. It is grainy with age. He wears a suit jacket.

The Honourable John Archibald MLC. Image: State Library of Queensland

The scholarship was established by beneficiaries of The Honourable John Archibald MLC’s estate, becoming one of the most prestigious undergraduate economics awards in Australia. Recipients of the scholarship have gone on to serve as leaders in their field not only in Australia, but across the world.

1919 • Sir Samuel McCaughey bequest

The largest gift in UQ's early history, Sir Samuel’s bequest provided UQ with the annual income from a £200,000 gift (an amount worth more than $26 million in 2025), which was used to keep the University afloat post-WWI. In 1922, the McCaughey Chair in History was established in Sir Samuel’s honour; after five lengthy tenures since, it was awarded to its first female professor, Professor Megan Cassidy-Welch, in 2020.

A black and white portrait of an older man with a beard. He wears a formal, old-fashioned suit with a necktie. He looks serious and faces away from the camera.

Robert Christison. Image: State Library of Queensland

Robert Christison. Image: State Library of Queensland

A black and white photograph of a man with a full beard. It is grainy with age. He wears a suit jacket.

The Honourable John Archibald MLC. Image: State Library of Queensland

The Honourable John Archibald MLC. Image: State Library of Queensland

1920s • Mayne Gift

In the 1920s, siblings Dr James and Mary Emelia Mayne gave £63,000 to build the St Lucia campus, along with land at Pinjarra Hills, now the site of a research facility. They hoped their gift would nurture the young University and provide Queenslanders with the opportunity to study at a grand campus in their own state. They left their entire estates to the University’s Faculty of Medicine, providing support to this day.

A sepia-toned image shows two men in three-piece suits shaking hands and smiling.

Dr. James Mayne formally handing over to Alderman William Jolly the gift used to acquire the land at St Lucia for The University of Queensland. Image: UQ Archives

Dr. James Mayne formally handing over to Alderman William Jolly the gift used to acquire the land at St Lucia for The University of Queensland. Image: UQ Archives

1921 • Garrick Professor of Law

Following her death in 1921, Katherine (Kate) Cecie Garrick made a gift in her will to establish an endowed professorship in law or medicine in the name of her father, Sir James Francis Garrick (1836–1907), a significant political and legal figure in Queensland during the late 1800s. The Garrick Professor of Law was officially established by the UQ Senate in 1923, with a bronze tablet commemorating the gift – now located in the entry of the TC Beirne School of Law – unveiled in 1926. The TC Beirne School of Law continues to award a chair in Sir Garrick’s name, the oldest of the named professorial chairs in law at UQ.

An aerial drawing of The University of Queensland St Lucia campus. Image: UQ Archives

An aerial drawing of The University of Queensland St Lucia campus.
A black-and-white portrait of a young man wearing a military uniform, including a hat and jacket, looking away from the camera.

John Denis (Jack) Fryer Image: UQ Fryer Library

John Denis (Jack) Fryer Image: UQ Fryer Library

1926 • Fryer Library *

A black-and-white portrait of a young man wearing a military uniform, including a hat and jacket, looking away from the camera.

John Denis (Jack) Fryer Image: UQ Fryer Library

In 1926, the University Dramatic Society gave £10 to establish the Fryer Memorial Library of Australian Literature at UQ in memory of their former Vice-President, John Denis (Jack) Fryer, who died in 1923 following his return from voluntary service in World War I. The first books were acquired in 1927. Today, the Fryer Library continues to maintain a prolific collection of Australian literary manuscripts and priceless historic holdings.

1936 • Establishment of the TC Beirne School of Law *

In 1936, an endowed gift from leading Brisbane businessman Thomas Charles Beirne established the first law school in Queensland at UQ, named in recognition of his generosity. The School's first graduate, Mrs Una Prentice (née Bick) (Bachelor of Arts '35, Bachelor of Laws '38, Doctor of Laws honoris causa '85), was also the first woman to be admitted to the Queensland Bar, although she struggled to find legal work at the time as a woman.

A black-and-white portrait of an older man depicting his shoulders up. He looks directly and seriously into the camera. He is wearing a suit.

Thomas Charles Beirne. Image: Michael White

Thomas Charles Beirne. Image: Michael White

The strong sandstone facade of the Forgan Smith building at UQ, which houses the T.C. Beirne School of Law. Two sandstone carvings of men flank either side of the door.

The entrance to the T.C. Beirne Law School in the Forgan Smith building in 1953. Image: Frederick Walter Robinson Collection.

The entrance to the T.C. Beirne Law School in the Forgan Smith building in 1953. Image: Frederick Walter Robinson Collection.

A black-and-white cropped image of a man wearing academic regalia, including a hat and gown. He is sitting in a chair and smiling at the camera. An unknown man's arm is resting on the chair behind him. The image is grainy with age.

Professor John Lundie Michie. Image: UQ Fryer Library

Professor John Lundie Michie. Image: UQ Fryer Library

1944 • James Cecil Stevenson Memorial Prize

In 1944, Right Reverend William Henry Webster Stevenson established this prize in memory of his son, James. James studied a Bachelor of Arts (Honours Mathematics) and a Bachelor of Science at UQ and gave his life to his country in 1944 as Wing Commander in the Royal Australian Air Force. The prize continues to reward young mathematics students today.

