Reasons to donate to VU

Three donors share their stories on how their donations are helping to transform lives:

• Dr Susan Marie Alberti AO HonLLD
  Dr Alberti has generously committed to funding five VU Achievement Scholarships through her foundation.

• Jackie Woodroffe
  Alumnus Jackie Woodroffe explains how donating $20 can make a difference.

• Scovell family
  This family honour their late husband and father, Alexander McKenzie Scovell, and his strong belief in the value of education.

Dr Susan Marie Alberti AO HonLLD

Dr Susan Alberti AO is the co-founder and Managing Director of DANSU Construction and heads the Susan Alberti Charitable Foundation. A prominent businesswoman and active philanthropist, Dr Alberti has generously committed to funding five VU Achievement Scholarships through her foundation.  Dr Alberti is also a Director of the VU Foundation, through which all scholarships are disbursed.

The VU Achievement Scholarships program provides two students from each school in Melbourne’s west with a scholarship for the duration of their study. One scholarship is for a vocational education student and one for a higher education student.

“Donating to the VU Achievement Scholarships Program is more than just providing an opportunity for students - it is about community, supporting and building successful communities. That is what is important to me.”

“I hope I am encouraging other people to donate, because there's nothing more rewarding.”

Jackie Woodroffe

VU alumna Jackie Woodroffe may have officially retired from education in 2005 but she is still continuing to make a difference to the lives of VU students. Ms Woodroffe recently donated to the VU Achievement Scholarships Program. Her generosity will help high-achieving students from Melbourne’s west to continue their education beyond Year 12.

“My heart is for people from disadvantaged backgrounds who can’t access education and for people who have the ability to study but need some incentive to get started,” Ms Woodroffe said.

“There are a great range of options when it comes to donating to the program,” Ms Woodroffe said. “People can help by donating as little as $20.”

Throughout her career, Ms Woodroffe worked internationally as an English language teacher and teacher of the deaf and held various positions at former VU institutions. Her roles included Head of School, General Studies and Manager of International and Special Projects. Ms Woodroffe has been recognised for her contribution by being named as one of Victoria University’s 90 Legends.

Scovell family

The Alexander McKenzie Scovell Award is presented annually to a high achieving first-year Arts student who lives in Melbourne’s western region. Established in 1998 by Mrs Alison Scovell and daughters, Dr Janet Schapper and Heather Scovell, the Award honours their late husband and father, Alexander McKenzie Scovell. Alexander had a strong belief in the value of education and encouraged young people to achieve a tertiary education.

“We wondered how to do something appropriate to remember Dad that was meaningful and would suit his values,” says Janet Schapper. “His key principles were that everyone should have an education and a roof over their head. His own father came from Footscray, so they always had a very strong association with the west.”

She says the family wanted to support Victoria University because it provides education for those that have less opportunity. “It is much more meaningful to us as a memorial than bricks and mortar, as we are reminded of his values every year as new students come through.”

Heather Scovell says the award is about a belief in education and how important it is as a foundation for life. “The family felt this was a really good thing to do,” she says. “When parents die, there’s an opportunity to donate some money. Ours is a modest encouragement award, to assist students to continue their courses.”