The University of Queensland has awarded an Honorary Doctorate to Tim Crommelin, recognising his outstanding leadership in business, long-standing service to the University, and significant contributions to philanthropy and education in Queensland.
UQef is very proud to announce the inaugural Leadership, Engagement and Diversity — or “LEAD” — Scholarship Program, helping students who need financial assistance to study nursing, midwifery, and social work at the University of Queensland.
The fields of nursing, midwifery, and social work are vital pillars of our community. They form the backbone of Queensland’s health and wellbeing, providing compassionate care, emotional support, and essential expertise every single day.
When UQEF first discussed creating the LEAD Program with Karen Healy and the NMSW team, we were surprised to learn how limited scholarship support currently exists for students in these vital areas. UQEF are very pleased to make a contribution of $500,000 over the next five years to launch this LEAD initiative for the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work.
If the program achieves the success we’re confident it will under the leadership of the NMSW team, UQef intends to continue our support well beyond the initial five-year term.
We also hope to attract additional funding and partner with other philanthropic groups to expand the number of scholarships available to students pursuing these vital health studies.
We look forward to seeing its positive impact when the scholarships commence in 2026, and to supporting the next generation of leaders in nursing, midwifery, and social work here at UQ.
Like many school leavers from a rural town, Caitlyn Donohoe’s move to Brisbane to study at The University of Queensland was her first time living out of home.
But the then 17-year-old from Biloela in Central Queensland had a lot more than most to consider when she left the support of family and friends.
“I have a profound physical disability called arthrogryposis, which essentially means I have an incomplete set of muscles and some of my joints are twisted,” Caitlyn said.
“Because I have no biceps, I can’t put my arms out to break a fall, so I use a wheelchair to get around public spaces and need someone with me 24/7.
“But there was no way I wasn’t moving away to go to uni … it was just a matter of how we could make it happen.”
Awarded Dux of Biloela State High School, Caitlyn credits her mum Cammi Donohoe, the school’s legal studies teacher with imparting her passion for law.
Caitlyn received a UQ Leadership, Excellence and Diversity (LEAD) Scholarship and UQ Excellence Scholarship and enrolled in the Bachelors of Arts/Laws (Honours) program.
This week she graduated as Valedictorian of Law.
Being granted a UQ Law Leadership, Excellence and Diversity (LEAD) Scholarship was Anna’s ticket into a top-tier university – an intimidating feat for the Redcliffe school leaver who held an innate desire to help people but was unsure whether UQ was the right place to explore that passion
After meeting other students from all walks of life, Anna uncovered the diverse pathways on offer at UQ and learnt you should never judge a book by its cover.
Read more about Anna’s story in her own words.
I distinctly remember being incredibly nervous about my interview. I sat in the car with my dad for half an hour trying to hype myself up, and then struggled to find the interview room because the library was so huge! Later, in my panic, I told the interviewers that I’d never dreamed of going to UQ because “I thought it was just a school for rich kids”. They told me that was a reputation they’re actively trying to change, and that has stuck with me ever since. I think I’m a small piece of living proof that UQ can be an amazing place for anyone to thrive – and I’m so glad that it was for me.
Last year we launched The Queensland Commitment – our ambitious goal to disrupt educational disadvantage by removing barriers facing talented Queensland students aspiring to study at UQ.
We want to ensure that by 2032, all Queensland students accepted to UQ have the support – financial, academic and personal – to overcome any challenge standing in the way of their studies.
Louise (Bachelor of Science ’20) is a second-year Doctor of Medicine student and past Young Achievers Program (YAP) scholarship recipient.
Louise was in Year 10 when she first considered university – no one in her immediate family had attended before.
She said finding out she was accepted into the program was a moment she’ll always remember.