1948 • JL Michie Memorial Prize

A black-and-white cropped image of a man wearing academic regalia, including a hat and gown. He is sitting in a chair and smiling at the camera. An unknown man's arm is resting on the chair behind him. The image is grainy with age.

Professor John Lundie Michie. Image: UQ Fryer Library

In 1948, past students, colleagues and friends of John Lundie Michie, Professor of Classics at UQ from 1910 until his death in 1946, established the JL Michie Memorial Prize in his memory. The prize rewards talented students of Latin or Greek language courses in recognition of Professor Michie’s contributions to the University and his field.

c1950 • Marks-Hirschfeld Museum of Medical History

Following the Australasian Medical Congress of 1950 in Brisbane, many of the exhibition items were donated to UQ and now make up the Marks-Hirschfeld Museum’s foundation collection. The Museum was named in honour of leading Queensland medical identity, Dr Alexander Hammett Marks who completed a Doctor of Medicine in 1911 and donated a significant component from his personal collection, and pioneering chest surgeon Dr Konrad Hirschfeld (Master of Arts '65, Doctor of Surgery honoris causa '82), who was the Museum’s first curator. In 2023, Dr Patrick Mahoney (Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery '65) established an endowment to maintain the collection in perpetuity.

1956 • CN Ross Prize

This prize was established in 1956 by colleagues and former students of Cecil Napier Ross (Bachelor of Engineering '15 and Master of Science) in recognition of his 40 years of service to the Department of Civil Engineering. It is currently awarded to the student with the highest grade for a second-year structural design course.

1956 • Jean and Joyce Stobo Memorial Prize

This prize was founded in 1956 by the Queensland Medical Women’s Society in memory of Drs Jean and Joyce Stobo, whose careers encouraged aspiring female doctors when there were few women in the profession. The prize rewards the female medical student with the highest scores in second-year examinations.

Women studying at UQ in the 1950s standing in the Forgan Smith Building. Image: UQ Archives

Four female students standing beside white pillars in a tiled room. They have bobbed hair and are wearing graduation gowns.

1957 • ES Meyers Memorial
Lecture *

A black-and-white portrait of a middle-aged man. He is wearing a suit and looking serious, looking away from the camera.

Professor Errol Solomon Meyers. Image: UQ Fryer Library

This lecture was established in 1957 in honour of Professor Errol Solomon Meyers, a founding father of UQ’s Faculty of Medicine (established in 1936). It has become the flagship annual event of the UQ Medical Society, attracting some of the world’s most notable figures to share their insights and learnings with the community.

1964 • Rockefeller Foundation
Gift *

The Rockefeller Foundation’s support of construction work and equipment at UQ's Heron Island Research Station in 1964 helped extend the scope of work possible and the number of researchers the station could house. This enabled the fledgling station to grow significantly in the following decades, becoming the leading hub of research it is today.

A black-and-white portrait of a middle-aged man. He is wearing a suit and looking serious, looking away from the camera.

Professor Errol Solomon Meyers. Image: UQ Fryer Library

Professor Errol Solomon Meyers. Image: UQ Fryer Library

1967 • Father Hayes bequest

Father Leo Hayes (Master of Arts '67) left an extensive collection of culturally valuable items to UQ in his will (around 100,000 items weighing 25 tonnes), including rare books, photographs, manuscripts, letters, coins and historical documents, now held in the Fryer Library, the RD Milns Antiquities Museum and UQ Anthropology Museum.

A sepia toned image from around 1880 featuring three Tongan women, seated on woven matting.

Portrait of a Tongan woman and 2 girls, seated on woven matting, preparing kava, c. 1880. Image: Father Edward Leo Hayes Collection, UQ Fryer Library.

Portrait of a Tongan woman and 2 girls, seated on woven matting, preparing kava, c. 1880. Image: Father Edward Leo Hayes Collection, UQ Fryer Library.

Father Hayes at his presbytery at Oakey, 1960. Image: Father Edward Leo Hayes Collection, UQ Fryer Library.

An elderly man in a priest uniform flicks through a book piled amongst others on his desk.

1969 • Boyce Gardens and Boyce Trust Fund *

In 1969, Toowoomba residents Leslie (Doctor of Laws honoris causa '73) and Margaret Boyce gave their 6-hectare private garden in trust to UQ for the enjoyment and education of Australians. The garden, which they established across almost 60 years, continues to be maintained by an endowed fund established by the Boyces.

A path of stones leads through a garden.

A stone path through Boyce Gardens.

A stone path through Boyce Gardens.

1972 • Alfred and Olivea Wynne Memorial Scholarships

Despite no known connection to UQ, Maryborough locals Alfred and Olivea Wynne left a significant gift in their wills to endow a scholarship at UQ. The scholarship was formally established in 1972 and has since supported almost 785 Maryborough and Wide Bay locals to study at The University of Queensland.

1974 • Howard Fortnam Sleath bequest

A sepia-toned image of an elderly man carving the end of a violin. He is wearing a beret and a knitted jumper, as well as round glasses.

Howard Fortnam Sleath

In 1974, respected Australian stringed instrument craftsman Howard Fortnam Sleath donated four instruments to UQ’s School of Music. In his will, he also left a gift to assist the study of stringed instruments played with a bow. The Howard and Gladys Sleath Scholarships, which recognise creative excellence in first-year Bachelor of Music (Honours) students, and the annual Sleath String Performance Prize continue to be funded from this bequest.

