Largest personal philanthropic donation made to ANU
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Australia’s largest personal philanthropic contribution to a university has been made by philanthropists Graham and Louise Tuckwell.
The donation, which is said to be worth $200 million over 30 years, will fund a major expansion of the Tuckwell Scholarship Program at The Australian National University (ANU).
The expansion also includes construction of a $10 million Scholars House building.
ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt congratulated Graham Tuckwell, an ANU alumnus, and his wife for their contribution to both ANU and to Australia.
“Today marks a new beginning and a monumental contribution that will be a legacy for many decades to come,” said Schmidt.
“It is the beginning of a new future at ANU, and a new hallmark in the history of philanthropy in Australia.
“When the Tuckwell Scholarship Program was established in 2013, it was a transformative idea. Over the past three years it has established itself as Australia’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarship and Graham and Louise now wish to have it expand and continue in perpetuity.”
Tuckwell, who lived in Bruce Hall while a student at ANU, said university education transformed his life and the life of his wife Louise.
“Louise and I benefited enormously from our educational experiences. We would like to help and encourage others to gain from a total university experience and to use it to benefit Australia,” Tuckwell said.
“We now want to give more students a chance to take part in the Tuckwell Scholarship Program, and to live in Australia’s premier student accommodation.”
Tuckwell Scholarships are awarded to 25 students each year. The Scholarships are worth $21,700 a year for five years of undergraduate study. Scholars also receive mentoring and other support services through Scholars House.
