CREATING
CHANGE
The impact of our donors
CREATING
CHANGE
The impact of our donors
MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRESIDENT
On behalf of our whole team here at The University of Queensland (UQ), I'd like to thank you, and everyone in our generous donor community, for your invaluable support of the University in 2024.
As we reflect on the past year, there are countless achievements to be proud of – from helping to forge better futures for students experiencing hardship to advances in world-leading research, including progressing new treatments for heart health and rheumatoid arthritis.
These successes reflect the collective commitment of our community to “deliver for the public good” – and they have often been made possible thanks to the generosity of donors, such as you.
I am delighted to report that more than 4,000 donors chose to give to causes at UQ in 2024. This generosity has been directed towards supporting 1,388 talented students to attend UQ on scholarships, as well as enabling our research community to forge ahead with their research into solving all manner of complex issues and global challenges.
The support of donors has also been instrumental in breaking down barriers to education through The Queensland Commitment. I am pleased to share that thanks to the support of our many donors, over $35 million has been raised to date towards our ambitious goal of $250 million for this initiative.
Thank you for believing in our mission to deliver for the public good.
I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together in 2025.
Professor Deborah Terry AC
Vice-Chancellor and President
MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRESIDENT
Image: Newstead Studio/Sam Thies
Image: Newstead Studio/Sam Thies
On behalf of our whole team here at The University of Queensland (UQ), I'd like to thank you, and everyone in our generous donor community, for your invaluable support of the University in 2024.
As we reflect on the past year, there are countless achievements to be proud of – from helping to forge better futures for students experiencing hardship to advances in world-leading research, including progressing new treatments for heart health and rheumatoid arthritis.
These successes reflect the collective commitment of our community to “deliver for the public good” – and they have often been made possible thanks to the generosity of donors, such as you.
I am delighted to report that more than 4,000 donors chose to give to causes at UQ in 2024. This generosity has been directed towards supporting 1,388 talented students to attend UQ on scholarships, as well as enabling our research community to forge ahead with their research into solving all manner of complex issues and global challenges.
The support of donors has also been instrumental in breaking down barriers to education through The Queensland Commitment. I am pleased to share that thanks to the support of our many donors, over $35 million has been raised to date towards our ambitious goal of $250 million for this initiative.
Thank you for believing in our mission to deliver for the public good.
I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together in 2025.
Professor Deborah Terry AC
Vice-Chancellor and President
Stay up to date with your UQ community by updating your contact details.
The Queensland Commitment
Championing access, empowering futures
The Queensland Commitment is UQ’s pledge to improve equitable access to education and deliver transformative change across the state. We are so grateful for the support of over 3,900 donors who have partnered with us so far to achieve this mission.
We are thankful for the support shown by UQ staff members who have generously rallied behind this critical vision of expanding equitable access to education. The Queensland Commitment Staff Scholarship will be awarded to the inaugural student recipient in 2025.
With an ambitious initiative such as this, we are so grateful to have received over $35.16 million to date, directly supporting over 200 scholarship funds like the Young Achievers Program and InspireU.
InspireU
For over 10 years, InspireU has been successfully delivering an Indigenous-led tertiary experience program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students that demystifies university, builds aspirations and equips participants with the resources they need to pursue study and career opportunities.
In line with The Queensland Commitment, UQ aims to have the proportion of domestic students identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander reflect the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland by 2032.
This includes students like Angus – a Kamilaroi man – who is studying a Doctor of Medicine at UQ. Back in 2019, he had the opportunity to attend an InspireU camp, making him the first from his high school to do so.
He said it was the catalyst that led him to where he is today.
“I had no idea of what to expect. I knew barely anything about UQ, and I was unsure of exactly what pathway I wanted to pursue after high school,” he said.
“It’s quite challenging to encapsulate just how much InspireU has impacted my life – but I do vividly remember that my 16-year-old self adored the experience and was inspired to pursue health and sciences at this university.”
Angus has since become an ambassador for the program, helping others as they decide on their futures.
“I’ve had several students directly tell me that I was their inspiration for pursuing their chosen pathway but at times, hearing their stories and aspirations even inspires me, and isn’t that what this program is all about?”
In 2024, with the backing of donor support to the program, 130 students attended InspireU camps and 41 of these students applied to study at UQ through QTAC.
The support of donors greatly impacts the next generation of Indigenous leaders. Please consider supporting the InspireU program by giving to The Queensland Commitment today.