A sepia-toned image of an elderly man carving the end of a violin. He is wearing a beret and a knitted jumper, as well as round glasses.

Howard Fortnam Sleath

Howard Fortnam Sleath

A black and white photo of a sculpture of a naked woman. Her arms are missing and she is facing away. She is in a room with a black curtain in front of her.

A sculpture by Daphne Mayo. Image: UQ Fryer Library.

A sculpture by Daphne Mayo. Image: UQ Fryer Library.

1985 • Daphne Mayo donation

A black and white photo of a sculpture of a naked woman. Her arms are missing and she is facing away. She is in a room with a black curtain in front of her.

A sculpture by Daphne Mayo. Image: UQ Fryer Library.

Daphne Mayo MBE (1895-1982) – one of Australia’s most revered sculptors – left some of her artworks and over 100 boxes of private papers to the University in her will. The bequest was formally acquired in 1985. Mayo’s archive is held in the Fryer Library. The Daphne Mayo Visiting Fellowship and Public Lecture were named in her honour, each year bringing a global leader to discuss visual culture with the UQ community.

1988 • Ethel Raybould bequest *

In 1988, Ethel Raybould’s (Bachelor of Arts '27, Master of Arts '31, Bachelor of Science '63) bequest established a visiting fellowship and prize at UQ to support mathematics scholars, which continues to be awarded to this day. Raybould was UQ’s first female mathematics lecturer, teaching from 1928 to 1955. The Raybould Lecture Theatre in the Hawken Engineering Building, partly funded by the bequest, is also named in her honour.

1994 • Restoration of Customs House *

In 1994, the restored Customs House building on Queen Street was launched as a place of gathering, connection and celebration for the UQ community beyond the St Lucia campus. The restoration was the University’s first public philanthropic campaign, raising $5.4 million in partnership with more than 2000 donors through the restoration committee’s efforts.

A grand, two-storey sandstone building. Columns adorn the front. A green copper dome protrudes into a blue sky.

UQ's Customs House. Image: Stewart Gould

UQ's Customs House. Image: Stewart Gould

1997 • Dorothy Hill Library bequest *

A photo of a woman in 1930 standing in front of a horse, holding its reigns. She is wearing expedition gear including heavy boots and a big hat. She is on a dirt road surrounded by bushland.

Dorothy Hill standing with horse on a geology excursion, 1930. Image: UQ Fryer Library.

Emeritus Professor Dorothy Hill (Bachelor of Science '28, Master of Science, Doctor of Science '42, Doctor of Laws honoris causa '74) was the first female professor at an Australian university and the first woman awarded a Doctor of Science at UQ. Throughout her life, she was a generous supporter of UQ Library and the School of Earth Sciences, donating funds and valuable tools and equipment. In 1985, the Geology Library was renamed in her honour, later merging with the Engineering and Sciences Library. Following her death in 1997, it was refurbished and renamed the Dorothy Hill Engineering and Sciences Library. Dorothy Hill’s papers are located in the Fryer Library.

A photo of a woman in 1930 standing in front of a horse, holding its reigns. She is wearing expedition gear including heavy boots and a big hat. She is on a dirt road surrounded by bushland.

Dorothy Hill standing with horse on a geology excursion, 1930. Image: UQ Fryer Library.

Dorothy Hill standing with horse on a geology excursion, 1930. Image: UQ Fryer Library.

2000 • The Atlantic Philanthropies *

Throughout the 2000s, The Atlantic Philanthropies (founded by American philanthropist Chuck Feeney, Doctor of The University honoris causa '23) gave more than $100 million to UQ to help establish the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, the Queensland Brain Institute, the Centre for Clinical Research and the Translational Research Institute. This remarkable investment fundamentally shifted Queensland’s research ranking, increasing the number of researchers in the state from 8,000 to 18,000 between 1998 and 2011. Alongside this transformative investment, the Atlantic Philanthropies also helped establish the UQ Centre and a new home for the UQ Art Museum. Chuck’s legacy lives on through Feeney Way – running the breadth of the historic Forgan Smith Building at UQ’s entrance – which was named in the Feeney’s honour in 2022. In the same year, Chuck and his wife, Helga, were conferred Honorary Doctorates of the University for their outstanding contributions to UQ and across the world. 

American businessman and philanthropist Charles 'Chuck' Feeney gave away more than $8 billion in his lifetime, including generous support of The University of Queensland. Image: The Atlantic Philanthropies

Chuck Feeney, an older man, smiles and looks ahead with a blue sky behind him.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute

A black-and-white photo of a woman in glasses and a floral dress smiling. She is holding a large piece of paper.

Dr Margaret Mittelheuser AM

Dr Margaret Mittelheuser AM

2004 • Chair in Dermatology

In 2004, several philanthropic organisations and businesses came together to establish the Chair in Dermatology at UQ to galvanise research efforts around skin diseases and disorders. Leading skin cancer researcher Professor Peter Soyer was appointed as the inaugural Chair of Dermatology in 2007. In 2023, Trevor St Baker (Doctor of Engineering honoris causa '21) and Judith St Baker established an endowment to enable the Chair, now named the St Baker Soyer Chair in Dermatology Research, to exist in perpetuity.

