Celebrating the transformative power of philanthropy at UNSW: Impact 360

On Monday night at The Roundhouse, UNSW welcomed generous donors, supporters and staff to our 360 Impact event.

The event celebrated the extraordinary generosity shaping the future of our University and was a powerful reminder of how philanthropy is driving innovation, improving lives, and propelling UNSW forward. It included an interactive showcase of UNSW projects supported through philanthropy.

In his address, Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs reflected on the University’s mission and vision.

“Every gift, no matter the size, is a significant contribution to our collective goal of transforming lives through research, teaching and our commitment to driving positive societal impact.

“Our donor community – alumni, friends and staff, giving now and through Gifts in their Wills – all believe in the power of philanthropy to create a better future.

“The generosity of our supporters enables us to strive for excellence and, in turn, helps solve some of the world’s biggest challenges,” he said.

Professor Brungs also highlighted the University’s Progress for All strategy, emphasising UNSW’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and societal benefit .

“Together, we are building a legacy that will benefit generations to come,” he said.

UNSW’s Chief Development Officer Lindsay Robinson thanked donors for their crucial role in UNSW’s journey.

“Over the past decade, your collective support has been instrumental in shaping our University. Together, we’ve raised more than $600 million for vital causes. This funding has fuelled innovative research, provided life-changing scholarships and supported programs that strengthen and empower communities."

As UNSW celebrates its 75th anniversary, the culture for philanthropy will help to be a driving force in shaping the University’s future.

Examples of projects funded by philanthropy

• The establishment of the Centre for Future Health Systems to promote sustainable, equitable and person-centred health care for people across Australia, thanks to a gift from the Ian Potter Foundation.
• The Yiu-Cheung Medical Gateway Scholarship supports women from Southwest Sydney to undertake medicine studies and will have a powerful impact on the lives of many women for generations to come, as well as the communities they will serve during their medical careers supported by Conrad Yiu and Leanne Cheung.
• The Margaret Elias Equity Scholarship will establish two equity scholarships in perpetuity, preferencing Built Environment disciplines, matched through the UNSW equity scholarships initiative.
• The School of Education’s involvement in the Culturally Nourishing Schooling project – improving educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, thanks to a grant from the Paul Ramsay Foundation.
• The Sir William Tyree Foundation engineering scholarships and leadership program established to support women from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing undergraduate degrees in engineering and scholarships in nuclear engineering and junior academic positions in UNSW’s Nuclear Innovation Centre.
• The Josh Woolfson Memorial Scholarship fund to support higher degree research for Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing programs.