Angus (right) and other students from InspireU
Angus (right) and other students from InspireU
Angus (right) talking to an InspireU student
Angus (right) talking to an InspireU student
Angus (right) and other students from InspireU
Angus (right) and other students from InspireU
InspireU
For over 10 years, InspireU has been successfully delivering an Indigenous-led tertiary experience program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students that demystifies university, builds aspirations and equips participants with the resources they need to pursue study and career opportunities.
In line with The Queensland Commitment, UQ aims to have the proportion of domestic students identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander reflect the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland by 2032.
This includes students like Angus – a Kamilaroi man – who is studying a Doctor of Medicine at UQ. Back in 2019, he had the opportunity to attend an InspireU camp, making him the first from his high school to do so.
He said it was the catalyst that led him to where he is today.
“I had no idea of what to expect. I knew barely anything about UQ, and I was unsure of exactly what pathway I wanted to pursue after high school,” he said.
“It’s quite challenging to encapsulate just how much InspireU has impacted my life – but I do vividly remember that my 16-year-old self adored the experience and was inspired to pursue health and sciences at this university.”
Angus has since become an ambassador for the program, helping others as they decide on their futures.
“I’ve had several students directly tell me that I was their inspiration for pursuing their chosen pathway but at times, hearing their stories and aspirations even inspires me, and isn’t that what this program is all about?”
In 2024, with the backing of donor support to the program, 130 students attended InspireU camps and 41 of these students applied to study at UQ through QTAC.
The support of donors greatly impacts the next generation of Indigenous leaders. Please consider supporting the InspireU program by giving to The Queensland Commitment today.
Young Achievers Program
The Young Achievers Program (YAP) was established by generous donations from UQef in 2009 and is now in its 15th year. During this time, over 1,500 donors have given to the program.
This support equips students from underrepresented groups with mentorship, financial aid, leadership development and academic support, enabling their success and creating lasting intergenerational change.
Rural student Tabitha who studied a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Science said she was grateful for the opportunities provided through the program.
“My experience with YAP is one of lasting friendships, a sense of community and growing self-assurance, not to mention instrumental financial support and an accommodation scholarship,” Tabitha said.
“The program has given me the means and confidence to move from a small country town to UQ in pursuit of my interests in anthropology and the social sciences. I’ll always be grateful to be part of YAP and to now be sharing my experiences with new UQ students as a peer-to-peer mentor.”
Since its commencement, the program has welcomed 1,667 participants. Of those who went on to study at UQ, 407 have since graduated from undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. You can help support more students from across Queensland like Tabitha (Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science student) here.
Young Achievers Program
The Young Achievers Program (YAP) was established by generous donations from UQef in 2009 and is now in its 15th year. During this time, over 1,500 donors have given to the program.
This support equips students from underrepresented groups with mentorship, financial aid, leadership development and academic support, enabling their success and creating lasting intergenerational change.
Rural student Tabitha who studied a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Science said she was grateful for the opportunities provided through the program.
“My experience with YAP is one of lasting friendships, a sense of community and growing self-assurance, not to mention instrumental financial support and an accommodation scholarship,” Tabitha said.
“The program has given me the means and confidence to move from a small country town to UQ in pursuit of my interests in anthropology and the social sciences. I’ll always be grateful to be part of YAP and to now be sharing my experiences with new UQ students as a peer-to-peer mentor.”
Since its commencement, the program has welcomed 1,667 participants. Of those who went on to study at UQ, 407 have since graduated from undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. You can help support more students from across Queensland like Tabitha (Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science student) here.
Inspiring Australia Queensland
UQ is the proud host of Inspiring Australia Queensland (IAQ) – bringing STEM education to more regional and remote communities across the state. In 2024, IAQ joined the growing list of causes UQ raises money for through UQ Giving Day.
Passionate ambassadors like Dr Katrina Wruck, recently named 2025 Young Australian of the Year, Dr Christina Zdenek and Dr Mariel Familiar-Lopez, help to spread awareness and inspire careers in STEM for young people from rural and regional areas. Learn more about Inspiring Australia Queensland here.
Inspiring Australia Queensland
UQ is the proud host of Inspiring Australia Queensland (IAQ) – bringing STEM education to more regional and remote communities across the state. In 2024, IAQ joined the growing list of causes UQ raises money for through UQ Giving Day.
Passionate ambassadors like Dr Katrina Wruck, recently named 2025 Young Australian of the Year, Dr Christina Zdenek and Dr Mariel Familiar-Lopez, help to spread awareness and inspire careers in STEM for young people from rural and regional areas. Learn more about Inspiring Australia Queensland here.
