In an act of incredible generosity, University of Queensland alumnus Dr Vince FitzGerald AO last week completed donations totalling over $80,000 to the Archibald Scholarship at UQ’s School of Economics.
Dr FitzGerald’s gift boosted a prestigious award that has launched the careers of many of Australia’s top economists, including Dr FitzGerald himself in 1966.
Dr FitzGerald holds first class Honours in economics from UQ, a PhD from Harvard, a Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) from Monash University and an Honorary Doctorate from UQ.
He has had an exemplary career in the public service in several departments and while working in the private sector, continued to provide valuable policy advice on economic matters to a number of federal and state governments.
Head of the School of Economics Professor Rodney Strachan said he was grateful for the support of the School’s alumni.
“Donations such as this by Dr FitzGerald mean that the Archibald Scholarship will be that much closer to being established in perpetuity, and this will make a great difference to students’ lives.”
Professor Rodney Strachan
Head of School
“Securing the future of this scholarship ensures our alumni will continue to contribute to Australia’s economic future.
“We are very thankful for donors like Dr FitzGerald who continue to support us in so many ways.”
The Archibald Scholarship was founded in 1911 from the estate of the late Honourable John Archibald, MLC, an important figure in Queensland’s political landscape and supporter of the establishment of UQ.
In years past, the scholarship has supported future Reserve Bank Board members (Sir Ronald Gordon Jackson AK, Emeritus Professor Ian Harper), directors of major firms (News Corp’s Dr Keith Henry McDonald OBE), an ambassador and high commissioner (Dr James William Crawford Cumes), a university chancellor (Sir Ronald Gordon Jackson AK) and a professor at the Chicago Booth School of Business, among many other distinguished economists.
The scholarship, one of the oldest in Australia, is awarded to one Bachelor of Economics (Honours) student each year.
Professor Strachan said the scholarship encouraged and recognised UQ’s “best and brightest” economics students.
“Continued donations towards this scholarship will allow students to pursue their passion and studies in economics,” he said.
To donate to the Archibald Scholarship Endowment Fund, please click here.
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