When generosity is multiplied, students thrive
Through the power of collective giving, a community of generous donors is providing a lifeline for students in need and inspiring them to give back.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lachlan wasn't sure how he would continue his studies.
With the casual work he relied on disappearing almost overnight due to lockdowns and public health restrictions, and study and social life moving online, managing university became increasingly difficult.
A Student Support Grant eased the immediate financial pressure, allowing Lachlan to purchase an iPad that quickly became an essential part of his studies and daily life. It helped him adapt to online learning, complete readings wherever he could and stay connected with friends during months of isolation.
“It benefited me in a huge way,” he says. “My mental health and motivation improved dramatically – technology was infinitely more important in that year.”
The impact of this donor assist continued to assist Lachlan well beyond the pandemic, with the iPad serving him throughout the remainder of his degree and into the early years of his career.
The power of collective giving
Lachlan's story is one of 1,049 grants made possible through the generosity of the University's donor community.
Through the generosity of donors, the Student Support Fund provides practical assistance via Student Support Grants for students experiencing financial hardship, as well as Emergency Support Grants that can be deployed rapidly in response to crises such as natural disasters.
Every gift to the Student Support Fund, regardless of size, joins with hundreds of others to create a flexible source of support that provides access to essential resources, equipment and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. These donor-funded grants provide an essential safety net when students need it most.
For Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student Thalia, a Student Support Grant provided much more than financial assistance.
The Student Support Grant lifted a huge weight off my shoulders.
"I've seen real improvement in my energy, motivation and academic performance. This would not have been possible without the stability your generosity provided."
For Erandi, a PhD candidate in Agricultural Sciences, the grant provided an opportunity to continue pursuing her studies.
“Receiving a Student Support Grant was a precious opportunity that words cannot fully express,” she says. “I hope that one day, I too will be able to give back and support future students as you have done for me.”
Support when it matters most
As students continue to face cost-of-living pressures, initiatives such as the Campus Canteen help students access affordable meals, while donor-funded grants provide targeted financial assistance when unexpected hardship arises.
Joanne Ligouris, Academic Registrar and Executive Director of Student and Scholarly Services, says, "As the cost of living continues to rise, more students are finding themselves on the brink of food insecurity due to the rising costs of rent, groceries and utilities.”
"The stress of these situations affects far more than a student's finances. It impacts their wellbeing, their studies and their capacity to succeed."
She says this vital work would not be possible without the ongoing commitment of our generous community.
"Individually, you give our students hope and motivation. Collectively, you make it possible for them to overcome hardship and build capacity for a resilient future."
Students at the Campus Canteen, an initiative supporting food affordability for students.
For many students, receiving support represents more than financial assistance – it shows them the power of a community that believes in their future and inspires them to do the same for others.
Lachlan is already doing exactly that.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce and establishing a career as an energy trader at a global commodity trading house, he now volunteers as a mentor through the University of Melbourne's alumni mentoring program.
Reflecting on the support he received, Lachlan says, “It was definitely a great gift. I’m very grateful for that. It’s made me want to give back more.”
This is the true power of collective giving – a ripple effect that extends well beyond graduation, inspiring students to give back and support others in turn.
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