2005 • Peter Goodenough
bequest *

Queensland Brain Institute

Following a personal battle with motor neurone disease (MND), Peter Goodenough left an inspirational bequest for fundamental scientific research at the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI). Goodenough’s bequest funded the establishment, staffing and ongoing support of the Peter Goodenough and Wantoks Research Laboratory at QBI to research MND. The laboratory – opened in 2007 – houses the research of the Ross Maclean Senior Fellow in MND Research. An annual lecture is also held at QBI in Goodenough’s memory.

2006 • Dr Margaret Mittelheuser AM and Morgans Prize in MBA Accounting and Finance *

A black-and-white photo of a woman in glasses and a floral dress smiling. She is holding a large piece of paper.

Dr Margaret Mittelheuser AM

This prize, recognising academic excellence in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, celebrates the legacy of the late Margaret Mittelheuser AM (Bachelor of Commerce '52, Associate in Commerce '54, Bachelor of Arts '73, Doctor of Philosophy honoris causa '96) and her trailblazing career as Australia’s first female stockbroker. Both Margaret and her sister, Dr Cathryn Mittelheuser AM (Bachelor of Science '68, Doctor of Philosophy '71, Doctor of Philosophy honoris causa '98), have given generously to UQ; a commemorative bust of Margaret is situated in UQ’s Colin Clark Building. In 2023, Cathryn established the endowed Margaret Mittelheuser Memorial Women in Finance Scholarship to further celebrate her sister's legacy.

2007 • RD Milns Classics and Ancient History Perpetual Endowment Fund *

In 2007, Friends of Antiquity (part of Alumni Friends) helped establish the RD Milns Classics and Ancient History Perpetual Endowment Fund in recognition of Professor Milns’ 33 years as UQ Professor of Classics and Ancient History. During his tenure, Professor Milns (Doctor of Letters honoris causa '12) was a great supporter and benefactor of the RD Milns Antiquities Museum, which was renamed in his honour in 2007. In 2020, Alumni Friends also established an endowed undergraduate scholarship in honour of Professor Milns.

The RD Milns Antiquities Museum houses the foremost collection of classical Mediterranean antiquities in Queensland, with artefacts spanning 3500 years of human history. Image: Marc Grimwade

A museum corridor with glass display cases on either side, displaying traditional greek and roman artefacts, including pottery.

2008 • Rodger Morgan bequest to Professor Paul Young’s research

In 2008, Rodger Dallas Morgan left a gift in his will to support his long-time neighbour and friend, Professor Paul Young (Bachelor of Science (Honours) '77) from UQ’s School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences. In the years following, Professor Young and his team developed the Molecular Clamp technology at the heart of UQ’s continuing COVID-19 vaccine research.

A man in a white UQ labcoat and safety goggles looks seriously into the camera. He is in a lab, with bottles of liquid behind him. He has grey hair and a beard.

Professor Paul Young. Image: Glenn Hunt

Professor Paul Young. Image: Glenn Hunt

A diverse group of 50 or more students from a range of cultural backgrounds sit in a tiered lecture hall wearing purple lanyards. The middle five hold a big paper sign reading 'thank you'. Everyone is smiling.

A cohort of Young Achievers Program students. Image: Anjanette Webb

A cohort of Young Achievers Program students. Image: Anjanette Webb

2009 • The Young Achievers Program

An older man and woman stand close besides each other smiling. They are in the Great Court, with the grand sandstone arches in the background.

Jennifer and Andrew Brice. Image: Anjanette Webb

In 2009, UQ alumni Jennifer Brice (Bachelor of Arts '96) and Andrew Brice AM (Bachelor of Commerce '65, Doctor of Economics honoris causa '11) established the Young Achievers Program (YAP) through The University of Queensland Endowment Fund (UQef), a philanthropic body they founded with alumnus Graeme Wood AM (Bachelor of Economics '72, Master of Information Systems '98, Doctor of Economic honoris causa '11). With the support of more than 1,500 donors (as of 2025), YAP has become one of UQ’s most successful scholarship programs, creating a pathway to UQ for thousands of young Queenslanders. Since its inception, the program has successfully enabled over 420 students to graduate from UQ .

An older man and woman stand close besides each other smiling. They are in the Great Court, with the grand sandstone arches in the background.

Jennifer and Andrew Brice. Image: Anjanette Webb

Jennifer and Andrew Brice. Image: Anjanette Webb

2010 • The University of Queensland Endowment Fund (UQef)

Founded by UQ alumni Andrew Brice AM and Graeme Wood AM in 2010, The University of Queensland Endowment Fund (UQef) is an externally managed philanthropic body which provides opportunities for major donors to support academic programs at UQ. Since its inception in 2010, UQef has made donations and distributions of more than $40 million to support various UQ programs and scholarships, including the Young Achievers Program, Law LEAD Scholarships and Frank Finn Scholarships.

2010 • Global Change Institute *

In 2010, UQ alum Graeme Wood AM gave $15 million – the largest single gift by an alum to the University at the time – to support construction of the Global Change Institute (GCI) Living Building at UQ. Today, the GCI continues to bring together research excellence and expertise from across UQ, industry, government and the community to address the complex challenges facing the world today.

2010 • Integrated Pathology Learning Centre

UQ’s Integrated Pathology Learning Centre officially opened, thanks to fundraising efforts by staff, alumni and community members. UQ’s world standard pathology specimen collection, which includes over 5,000 specimens, is housed in this 21st century facility where the latest technologies are used alongside the pathology collection to enhance student understanding of the mechanisms of disease.

