Alumni support invaluable during floods

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Tags: alumni, flood recovery, philanthropy, winter-2011

UQ alumni and friends answered the call to assist students affected by the floods by raising a remarkable $330,000

When UQ called upon its global network to help students affected by the January floods, the response was overwhelming.

More than $330,000 was donated to the Vice-Chancellor’s Emergency Student Welfare Fund, which has since supported approximately 400 students.

As part of the appeal, UQ also asked for offers of temporary accommodation for Australian and international students who had been left homeless.

The idea for the appeal arose after a number of alumni contacted the University to offer best wishes and support.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield said the response from alumni and community members was unprecedented.

He said the success of the appeal made a powerful statement about the warmth and generosity of UQ’s alumni and friends, and that the University was deeply grateful for assistance during what was a testing time for many students and staff.

UQ was also offered support from its international partner institutions, with HELP University College in Malaysia making a generous $100,000 donation.

The Chief Executive Officer of HELP, Kam Yoke Chan-Low, said there was a longstanding relationship between the two universities, based on a shared focus on academic achievement.

Many HELP students and faculty members are linked to UQ as former staff members and alumni.

“We are proud of this exemplary partnership that is based on trust,” Dr Chan said.

Professor Greenfield said the extraordinary donation was testament to a fantastic friendship between HELP and UQ, and to HELP’s special regard for Australians.

UQ’s St Lucia and Gatton campuses sustained significant damage in the extensive flooding that caused destruction in Brisbane and many regional and rural areas, but most of the University’s teaching and research buildings were untouched.

Within a week of the Brisbane River’s peak, the University reopened and resumed Summer Semester classes.

Around-the-clock efforts by Property and Facilities staff, contractors and dedicated volunteers ensured the clean-up effort was completed in record time.

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