Night of celebration, lifetime of impact

The third annual CASS Celebration of Generosity and Success was a vibrant affair at which achievement was recognised along with the contributions of members of the College community. It was an evening focused on students, emerging researchers, and donors, and the virtuous cycle of giving, and where students from the ANU School of Music provided the musical accompaniment.

In her welcome address, Dean of the College Professor Rae Frances paid tribute to teaching staff, who overcame unprecedented challenges to help maintain a high standard of education delivery and student experience. She also acknowledged donors to the College, and the enormous impact they have on students.

“We are fortunate to have such an engaged and generous community,” Professor Frances said. “[This event runs for] one night, but the difference these prizes and scholarships make can last a lifetime.”
    
Students spoke to the difference the awards, prizes and scholarships they received had made to their lives. In the feature video for the evening, three students from different disciplines attested to how donor generosity had shaped their student experience and research. 

Guest speaker Jonathon Zalakos, a double degree student in design and business administration who is completing his Honours in design this semester, conveyed his gratitude for the Robert Foster Grant, funded by the Tall Foundation, which he received in 2021.

“I would like to express enormous gratitude for having been selected to receive this award,” Jonathon said. “The legacy of Mr Foster is truly legendary and I appreciate the immense meaning that this award carries.”

“Dedicating this money to materials and tools is an opportunity to create objects that would truly be beyond my grasp without such support. This grant has enabled me to focus my attention on these things, which I believe will set me apart as a student and emerging designer.”

Jonathon crafted the gold grill worn by musician Genesis Owusu on the cover of his ARIA Award-winning album. He has obtained over 20 million views on jewellery making videos he produced at the ANU School of Art & Design, where he is currently a sessional tutor. 

The CASS Celebration of Generosity and Success not only saw reflections made about existing awards, prizes and scholarships. Two new endowments to support students were announced, extending the legacies of two incredible people and enabling them to continue making a difference to others’ lives.

Head of the ANU School of Demography Professor Edith Gray spoke on behalf of Emeritus Professor Terence Hull and Mrs Valerie Hull in telling the audience about the Iwu Utomo Memorial Award Endowment. Iwu Dwisetyani Utomo completed her PhD at ANU, and was a researcher with ANU Demography and dedicated mentor to students until her passing in May last year.

“Awards made through the endowment will ensure that her commitments to the ANU and her love of Indonesia, will be maintained into the future,” said Professor Gray. “We miss Iwu, but we will not forget her.”

An endowment established in honour of Professor Frances, who is stepping down from her post as Dean this year, was also announced by CASS Head of Advancement Andrea Morris and the Head of the ANU School of History, Professor Carolyn Strange. That new endowment is the Professor Rae Frances AM Endowed Honours Thesis Prize in Australian Women’s/Gender History.

With the announcement of the new endowments, the formal part of the evening concluded and the virtuous cycle of giving was rejuvenated. The purpose of the College, and wider University, was affirmed, as well as the important role that donors play in contributing to that mission. It all comes back to developing keen minds, and helping them to excel. And through them, contributing to the world by empowering them to apply their skills and knowledge to the fullest extent possible.




Written by Evana Ho