Endowment for Excellence - President's message

On behalf of the Board of Governors, I would like to thank all our donors for their generosity in 2016. ANU is an inspirational community with far-reaching ambitions. And, without your support, many individual study opportunities, world-leading research breakthroughs and international collaborations could not occur.

I would also like to thank my fellow Board members, and the members of the Boards of the University's foundations established under the Endowment, for their commitment in 2016. These esteemed members of the community have worked very hard in their voluntary support to ensure that the ANU plan for philanthropy keeps evolving with integrity and dedication and that the wishes and interests of donors are honoured. The Endowment for Excellence is the University's main vehicle for receiving, sourcing and managing donations and gifts, including bequests, from University graduates, staff and friends.

Establishing The Ball Strategic Endowment was one of many highlights for 2016. This endowment marks the career of Professor Desmond Ball, ANU Special Professor of Strategic Studies, 1987- 2013. Professor Ball's work left an indelible mark on Australian defence policy, global strategic thinking and the security architecture of the Asia Pacific region. In the first instance the Endowment will support The Ball Chair - a visiting Professorship that invites leading strategic and defence studies thinkers from around the world to ANU.

Other stories in this report showcase some of the wonderful impact that our donors have on every facet of University life. The ANU could not achieve its impressive results without your generosity. It is always gratifying to read individual stories such as these and understand the often deeply personal reasons behind donations and the enduring benefits that these have on individuals and society.

Dr Vince FitzGerald AO
President, Board of Governors
Endowment for Excellence