Financial boosts for the future

The University's Campaign For All Our Futures, publicly launched in 2016, winds up on 31 October. By the end of 2018, there had been 6,622 donors, helping fund key projects including research into cures for diseases and creating hardship scholarships.

"The campaign has captured the imagination and support of alumni and philanthropists here and around the world," says Mark Bentley, Director of Alumni Relations and Development. "Most gifts are given for a specific purpose, often aligned with donors' interests or because they want the next generation to have the opportunities they had."

He says the median gift for 2018 was $50, but there have been multi-million-dollar gifts from families, individuals, philanthropic trusts and companies. "We have a large community of supporters who contribute at a level they can afford. When many smaller gifts are pooled together for a specific purpose, they really make a difference. If we can help a student complete their degree by reducing financial stress, they'll go on to contribute."

One such student is Morgan Tupaea. After her BSc, Morgan (pictured) worked for a year to save for her postgraduate psychology studies. Her partner picked up extra shifts at work and they stockpiled as much as possible for themselves and their little boy. Despite their best efforts, they had "eaten through" all of their savings – and their food – by September.

As debts piled up, and the electricity was about to be disconnected, Morgan faced dropping out of her honours degree. A hardship scholarship in October came just in time to pay the bills. "Receiving the scholarship was perfect; it changed our lives a lot," says Morgan. "I can stay at university studying what I love, and it's also made us feel stable and safe."

In 2018, more than 1,800 people made donations for scholarships. "To know donors are aware students are financially struggling, and want to help, is really heartwarming," says Morgan.