On Friday 5 April 2024, donors who support education and research at Flinders University attended the Impact of Giving afternoon tea at the new City Campus, hosted by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) Professor Romy Lawson.
The annual event provides an opportunity to say thank you to donors, who are integral to our mission of changing lives and changing the world, and to hear from scholarship recipients and researchers whose lives and work have been impacted by philanthropic support.
Via video, recipients of the Matthew Flinders Scholarships shared how vital donor support has enabled them to continue their studies. View the video here
Guests heard from Dr Siti Mubarokah whose research into childhood dementia hopes to improve the quality of the children’s short lives. Funded by Little Heroes Foundation, Chair Chris McDermott shared why they support Dr Mubarokah’s research into the devastating disease that impacts as many children each year as childhood cancer.
Dr Yee Lian Chew spoke about her research into memory formation and retention – a study made possible thanks to donor support through the Impact Seed Funding for Early Career Researchers.
It was a wonderful opportunity to say a personal thank you to our donors for making a real difference to students and researchers.
A donor who has had an immeasurable impact on the lives of students for three decades is Erica Jolly CUniv. Flinders' longest, unbroken supporter, Erica has also left a bequest to the University in her Will, continuing her legacy of support for students into the future.
Attending this year's afternoon tea with friend and neighbour Reva Luscombe, Erica looks forward to the afternoon tea each year.
“Reva and I both found so much to be hopeful about during the afternoon,” says Erica. “As a mother and grandmother, Reva is closer to the world of tomorrow - the words of the young researchers and the general sense of strong purpose, meant so much to her. I also found it all very impressive."
The annual Impact of Giving report was launched at the event, showcasing stories of impact through donor generosity. Read the report here