Research impact
Every step counts
After 5 years, $1.175 million raised and over 326,000 steps, the National Fire Industry Association (NFIA) Patron’s Walk for Charity celebrated its third and final event in 2024.
“When we come together for a good cause, we can truly make a difference, funding life-changing research for future generations.” - Brian Davies
In October, NFIA Patron Brian Davies, his wife Liz and a team of trekkers walked the 66 kilometres of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail in South Australia to raise funds for the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) at UQ and Gallipoli Medical Research (GMR).
Trekkers completing the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail in South Australia
Trekkers completing the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail in South Australia
A record $390,000 was raised in 2024 through the final walk. Total donations from all 3 walks supported over 20 medical research programs at QBI and GMR. These included dementia, stroke, MND, brain research, anxiety and depression and epilepsy at QBI, as well as veteran support, PTSD, liver cancer and respiratory clinical trials at GMR.
Brian is grateful for the community’s shared commitment to giving back and this achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of small and large donations, both from individuals and companies.
“We couldn’t have done this without all of our Gold and Angel Sponsors, who, along with over 2,500 members and friends, have attended our functions and supported this cause.”
The inspiration for the walk began in 2018 when Brian and Liz completed the Three Capes Walk to support the Alastair Rushworth Dementia Fund at QBI. Seeing the potential to make an even greater impact, Brian launched the NFIA Patron’s Walk for Charity the following year with the aim of raising $500,000 for the 2 charities over 3 separate walks.
Five years on, he has helped to raise over $1 million to support life-changing research at QBI – all thanks to the trekkers and donors like you.
Brian’s dedication and advocacy demonstrates the powerful impact ambassadors can make with the support of the broader community. His story is just one example of how our community is coming together to champion QBI. Discover how you can continue your support.
Every step counts
After 5 years, $1.175 million raised and over 326,000 steps, the National Fire Industry Association (NFIA) Patron’s Walk for Charity celebrated its third and final event in 2024.
“When we come together for a good cause, we can truly make a difference, funding life-changing research for future generations.”
In October, NFIA Patron Brian Davies, his wife Liz and a team of trekkers walked the 66 kilometres of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail in South Australia to raise funds for the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) at UQ and Gallipoli Medical Research (GMR).
Trekkers completing the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail in South Australia
Trekkers completing the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail in South Australia
A record $390,000 was raised in 2024 through the final walk. Total donations from all 3 walks supported over 20 medical research programs at QBI and GMR. These included dementia, stroke, MND, brain research, anxiety and depression and epilepsy at QBI, as well as veteran support, PTSD, liver cancer and respiratory clinical trials at GMR.
Brian is grateful for the community’s shared commitment to giving back and this achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of small and large donations, both from individuals and companies.
“We couldn’t have done this without all of our Gold and Angel Sponsors, who, along with over 2,500 members and friends, have attended our functions and supported this cause.”
The inspiration for the walk began in 2018 when Brian and Liz completed the Three Capes Walk to support the Alastair Rushworth Dementia Fund at QBI. Seeing the potential to make an even greater impact, Brian launched the NFIA Patron’s Walk for Charity the following year with the aim of raising $500,000 for the 2 charities over 3 separate walks.
Trekkers taking a break on the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail
Trekkers taking a break on the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail
Five years on, he has helped to raise over $1 million to support life-changing research at QBI – all thanks to the trekkers and donors like you.
Brian’s dedication and advocacy demonstrates the powerful impact ambassadors can make with the support of the broader community. His story is just one example of how our community is coming together to champion QBI. Discover how you can continue your support.
Creating hope for women
An astounding 75 Australians receive a breast or gynaecological cancer diagnosis each day. Thanks to the generosity of donors who raised $82,696 to support women’s cancer research on UQ Giving Day in 2024, researchers are making critical advances in women’s cancer detection, treatment and patient care.
Australia has one of the highest rates of breast cancer diagnoses, with one in 7 women estimated to be diagnosed in their lifetime. While the survival rate for breast cancer patients has improved significantly over the past 30 years, more work still needs to be done to improve treatment and outcomes.
At UQ’s Frazer Institute, Professorial Research Fellow Professor Fiona Simpson and her colleagues are improving treatment for patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer.
In 2024, they progressed their ‘Her2Pro’ clinical trial, a research study that will help determine if an anti-nausea drug combined with chemotherapy will improve treatment for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.
Professor Simpson and her team are also studying new molecules to change cancer immune responses, especially in tumours like triple negative breast cancer. This game-changing research has the potential to revolutionise how we approach and treat breast cancer.
