Philanthropic Scholarship to Boost Indigenous University Students
11 December 2018 at 5:48 pm
Monash University and Gandel Philanthropy have partnered to support the next generation of Indigenous change agents, as part of the largest philanthropic fundraising campaigns in the history of the university.
The scholarship, which will see financial support given to two Indigenous students each year at Monash, was established in honour of Aboriginal elder and activist William Cooper, who forged a connection between Indigenous Australians and the Jewish community through a protest against the atrocities committed against Jewish people in Nazi Germany.
Donors John Gandel AC and Pauline Gandel, recently joined as patrons of Monash University’s Change It. For good. philanthropy campaign – which aims to raise $500 million from 50,000 donors – and donated $1 million to the fund.
John Gandel said the scholarship would ensure the spirit and actions of Cooper lived on.
“This scholarship fund will ensure the spirit of William Cooper and the connection his protest created between the Jewish and Indigenous communities continues and grows through the students who will benefit,” he said.
Pauline Gandel also said she was delighted to be able to support a new generation of change agents through the scholarship money.
“In partnership with Monash University, we look forward to seeing how they shape not only their own future, but the future of the community more broadly,” she said.
With the university recently launching an Indigenous framework, providing access and support for young Aboriginal people entering tertiary education, Monash pro vice-chancellor Professor Jacinta Elston said the philanthropic generosity from the Gandels supported the program.
“The funding will support these students throughout their higher education and hopefully enable them to go on to be change makers for their own communities, as well as globally,” Elston said.
Professor Margaret Gardner AO FASSA, Monash University president and vice-chancellor, added that the gift demonstrated how philanthropy could help make education accessible for all.
“Monash’s philanthropic supporters, such as Gandel Philanthropy, are helping to shape the future of our world,” Gardner said.
