Reunion prompts student support initiative

Monash University Medical Foundation Chairman Rod Chadwick with Dr Norman Sonenberg (MBBS 1972)

Monash medicine alumni from the Class of 1972 have turned their 40-year reunion celebration into an opportunity to give back to the University.

Working together, they have created the MBBS Class of 1972 Medical Bursary, a scholarship program which aims to financially support talented students as they pursue their MBBS degree.

Thanks to the generosity of the class, $50,000 has been raised since September this year, enough to offer one student a bursary of $10,000 per year for five years of their degree.

The group aim to build on this effort so the bursary can be offered to more than one student.

Alumnus Dr Norman Sonenberg (MBBS 1972) said it was fun catching up with old friends and colleagues at the reunion and a “marvellous accomplishment” to work together to create the Bursary.

“I think that now is a good time for our group to give back to the community and Monash,” Dr Sonenberg said.

“By establishing an MBBS bursary we have the opportunity to help a promising student who, without our support, may not have the chance to study medicine.

“The MBBS course today is a significant workload. Through this Bursary we will have helped reduce the financial stress of rent, bills, books and living expenses.”

Dr Sonenberg said he felt very fortunate to have studied at Monash, especially given that education was government funded when he was a student.

“It’s hard to imagine how tough it must be for today’s students to cope with the pressures of study, the fees, and the current (always rising) cost of living,” Dr Sonenberg said.

“But financially disadvantaged student must find it even harder.

“We all had a great start in medicine through Monash University and have enjoyed successful careers.

“Through this Bursary we have the chance to make a positive difference to the life of a young future doctor.”

You can support the Bursary by visiting the Giving to Monash website.