Giving from the heart

Philanthropy is deeply personal. For many donors, it is shaped by lived experience, connection and a desire to create opportunity for others.

For alum and donor Dr Hans Prem, that motivation is clear.

“I’m a firm believer in young people being our future. So my mission is to help the young people. And if they can fulfil their ambitions and achieve what it is they want to achieve, that’s a great thing.”

For Ms Indrani Tharmanason and her family, their support is grounded in memory, legacy and care. Being able to support a student through their studies has been a particularly meaningful part of their journey, reflecting the lasting impact their gift can have.

“We wanted to establish a scholarship in memory of our daughter, who did her studies here and was a junior doctor. We’ve been very, very happy that we’ve been able to provide support to another medical student during their studies.”

This deep personal connection is something many donors share.

Professor Jennifer Balint, Dean of Arts, reflects on what she sees across the community.

“I always love meeting our donors. They have supported things that are so close to their heart and to their families and their communities.”

These stories point to a broader truth. Giving is often motivated by care and hope, for students, for communities, and for the future.

A shared belief in what giving makes possible

Across the University of Melbourne donor community, this mindset is shared—a collective belief in the power of education, discovery and opportunity to shape lives.

Support goes beyond contribution. It reflects a deeper commitment to people, ideas and possibilities that shape the future.

This shared belief brought donors together recently for Gather for Gratitude, the University of Melbourne’s annual celebration of this collective impact, and recognition of the people who make this possible.

Backing discovery and innovation

Philanthropy also plays a vital role in advancing research – supporting the University, established researchers and PhD students to create lasting impact.

Professor Mark Cassidy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), highlights the impact of donor support on research outcomes.

“Our donors make such a big difference to the research of this University… they allow our researchers to really achieve great outcomes that can make a difference to the society that we live in.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by Mr Geoff Cumming, whose vision and generosity established the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics, reflecting his belief that philanthropy strengthens society by enabling universities to respond to urgent challenges and create lasting impact.

“Great universities are part of great societies, and so you need people to give.”

A community built on connection

Philanthropy is about connection between donors, students, researchers and ideas.

These connections are also critical to sustaining the University’s work through shared purpose and long-term commitment.

As Professor Marie Sierra, Dean of Fine Arts and Music, reflects, “We couldn’t do what we do as well as we do without our donors.”