The Living Building, housing the Global Change Institute. Image: Damien Bredberg

A wide timber staircase leads into a modern building filled with greenery and natural light. Students are sitting at the the top of the staircase, chatting.

A large, modern lecture theatre, architecturally designed, featuring raked timber ceilings and floor to ceiling windows with an outlook over a lake.

The GHD Auditorium at UQ's Advanced Engineering Building.

The GHD Auditorium at UQ's Advanced Engineering Building.

2011 • GHD Auditorium gift *

In 2011, professional services firm GHD pledged to support construction of the auditorium in the Advanced Engineering Building (AEB) at UQ to transform education for the next generation of engineers. The GHD Auditorium is the largest at the University and hosts leading experts from around the world each year.

2011 • Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research *

Thanks to the Clem Jones Foundation’s founding pledge in 2011, UQ became home to Australia’s first dedicated dementia research centre: the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR) at the Queensland Brain Institute. It has pioneered leading research through three research priorities: understanding changes in the brain that occur in dementia, developing new technologies, tools and biomarkers, and pioneering new treatments and preventative approaches.

2011 • The University of Queensland in America, Inc

In 2011, The University of Queensland in America, Inc (TUQIA) was established as a non-profit section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organisation, enabling US donors to make tax-deductible gifts to fund research grants at UQ and to sponsor UQ events in the US, including conferences, galas and meetings. In compliance with IRS regulations, the Board of Directors of TUQIA, led by UQ alum President and Director Andrew Liveris, maintains complete discretion over allocation of the gifts it receives.

2011 • Irene Hunt Hypertension Research Project

Gifts from the Irene Patricia Hunt Memorial Trust equalling $1.95 million have funded research at UQ for more than 20 years. Most significantly, in 2011, researchers found a cure for a type of hypertension (high blood pressure) through surgical intervention. During the years when limited grant funding was available, the Trust allowed the researchers to maintain their high research output and create meaningful impact for those diagnosed with high blood pressure.  

2012 • Professor Christopher Chen Chair in Reproductive Medicine

In 2012, UQ alumnus, internationally renowned clinician and research leader Professor Christopher Chen (Doctor of Medicine '09), who achieved the world’s first IVF triplet pregnancy, enabled the University’s first fully funded chair of reproductive medicine, the Professor Christopher Chen Chair in Reproductive Medicine.

2013 • Chair in Classics and Ancient History

Brisbane clinical haematologist and oncologist, UQ alum and arts patron, Dr Paul Eliadis (Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery '77, Bachelor of Science '78, Doctor of Letters honoris causa '21), cemented the vitally important role of the classics and ancient history in 21st century education with the establishment of a professorial chair – which he endowed in 2022. In the same year, he established a scholarship in the name of his parents, The Elias and Ellene Eliadis Scholarship, the first scholarship to support UQ’s The Queensland Commitment.

Professor Alastair Blanshard (left) (Bachelor of Arts (Honours) '93, Master of Arts '96) is the Paul Eliadis Chair of Classics and Ancient History and specialises in Social and Cultural History of the Greco-Roman World. Image: Anjanette Webb

A university professor and a student smile as they looks out over a modern glass balcony.

2013 • Not If, When – The Campaign to Create Change commences

2013 • Westpac Scholars Trust

The first Westpac Scholars were awarded at UQ as part of the Westpac Scholars program. The program aims to award 100 scholarships each year, forever, to university students, researchers and social entrepreneurs.

2014 • Poche Centre for Indigenous Health *

An Indigenous artwork. It represents the potential in all of us, showing a plant that doesn't reach its full potential until it flowers. The U shapes represent the UQ community.

UQ Poche Centre, represented by 'Potential' by Sid Dominic. Image: Sid Dominic

Made possible by the generous support of philanthropists Greg Poche AO (Doctor of The University honoris causa '16) and Kay van Norton Poche (Doctor of The University honoris causa '16), the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health was established in 2014 to reduce health inequality and improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as offer national leadership in Indigenous health research.

2014 • Chair for the Dow Centre of Sustainable Engineering *

The UQ Dow Centre opened in 2014 to drive research into solving the world’s sustainability challenges through innovation and multidisciplinary collaboration. The same year, the Dow Chair in Sustainable Engineering Innovation was established. *Further funding also provided in 2018.

2014 • Telerehabilitation Centre

The Bowness Family Foundation established the UQ Health and Rehabilitation Clinic in 2014 as the first student-led telerehabilitation clinic for allied health services in Australia. At the clinic, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology and audiology services are delivered by student clinicians via the internet to members of the public, providing much-needed services and an important opportunity for students. In 2019, the Bowness Family Foundation also helped establish the Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, which became operational in 2020.

An Indigenous artwork. It represents the potential in all of us, showing a plant that doesn't reach its full potential until it flowers. The U shapes represent the UQ community.

UQ Poche Centre, represented by 'Potential' by Sid Dominic. Image: Sid Dominic

UQ Poche Centre, represented by 'Potential' by Sid Dominic. Image: Sid Dominic

A large modern arched hallway stretches into the distance. University students walk through the hallway and are slightly blurred from their movement.

The TC Beirne School of Law library after its refurbishment in 2015.

The TC Beirne School of Law library after its refurbishment in 2015.

A illustration of a human head with visual window into the structure of the brain.

