The power of philanthropy and endowment

In 2017, the 1996 Society was created to provide a vehicle for donations towards a university general endowment, the Visionaries Fund. A general endowment’s purpose is to allow the University to weather political and economic uncertainties, ensuring there is reliable funding available for critical areas such as student support and research programs – the backbone of universities. 1996 Society supporters are the innovators and visionaries behind creating a philanthropic nest egg for the future of the University and because of this generous support the Visionaries Fund currently has over $800,000.00.

The chart shows a steady stream of financial growth through new members and the continuing commitment of our loyal founding supporters. A decision was made at the start of the endowment investment to hold the distribution of the interest until a substantial impact could be made; at five years (2022) the cumulated interest can be seen at $75,000 for that year. This interest has been dispersed in full to students as study support bursaries and post-graduate higher degree by research (HDR) bursaries.

The founding 1996 Society supporters could not have foreseen a once-in-a-century pandemic and international political unrest resulting in a global recession, but thankfully the innovators and visionaries believed and continue to believe in the value of supporting students. Laying the 1996 Society foundation for a general endowment in 2017 has enabled the University to continue to help students in need during these times of uncertainty.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues across Australia we are seeing more applications for financial help from UniSC students than ever before. The 1996 Society program plays a vital role in providing a lifeline of support to these students, ensuring they have the best opportunity to reach their full potential.

We are pleased to be able to honour our commitment to supporting eight (8) students this year with six (6) undergraduate and two (2) honours bursaries to be awarded in 2024.

At the end of 2024, your donations to the Visionaries Fund have contributed to 43 students receiving financial assistance through undergraduate, honours and postgraduate bursaries.

Thank you to all our foundational and continuing 1996 Society supporters.

Founding 1996 Society supporters leave an enduring legacy

Ngaire Roberts and Helen Sethna, both founding supporters of the 1996 Society, will be remembered for their commitment and generosity to UniSC after sadly passing away in late 2022.

As a 1996 Society Visionary, Ngaire first supported the University with a donation during the inaugural Giving Day in 2016. Ngaire was a member of the Vice Chancellor’s Founders Circle, and valuable research donor, establishing the Ngaire Roberts Youth Mental Health PhD Scholarship. Ngaire’s commitment to giving continues through PhD scholarship recipient, Kassie Bromley’s neuroscience research at the Thompson Institute; Kassie shares her youth mental health research findings through Brain Changer workshops to schools across the Sunshine Coast.

A loyal supporter of UniSC, Helen (along with her husband Rustum) was named Honorary Senior Fellow of UniSC for ongoing philanthropic support and volunteer contributions throughout the Sunshine Coast, including their financial support for UniSC’s psychology program at its inception. You can read more about Helen’s commitment to UniSC on the 1996 Society supporter profile page.

Ngaire and Helen both leave wonderful legacies that will continue to provide support for UniSC students and research, delivering great outcomes for our region well into the future.