Deakin University launches first ever major campaign Together to spark bold ideas and change lives

Deakin University has launched its first-ever major philanthropic and connection campaign, Together; a collective call to action for the community to come together to spark bold ideas, open doors to education, and change lives in ways that truly matter.

The campaign aims to raise $150 million to unlock new possibilities in education and research; driving real, systemic change across local, national and global communities, as Deakin drives towards a future marked by courage, equity and progress. The campaign also seeks to reconnect with more than 150,000 alumni across Deakin’s local and global campuses, inviting them to help shape a future of new possibilities.

At its heart, Together is about people – Deakin students, staff, alumni, partners and supporters uniting to collectively harness the life-changing power of education and research. Through its dedicated community and network, Deakin aims to champion innovative thinking, remove barriers to progress, and shape a more inclusive and sustainable future – for the University, and for the world.

Deakin Chancellor John Stanhope AM launched the campaign during one of his final official duties for the University, with his tenure set to conclude at the end of the year.  In announcing, Mr Stanhope AM – the first Deakin graduate to serve as Chancellor – reflected on the significance of the campaign and its potential to shape the future.

‘Together brings our entire community into a shared movement to create a more equitable and sustainable world.  It’s Deakin’s call to imagine what’s possible and make it real,’ Chancellor Stanhope said.

‘To spark discoveries, create pathways, and drive lasting change where it's needed most. To build on our enduring commitment to equity, access, and progress—shaping a future that's fairer for all.’

‘Deakin has the people and expertise to solve the world's most critical problems. To move at the speed opportunity demands, to operate at the scale these challenges require, to say yes to the scholarship that changes a life today and the breakthrough that saves lives tomorrow — we need partnership. Your generosity extends far beyond what any of us can achieve alone.’

Deakin Vice-Chancellor, Professor Iain Martin, echoed the sentiment pointing to Deakin’s history of delivering change across local, and global communities with philanthropic support.

‘Through your support, we're expanding educational opportunities that would otherwise remain out of reach, opening doors for students who have the capacity but not the means,’ Professor Martin said.

‘Philanthropy also accelerates research that changes lives. Truly transformative philanthropy doesn't just respond to what exists - it enables what's possible.

‘When you invest in a scholarship, you’re not simply helping one student pay fees. You’re changing the trajectory of a life, and through that life, the trajectory of a family, a community, perhaps even a field of knowledge.

The campaign will support a wide range of initiatives aligned with the University’s overall strategic objectives, including scholarships, cutting-edge research and student engagement programs that enhance learning and innovation.

Deakin invites staff, students, alumni, supporters and partners to be part of this historic moment – to stand together in shaping a brighter future for all.

For more information visit together.deakin.edu.au.