At QBI, researchers work to unlock the mysteries of the brain to generate new knowledge and reduce the burden of neurological disease.

At QBI, researchers work to unlock the mysteries of the brain to generate new knowledge and reduce the burden of neurological disease.

Two young women holding violins in formal black clothing sit next to a middle-aged man in a blue blazer.

Professor Neal Peres Da Costa, past Kinnane Scholar in Residence, with music students

Professor Neal Peres Da Costa, past Kinnane Scholar in Residence, with music students

2015 • The Bartlett Fellowship

A illustration of a human head with visual window into the structure of the brain.

At QBI, researchers work to unlock the mysteries of the brain to generate new knowledge and reduce the burden of neurological disease.

The Fellowship was established following a bequest to the Queensland Brain Institute from Maureen Gilmartin AM (Bachelor of Science '53) and gifts from other generous donors. It supports Emeritus Professor Perry Bartlett AO’s vision to accelerate research and discovery in neuroscience by providing financial assistance to early career researchers.

2015 • TC Beirne School of Law refurbishment *

The generosity of donors contributed to these new state-of-the-art facilities, supporting the school’s strengthened focus on collaborative, interactive and innovative learning.

2016 • Malcolm Broomhead Chair in Finance

In 2016, UQ alum, philanthropist and leading Australian businessman Malcolm Broomhead (Bachelor of Engineering '75, Master of Business Administration '85) gifted $3m to endow UQ’s Chair of Finance, which the University later named in his honour. With oversight of the Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics program a key responsibility, the position was established to help develop executive leaders of the future by providing training and research opportunities with a strong industry focus.

2016 • Kinnane Bequest

Two young women holding violins in formal black clothing sit next to a middle-aged man in a blue blazer.

Professor Neal Peres Da Costa, past Kinnane Scholar in Residence, with music students

A generous bequest from Paula Kinnane (Bachelor of Arts '91) and her husband, Tony, established endowment funds for the School of Music and UQ Art Museum to support UQ students and arts communities in regional and rural Queensland. The endowments fund paid internships, scholarships, regional engagement and professional training to create opportunities and experiences for those who share Paula and Tony’s passion for the arts.

2016 • Stafford Fox Program in prevention of ageing and dementia

Established by The Stafford Fox Medical Research Foundation, the program supports the prestigious international fellowship to fight stroke-induced dementia (vascular dementia). The Foundation also continues to support research into the prevention of dementia in ageing by improving cognition through exercise.

2017 • Not If, When – The Campaign to Create Change

UQ’s first comprehensive philanthropic campaign is launched by campaign co-chairs Professor Ian and Caroline Frazer (Master of Educational Studies '97) and an extraordinary group of dedicated alumni and community volunteers.

A goal is announced to deepen our engagement with alumni and work with our global community to raise $500 million to advance critical efforts at the University.

Image: Caroline and Professor Ian Frazer, co-chairs of the Not If, When Campaign.

A closeup of a woman with short hair looking into the distance. Her husband sits behind her in the background.

2017 • Brazil Family Program for Neurology

The Brazil Family Foundation’s gift in 2017 (and continued support since) funds clinical collaborations in stroke and MND research at the Queensland Brain Institute, creating a translational pathway for clinicians and researchers to work side-by-side to improve outcomes for people affected by stroke and MND.

2017 • Robert Levin Family Endowment

This fund was established in support of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) Centre for Lung Cancer Early Detection, which focuses on the discovery and development of innovative methods for early detection of lung cancer.

2017 • The University of Queensland UK Trust

Established in 2017, The University of Queensland UK Trust is a registered charity in the England and Wales that raises funds and support for UQ, while enabling UK taxpayers to claim Gift Aid and receive charitable tax receipts for eligible donations.

2018 • Tritium Fellow in E-Mobility

Made possible thanks to a landmark commitment to sustainability by Trevor and Judith St Baker through the St Baker Family Foundation, this endowed research position is dedicated to advancing electric-mobility locally and abroad. They also established the St Baker Fellowship in E-Mobility in 2020. 

A man holds open the bonnet of an electric UQ vehicle that is charging in a charging spot. He is on the UQ campus.

Tritium E-Mobility Fellow Dr Jake Whitehead. Image: Judit Losh

Tritium E-Mobility Fellow Dr Jake Whitehead. Image: Judit Losh

2018 • John Dugald Adams bequest

John Dugald Adams (Bachelor of Commerce '61) donated $2.7 million to the University for general purposes in 2018, with the University endowing the funds to create UQ’s first accommodation scholarship. John lived near UQ and for decades he provided his house as accommodation to international students, making the establishment of this scholarship a fitting tribute.

2018 • Hutchinson Fund for Ethics

In 2018, UQ alum Mark Hutchinson (Bachelor of Commerce '86, Doctor of Business honoris causa '14), former CEO and President of General Electric Europe, donated $1 million and significant time and expertise towards establishing a Chair in Ethics within UQ’s Faculty of Business, Economics and Law. As the faculty’s executive-in-residence, Mr Hutchinson continues to help students and staff understand how to navigate the complexities of ethical decision-making, training and leadership in business.

2019 • UQ’s first Giving Day

In 2019, UQ hosted its first ever Giving Day. Our community rallied with over 1,300 donors stepping forward to raise over $2 million in just 24 hours.

Image: on-campus activities included photos with #UQGivingDay shared across social media.

