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For more inspiring stories, download the 2021 edition in full and discover how philanthropy supports successful learning, rewarding experiences and engaging and inclusive communities.
Welcome from our Vice-Chancellor
There is no doubt that 2021 was a challenging year for the Deakin community. However, the stories demonstrate the incredible things we can build and nurture when we work together. This publication is a celebration of our donors and partners, and the life-changing outcomes made possible by their vision and generosity.
A powerful example of this is our landmark research into the nation’s understanding of the Holocaust, led by Associate Professor Steven Cooke. This work launched on International Holocaust Remembrance Day and was featured across a huge range of media outlets, sparking national conversation. This important project has a direct connection to Deakin’s founding Vice-Chancellor, illustrating how the pursuit of new knowledge crosses time and place, and benefits many, often in surprising ways.
In more transformative research, Professor Felice Jacka continues to lead as Director of Deakin’s Food and Mood Centre, the only research hub of its kind in the world. This growing community of scholars is discovering how nutrition and diet affect mental health and wellbeing, and the Centre is quickly becoming a research powerhouse. Philanthropy has made much of this possible.
I was moved by the personal story of Doug and Barbara Wilson, who have entrusted Deakin with a postgraduate nursing scholarship, in the memory of their late daughter, Anthea. Education shapes and connects lives, and this beautiful, enduring gift will do exactly that.
Former long-serving staff member Professor Lawry St Leger and Dr Pam St Leger have also supported a cause they are passionate about – in their case, nurturing the next generation of population health researchers. Both the Anthea Jane Wilson Scholarship and the St Leger Scholarship were awarded for the first time in 2021.
I was moved by the personal story of Doug and Barbara Wilson, who have entrusted Deakin with a postgraduate nursing scholarship, in the memory of their late daughter, Anthea. Education shapes and connects lives, and this beautiful, enduring gift will do exactly that. Former long-serving staff member Professor Lawry St Leger and Dr Pam St Leger have also supported a cause they are passionate about – in their case, nurturing the next generation of population health researchers. Both the Anthea Jane Wilson Scholarship and the St Leger Scholarship were awarded for the first time in 2021.
The University’s vision for 2030 acknowledges partnerships as the crucial element in all our work. Deakin’s School of Engineering is now in its 30th year and has been shaped by its industry partners and sponsors, who welcome our students and provide them with invaluable professional connections and experience. The NIKERI Institute, a national leader in the higher education of our First Peoples, has deep connections with the communities it serves – across the state and around the country.
On the sporting field too, it is relationships that allow Deakin to provide tailored support to the elite athletes who balance sporting success with their studies (including our Winter Olympics gold medallist in the moguls, Jakara Anthony!).
To each and every donor and partner, I offer my thanks. I look forward to expressing my gratitude in person at one of our upcoming donor and alumni events.
Professor Iain Martin Vice-Chancellor
$4,720,619 new philanthropic funds given in 2021
$30,197
Matched by Community Bank Deakin University to support 76 students through the Student Emergency Assistance Fund
$1,391,255
Given to support scholarships for Deakin students
$1,298,525
Largest gift given anonymously to marine science research
The dKin Difference
Dive into the second instalment of our annual donor impact publication. When we look back on the year that was, we are reminded of the tremendous power of community in driving progress. From Deakin’s pioneering Food and Mood Centre, through to how non-Indigenous Australians can be better allies to the nation’s First Peoples and more.
Food and Mood
Food and Mood
'You are what you eat.' It’s an age-old expression, but what does the science say? Deakin’s pioneering Food and Mood Centre, led by Professor Felice Jacka OAM, is uncovering the incredible, complex connections between nutrition and mental health.
Honouring a 'born rescuer'
Honouring a 'born rescuer'
When Doug and Barbara Wilson wanted to honour their late daughter Anthea's memory and spirit, they researched Australia’s best nursing schools and determined that Deakin – ranked in the world’s top 30 for nursing studies – was the right fit.
What do you know about the Holocaust?
What do you know about the Holocaust?
When one thinks of the Holocaust, it may not immediately be considered an Australian story. Yet the impact of the atrocities has become embedded in our nation’s history through the survivors who escaped to our shores.
Building our Elite Athlete Program
Building our Elite Athlete Program
University students often rely on part-time work to make ends meet, but for those who are also elite athletes, juggling their commitments can be particularly challenging.
'The Art' of Arts and Cultural Management
'The Art' of Arts and Cultural Management
With lockdowns compromising our ability to attend live theatre, music, and other events, the importance of the arts sector and creative industries to our daily lives – and the economy – has never been more apparent.
A living gift and lasting legacy
A living gift and lasting legacy
Looking back on their rewarding careers, husband and wife team Professor Lawrence (Lawry) and Dr Pamela (Pam) St Leger decided they would encourage the next generation of researchers as best they could.