Alumni giving back

For Ann Peers, a first time donor to Monash, the University’s 50th anniversary was a personal reminder about what she had gained since enrolling in Monash herself 40 years ago.

Watching her son Tyson thrive through the Vice-Chancellor’s Ancora Imparo program led her to donate to the alumni appeal.

The retired secondary teacher realised she wanted to give back and help foster learning in young people.

“Distinguished community leaders, with Co-ordinator Leanne Gunnulson and the amazing Professor David Copolov, inspired these talented young people from across all faculties.

"The students enjoyed an exchange of ideas and were presented with a diverse range of leadership skills for today’s challenges,” said Ann (BA 1971, DipEd 1972).

“They worked together with a strong sense of purpose and pride in their university. Any program that could inspire a group like that every year is well worth supporting.”

In June, alumni were invited to support Monash students through the University’s first ever email appeal. Alumni could choose to support one of 11 priority student initiatives or an area of their personal interest.

The response was overwhelming.

Jerry Lee, a lawyer, chose to support the Faculty of Law’s Lawrie McCredie Student Support Program because he clearly remembers being inspired by his professor.

A return donor to Monash, Jerry was a student of Lawrie McCredie CBE AM in the early 1980s. Lawrie served the Monash Law School as a teacher, mentor, administrator, friend and colleague to thousands of students.

“I am certain that anybody who knows or has had contact with Lawrie would want to support this program. He is a terrific guy who looked after the undergrads.

"On top of that, he was a great lecturer. I don’t think anybody will ever forget him,” said Jerry (BEc 1980, LLB 1983).