One woman takes a photo of another woman posing enthusiastically in front of a mural with angel wings.

2019 • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship Endowment

This needs-based fund empowers promising Indigenous Australian students to achieve their goals and aspirations by increasing access to a world-class education.

2019 • Founders Pledge launched

With a new approach to philanthropy, the UQ Founders Pledge enables entrepreneurs to ‘pay it forward’ and commit to donating a portion of their start-up success to the University at a future date.

2019 • 33rd UQ Senate Create Change Residential Scholarship

Created by members of UQ’s 33rd Senate, the scholarship supports high-achieving financially disadvantaged students to undertake undergraduate studies and live as residents on campus at UQ. Members of the 34th Senate and 35th Senate followed suit by establishing additional scholarships to support UQ undergraduate students experiencing financial hardship.

2019 • QBI Discovery Research Fund

Supporting new discoveries in neuroscience research at the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), this fund plays a crucial role in providing financial backing for fundamental research and is a critical pathway to uncovering the brain’s secrets so we can both harness its power and address the burden of neurological disease.

2019 • Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership Endowment Fund *

An architectural illustration depicting the inside view of a building. People sit in the foyer and take stairs across levels.

A design illustration of the Andrew N. Liveris Building

This fund and associated leadership academy were established with a landmark $13.5 million gift from Paula and Andrew Liveris (Bachelor of Engineering '75, Doctor of Science honoris causa '05). It supports undergraduate scholarships, travel bursaries, a Leaders-in-Residence Program and a unique cross-disciplinary curriculum focused on innovation, leadership and digital transformations. The Liveris Academy is located in the Andrew N Liveris Building, named in Andrew’s honour.

An architectural illustration depicting the inside view of a building. People sit in the foyer and take stairs across levels.

A design illustration of the Andrew N. Liveris Building

A design illustration of the Andrew N. Liveris Building

2020 • Donors accelerate UQ’s COVID-19 vaccine

As UQ researchers worked tirelessly to create a COVID-19 vaccine amid the pandemic, more than 2,600 donors came together to contribute over $10 million towards the research project.

While the vaccine candidate did not progress to Phase 2/3 clinical trials, the underlying Molecular Clamp technology passed a major clinical test and the researchers continue to build on what they have learned about the technology.

From left to right: Paul Young, Keith Chappell (Bachelor of Science (Honours) '03, Doctor of Philosophy '07) and Trent Munro (Doctor of Philosophy '01) of the COVID-19 vaccine team. Image: Glenn Hunt

Three medical researchers wearing white coats and safety goggles look directly to camera while standing in a lab setting.

2020 • UQ-AIME

Two Indigenous students read a document together on a sofa within a common study space.

Students in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit at UQ.

UQ-AIME The Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) was launched at UQ in 2020, made possible by the generous support of Simon Fenwick (Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor Economics '92) and the Fenwick Foundation. The UQ-AIME program empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through high school and on to university, employment and further education.

2020 • Alumni Friends become a part of UQ

In over 50 years since the founding of Alumni Friends in 1967, members have raised more than $10 million for UQ in scholarships, awards, bursaries and benefactions across all areas of the University. This generosity continues today through our thriving Alumni Friends community.

2020 • Baidam Indigenous Scholarship Endowment Fund

In 2020, Indigenous-owned business Baidam Solutions partnered with UQ to establish a scholarship available in perpetuity to encourage greater Indigenous participation in information technology and other STEM related study fields.

2020 • 3MT People’s Choice Prize Endowment Fund

This fund was established to ensure the ongoing award of the prizes for UQ’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition and its continued association with Alumni Friends. The 3MT People’s Choice Prize was first awarded by Alumni Friends in 2012.

2020 • Create Change Scholarship Match

A new financial hardship scholarship match initiative was created, enabling the establishment of over 120 new endowed scholarship funds, supporting many students in financial need across the University each year, forever. 

Two Indigenous students read a document together on a sofa within a common study space.

Students in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit at UQ.

Students in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit at UQ.

A timeline of philanthropic events in 2020. 2020 marked the closure of the Not If When campaign, with 607 million in total funds raised. There were 16643 donors, 34009 gifts from 61 countries.

2020 • Dr John Douglas Forbes Nesbit bequest

John Nesbit (Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery '58 and Bachelor of Science '65) was an alum of UQ whose love of both mathematics and pathology informed his generous bequest of more than $10 million – which enabled the creation of the Annual John Nesbit Mathematics Public Lecture, Dr John Nesbit Pure Mathematics Fellowship and endowed funds for both the Department of Mathematics and Pathology.

2021 • UQ Colleges pledge scholarships for students in need

Five students sit around a picnic table in the afternoon talking.

College students at UQ. Image: Anjanette Webb

Since 2021, 7 UQ Colleges have committed to endow 32 scholarships for students facing financial hardship to live and learn on campus. Together, through the Create Change Scholarship Match and The Queensland Commitment initiative (launched in 2022), UQ and the Colleges invested a total of $8 million toward endowed scholarships for UQ students residing at Cromwell, Duchesne, Emmanuel, St John’s, King’s, St Leo’s and The Women’s College.

