Our donors – ensuring a brighter future
At some point in our lives we begin to think about what mark we leave on the world.
Many donors who have given to the University during their lifetime go on to leave a gift in their will. For others who may have had little or no contact with the University, or for whom circumstances prevented them from making a donation, leaving a gift is a recognition of the value of the University and an appreciation of its work.
Read on to learn about some of the University's inspiring donors and the impact of their giving.
The Muriel Roberts Study Abroad Award – Supporting students with disabilities
Having three auto-immune diseases as well as depression took such a toll on University of Auckland student Sarai McKay she had to take a year off to get well. Now her life is back on track and she has won two scholarships, including the Muriel Roberts Scholarship to study abroad.
Julie and Carlo Fiorentino – A forever connection to the Auckland Bioengineering Institute
A generous bequest to ABI from a remarkable couple is supporting important research into movement disorders. Professor Thor Besier and his team in the Musculoskeletal Modelling Group lead the work, exploring therapies for conditions such as cerebral palsy.
James Fawcett – Promoting postgraduate herpetofaunal research
Alumnus and passionate herpetologist Dr James Fawcett left a generous gift to support research into some of New Zealand’s unique species, including the iconic tuatara.
Ida Mary Booth – Advancing Māori and Pacific nursing research
A nurse with a passion for furthering medical research is improving healthcare in New Zealand through an inspirational $730,000 legacy gift: the Māori and Pacific Island Post-Doctoral Fellowship.
Robert Irwin – A very rewarding form of gifting
After a 40-year career as a pharmacist, Robert Irwin established the Robert Irwin Postdoctoral Fellowship in Pharmacy Research and a major bequest to the School of Pharmacy.