“Your support allows us to understand women’s cancers to develop new prognostics and therapies and to support women going through these [cancer] journeys,” Professor Simpson said.
“My hope for the future is that my daughter won’t have to worry about women’s cancers.”
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer affecting Australian women and diagnoses are rising at an alarming rate. There is an urgent need for gentler, kinder and more effective treatments that enhance both survival and quality of life for patients.
With the support of donors, Dr Eva Baxter, Research Fellow at the Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer (QCGC) Research at UQ, is helping make this a reality. In 2024, Dr Baxter’s team launched the SATELLITE clinical trial, exploring immunotherapy as a non-surgical treatment for women with early-stage endometrial cancer.
QCGC Research also expanded Queensland’s first vulvar cancer study – Pre-ANVU – to 6 Australian sites and one in Uruguay. Current treatments for vulvar cancer cause significant morbidity and the outcomes of this study may spare future patients the unnecessary removal of groin lymph nodes, reducing complications, improving recovery time and helping them return to normal daily activities.
Dr Baxter’s greatest hope for the future is, “that a woman who is diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer can have the best treatment available to her, so she can be guaranteed she will respond to the treatment and have the best outcome. Not only do we want women to survive gynaecological cancer, but we also want them to thrive.”
Thanks to your continued support, UQ researchers are creating hope and the best possible outcomes and care for all women.
Vital cardiovascular research at the heart of change
Cardiovascular disease – including heart disease and stroke – remains the single leading cause of death in Australia.
It can affect any gender and age and in fact, congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect nationwide, with one baby born every 4 hours exhibiting symptoms or being diagnosed.
The Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) at UQ tackles the disease through multiple innovative approaches to increase scientific knowledge about the heart’s biology and develop the next generation of cardiovascular treatments.
Thanks to the support of our generous donor community, IMB researchers progressed this crucial work last year, improving risk predictors to enable early intervention, as well as therapeutics to improve patient outcomes.
In 2024, UQ donors contributed $54,557 to help establish an endowed fund to support cardiovascular disease research at the Institute. This gift will ensure that IMB's vital research to understand and prevent cardiovascular disease will continue to thrive in perpetuity.
Your support acts as a source of motivation for IMB research teams and a beacon of hope for all Australians.
Join our community in support of IMB Cardiovascular Research.
Gifts to cardiovascular disease research at IMB support projects including:
Click on an image to learn more.
The development of Infensa, led by Professor Glenn King, a new treatment candidate for both heart attack and stroke using a molecule from the K’gari funnel-web spider. Now in clinical trials, it is poised to become the first early intervention drug of its kind in clinical use.
The development of Infensa, led by Professor Glenn King, a new treatment candidate for both heart attack and stroke using a molecule from the K’gari funnel-web spider. Now in clinical trials, it is poised to become the first early intervention drug of its kind in clinical use.
The Living Heart project, led by Dr Jacky Suen, which has successfully increased the number of viable donor hearts. The project enhances the health of donor hearts before transplantation, more than doubling the time that donor hearts can remain viable and as a result, donor hearts can now be retrieved from remote locations.
The Living Heart project, led by Dr Jacky Suen, which has successfully increased the number of viable donor hearts. The project enhances the health of donor hearts before transplantation, more than doubling the time that donor hearts can remain viable and as a result, donor hearts can now be retrieved from remote locations.
Professor Mark Walker’s work to develop an mRNA vaccine against Strep A, which causes rheumatic heart disease and disproportionately affects First Nations communities in Australia and those in low and middle-income countries.
Professor Mark Walker’s work to develop an mRNA vaccine against Strep A, which causes rheumatic heart disease and disproportionately affects First Nations communities in Australia and those in low and middle-income countries.
Associate Professor Sonia Shah’s South Asian Genes in Health in Australia (SAGHA) research which aims to understand why certain people are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease, and how to improve risk prediction models so clinicians can begin disease prevention programs earlier.
Associate Professor Sonia Shah’s South Asian Genes in Health in Australia (SAGHA) research which aims to understand why certain people are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease, and how to improve risk prediction models so clinicians can begin disease prevention programs earlier.
The work of Associate Professor Anna Lagendijk who uses a unique zebrafish model to investigate the formation of blood vessels to understand disease processes that lead to stroke and Cytomegalovirus (CMV).
