September 26, 2014

US-based alumni empowered to support research and scholarships

The University of Wollongong has taken the next step toward strengthening its international presence with the creation of the UOW USA Foundation.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings CBE in New York City for the UOW USA Foundation's first board meeting.

The Foundation’s first board meeting was held in New York City on September 17 and chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings CBE, who was visiting the US with a senior delegation as part of a tour to meet with key alumni and bolster UOW international research, teaching and learning partnerships.

The establishment of the foundation is representative of the University’s commitment to having a strong and sustainable presence in North America. According to Monique Harper-Richardson, Director of Advancement and President of the UOW USA Foundation, there are approximately 3,000 exchange graduates and 3,000 full graduates from UOW currently living and working in the US.

“Many of the alumni attending our events in the US have commented that the education and experiences they received while at UOW have been instrumental in their professional career and transformative in their lives,” Ms Harper-Richardson said.

“The Foundation represents the opportunity for alumni and friends to support the next generation of talented students and researchers reach their potential and impact society through philanthropic donations,” she added.

UOW is one of only a handful of Australian universities to have a public charity with 501 (c)(3) status allowing US taxpayers to claim donations as tax deductions. In accordance with this, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees will allocate all donated gifts.

The Board of Trustees includes Professor Wellings and two alumni: Dr George Delic, a senior computer specialist and one of UOW’s first graduates from 1968; and Randall Cupp, a banker with almost 30 years experience. Damien Israel, Chief Finance Officer at UOW, is the foundation’s Secretary and Treasurer while Evelyne Raymond is Executive Officer.