2021 • Minderoo Centre – Plastics and Human Health

Thanks to generous funding from the Minderoo Foundation in 2021, the Minderoo Centre – Plastics and Human Health enables world-leading research, including developing methods to accurately sample and measure plastic chemicals and particles in humans, and in particular, human brains. With specialists in environmental health, toxicology, epidemiology and more, the Centre works in partnership with the Sydney Brain Bank and health specialists to advance our understanding of the health outcomes associated with our exposure to plastic.

2021 • Dow Challenge completed

In 2018, UQ’s first corporate matched giving program, the Dow Challenge, was launched with Dow Chemical Company’s US$3.5 million pledge to match qualifying gifts to the UQ Dow Centre, Liveris Academy and School of Chemical Engineering. The Dow Challenge was completed in July 2021.

2021 • Dr Mary Wing Ming Lee bequest

Dr Mary Lee (Master of Organisational Psychology '96, Doctor of Philosophy '15), a UQ alum and accomplished clinical psychologist from Hong Kong, left a generous bequest of $4 million to UQ in 2020. Her bequest supports undergraduate scholarships, fellowships, internships, research initiatives and PhD top-up scholarships across the Social Change Lab in the School of Psychology, the Responsibility to Protect Centre and the Life Course Centre in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Sustainable Energy Futures Program.

2021 • Google.org support for bushfire response and recovery

In 2021, Google.org entered into a philanthropic partnership with UQ to support Nowcasting Bushfire Hazards, a world-first real-time bushfire hazard detection and warning system using artificial intelligence – led by Professor Hamish McGowan in the School of the Environment.

2022 • The Queensland Commitment launch

Launched in 2022, The Queensland Commitment is UQ’s pledge to improve equitable access to education and deliver transformative change across the state by 2032. The initiative involves widening entry pathways, enhancing scholarships, embedding equity in teaching and learning and providing tailored support, while strengthening community partnerships to deliver meaningful pathways for inclusion. As at the start of 2025, $35 million had been raised for this important initiative.

2022 • The Lesleigh Green – Bill and Nancy Green Chair in Dementia Research

Throughout her life, the late Lesleigh Spencer Green was determined to help others, the motivation for her decision to give a portion of her estate to charity. Lesleigh’s trustee nominated the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) as a major recipient of her estate in 2022. The gift enabled the establishment of QBI’s first endowed Chair, The Lesleigh Green – Bill and Nancy Green Chair in Dementia Research, in recognition of Lesleigh and her parents.

2023 • UQef Indigenous Scholarship Match and subsequent Fenwick Foundation Match

In 2023, the UQ endowment fund established the UQef Indigenous Scholarship Fund to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying at UQ. By growing the number of Indigenous scholarships at UQ, UQef is committed to creating new opportunities for the next generation of Indigenous leaders. The fund was used to leverage additional philanthropic support via a matching initiative to maximise impact. In 2024, donor and UQ alum Simon Fenwick,  established the Indigenous Scholarship Fund, offering a subsequent matching initiative.

2023 • Wellcome Trust support for dengue prevention

In 2023, the Wellcome Trust pledged $8.4 million to UQ project ‘E-DENGUE: A user-friendly digital prediction tool for dengue prevention’. Led by Associate Professor Dung Phung from UQ’s School of Public Health, the project will develop a prediction tool for dengue prevention in the Mekong Delta Region, Vietnam. The tool has the potential to impact regions across Vietnam and beyond.

2024 • Taylor Family Chair

UQ alum Paul Taylor (Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Commerce '92), and his family funded the establishment of UQ’s Centre for the Business and Economics of Health (CBEH) in 2015 and continue to support the ongoing operations of the Centre. In 2024, the family established an endowment fund to support the CBEH Taylor Family Chair position in perpetuity, providing a platform to bring together diverse research disciplines to work with key partners across Australia’s health sector.

2024 • Snow Medical Research Foundation

In 2024, Snow Medical Research Foundation awarded UQ researchers $8 million to dramatically advance the use of genomics to prevent chronic disease such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s. This landmark genetic research, undertaken by researcher Associate Professor Loic Yengo from UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience, could allow doctors to accurately predict whether a patient is at risk of developing common diseases, decades before any symptoms would become evident.

Five students sit around a picnic table in the afternoon talking.

College students at UQ. Image: Anjanette Webb

College students at UQ. Image: Anjanette Webb

An agricultural student inspecting a wheat crop in a field

The Queensland Commitment aims to deliver transformative change across the state and improve equitable access to education.

The Queensland Commitment aims to deliver transformative change across the state and improve equitable access to education.

BECAUSE OF YOU,
THE GOOD DOESN'T STOP

Thank you...

The University of Queensland is where it is today thanks to the support of donors. 

Within every chapter of our history, you can find the legacies and passions of those who sought to create a lasting change in the world through giving, from the visionary Mayne siblings to the everyday generosity of those who made a gift during our first comprehensive philanthropic campaign. 

But this is a story that is still being written – every gift is a new page in who we are and who we continue to become. 

Thank you for making history.

A young man with blonde hair looks behind himself while walking beneath a blooming jacaranda tree.

The University of Queensland Philanthropy Trail

The Philanthropy Trail – launched as part of our Not if, when campaign celebrations in 2021 – recognises buildings, facilities and features made possible by the extraordinary generosity of the UQ community.

Covering all UQ campuses and sites, the Philanthropy Trail chronicles the rich and longstanding history of giving at UQ and provides permanent recognition of the long-lasting impact of those gifts.

We welcome your suggestions for the Philanthropy Trail.

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