The work of Associate Professor Anna Lagendijk who uses a unique zebrafish model to investigate the formation of blood vessels to understand disease processes that lead to stroke and Cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Dr Melanie White’s work which has developed a unique quail embryo model to study the formation of heart tissue to understand how congenital heart defects occur so that we can learn how to prevent them.
Dr Melanie White’s work which has developed a unique quail embryo model to study the formation of heart tissue to understand how congenital heart defects occur so that we can learn how to prevent them.
Generous vision to create a
better world
The late Dr Mary Wing-Ming Lee (Master of Organisational Psychology ’96, Doctor of Philosophy ’15) was always a big believer in deep, critical thinking and using it to create a better world.
An accomplished and well-respected clinical psychologist in Hong Kong, Dr Lee conducted prominent research in social psychology and family systems. She was also passionate about the environment and sustainability.
Upon her passing in 2020, Dr Lee bequeathed a donation to her alma mater, UQ, to support various programs and initiatives including: the Social Change Lab; the Life Courses Centre; the Sustainable Energy Futures Program; as well as fellowships in family dynamics, sustainability research and human rights.
Thanks to Dr Lee’s generosity, in 2024 the Social Change Lab was able to fund key initiatives such as critical research and student learning opportunities including:
- Providing UQ students and early-career academics the opportunity to present key insights on the psychology of allyship as part of an interactive workshop for National Reconciliation Week in partnership with Amnesty International.
- Funding for a third wave of the Lab’s longitudinal survey on Queensland's social and political attitudes has enabled PhD research, interdisciplinary collaborations and work with activists. This investment led to the publication of the study's first paper in Global Environmental Change.
It is an honour for the University to continue Dr Lee’s legacy through her gifts which will continue to have an enormous impact on students, teaching and research.
A donation in your Will is a meaningful way to create transformational impact, honour a loved one, or to give back. To find out how you can make a difference with a gift to UQ in your Will, please contact our dedicated bequest team for a confidential conversation.
The power of community
UQ Giving Day
The dedication and generosity of the UQ community shone bright again in October for UQ Giving Day.
The spirit of philanthropy was celebrated globally through several initiatives in the lead-up, including UQ Global Connections events across 22 cities. A diverse range of events were organised, from gatherings in London and Paris, to networking opportunities in Hanoi and even an Aussie-inspired barbeque in Tokyo.
Together, our local and global community of 1,654 donors from 24 countries raised $1,165,427 for 44 causes across the University – an incredible achievement.
The UQ Global Chinese Alumni Association (UQGCAA) continues to have an outstanding impact, raising $225,000 for Giving Day – the highest amount for any cause this year. These funds will be distributed to provide scholarships for exceptional graduates, support research initiatives for early-career international researchers and enhance alumni connections through cultural activities.
At The Women’s College, staff and students organised the Mary Wooza Giving Games, which included dunking water on some of the leadership staff. The afternoon of fun raised over $3,000 – all in support of residential scholarships.
To our 1,654-strong Giving Day community, including the 600 new donors who came on board in 2024, thank you for joining our season of giving and making a difference with your support.
Additionally, we would like to recognise James Sharp as our top ambassador, with 17 donors rallying support for James’s chosen cause, the UQ Touch Football Association, he raised over $1,000. Your efforts have made a significant impact on UQ’s sporting community.
We look forward to reuniting our global community again in 2025.
Quotes from our Giving Day donors
Quotes from our Giving Day donors
Quotes from our Giving Day donors
Quotes from our Giving Day donors
Quotes from our Giving Day donors
Quotes from our Giving Day donors
UQ Giving Day
The dedication and generosity of the UQ community shone bright again in October for UQ Giving Day.
The spirit of philanthropy was celebrated globally through several initiatives in the lead-up, including UQ Global Connections events across 22 cities. A diverse range of events were organised, from gatherings in London and Paris, to networking opportunities in Hanoi and even an Aussie-inspired barbeque in Tokyo.
Together, our local and global community of 1,654 donors from 24 countries raised $1,165,427 for 44 causes across the University – an incredible achievement.
The UQ Global Chinese Alumni Association (UQGCAA) continues to have an outstanding impact raising $225,000 for Giving Day – the highest amount for any cause this year. These funds will be distributed to provide scholarships for exceptional graduates, support research initiatives for early-career international researchers and enhance alumni connections through cultural activities.
At The Women’s College, staff and students organised the Mary Wooza Giving Games, which included dunking water on some of the leadership staff. The afternoon of fun raised over $3,000 – all in support of residential scholarships.
To our 1,654-strong Giving Day community, including the 600 new donors who came on board in 2024, thank you for joining our season of giving and making a difference with your support.
Additionally, we would like to recognise James Sharp as our top ambassador, with 17 donors rallying support for James’s chosen cause, the UQ Touch Football Association, he raised over $1,000. Your efforts have made a significant impact on UQ’s sporting community.
We look forward to reuniting our global community again in 2025.
Comments from our UQ Giving Day Donors.
"Let’s make a difference together."
"Gratitude to UQ and Australia for providing me with the opportunity to pursue a career in medicine."
"UQ changed my life trajectory."
"Living in a rural area, I know the difference university makes for young rural people."
"To promote equal opportunity in education."
"The great things UQ does for society."
UQ Allies taking action
Celebrating its 20th year, the UQ Ally Network continued to demonstrate its commitment to students in 2024 with a wealth of fundraising activities focused on supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.
"This generosity has significantly contributed to the well-being of some of the most vulnerable members of our community." - Jennifer Shaw
LGBTQIA+ students often face greater financial hardship and homelessness compared to their heterosexual, cisgender peers. The funds raised by the UQ Ally Network and donors empower these students to focus on their education by alleviating financial burdens so they can achieve their full potential.
Last year, the Network achieved many milestones.
- The Alumni Pride Scholarship which supports LGBTQIA+ students experiencing financial hardship was endowed thanks to the support of donors and will be awarded for the first time in 2025.
- The fifth Annual Great Rainbow Bake Off raised $2,131 and saw talented UQ staff don their aprons and whisks to honour the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
- Over $12,000 was raised for the UQ LGBTQIA+ Bursary which is awarded to multiple students yearly, providing practical support such as funding legal name changes.
Jennifer Shaw, a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) student, was awarded the UQ LGBTQIA+ Bursary in 2024. According to Jennifer, this gift has supported not only herself but countless others as she continues to pay this kindness forward.
“I was thrilled to be awarded this bursary in 2024, which enabled me to continue to dedicate time volunteering with Diverse Voices, a local LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral service. This generosity has significantly contributed to the wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable members of our community," Jennifer said.
Diversity and inclusion bring many strengths to UQ and the University aims to champion the diverse community year-round. Your support can create change for diverse students at UQ.
Volunteer power driving progress
The spirit of philanthropy was demonstrated by Alumni Friends supporters and volunteers in 2024, with $320,999 added to the Alumni Friends Fund and a further $30,551 to the Classics and Antiquities Fund.
Members continued to enjoy opportunities for connection through a range of volunteer-run events including the annual celebratory morning tea, UQ3T talks and more.
The UQ Alumni Book Fair® was a remarkable success. Friends of Antiquity also continued to run a very active program of events, including the popular Ancient History Day and monthly Sunday series program of talks.
Thanks to the generosity of Alumni Friends’ members, volunteers and donors, 9 new ‘Diamond Jubilee’ scholarships for students facing financial hardship will be available for inaugural award in 2025. This includes the Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences Golden Jubilee Scholarship, and scholarships named in honour of Dr David Malouf AO, and Blair and Beth Wilson.
In addition, 11 new agreements to establish scholarships under The Queensland Commitment initiative were co-signed with Alumni Friends, 5 of which will be available for inaugural award in 2025.
With such great progress made last year, Alumni Friends now looks forward to partnering with donors to support key priority funds in 2025, including:
- The Friends of Antiquity Scholarship to support high-achieving honours year students studying Classics and Ancient History.
- The Emeritus Professor Trevor Heath OAM Rural Scholarship, which will ensure that exceptional veterinary students from rural and regional communities can pursue their goals to study at UQ.
Thanks to the strong commitment of its many members and volunteers, Alumni Friends continues to empower and champion UQ researchers, educators and students. To find out how you can connect and the many opportunities to be involved with Alumni Friends, visit here.
Endowment Fund Performance
The University maintains a long-term investment portfolio known as the UQ Investment Fund. Endowments are invested in the Fund and the earnings distributed to causes as specified by you, our donors. In 2024, the portion of the UQ Investment Fund related to endowments totalled $528.6M million.
*Year ending 31/12/2024
WATCH OUR ENDOWMENT EXPLAINER
Donor Charter
The University of Queensland recognises and celebrates the important role philanthropy plays in supporting its mission and strategic priorities. UQ is extremely grateful to all donors for their generous support and is committed to developing lifelong relationships of mutual trust and respect. Read more about UQ's commitment to our donors.
The University of Queensland (UQ) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which UQ operates. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country. We recognise their valuable contributions to Australian and global society.
Thank you
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