Acknowledging our past
The 1996 Society is a giving circle for those who believe in enduring impact. Named to recognise the year UniSC was founded, it inspires conversation and action - not just about what is needed today, but about how philanthropists shape and secure the future of higher education.
This community shares a commitment to securing the future of the university through enduring, unrestricted giving to our general endowment: the UniSC Visionaries Fund. The principal is held in perpetuity while the interest is distributed for critical projects and programs, allowing UniSC to respond to what matters most, when it matters most.
A shared vision for the future
Whether you join as an Innovator ($1,996 annually) or a Visionary ($5,000 annually), your generosity becomes part of UniSC's legacy.
Your generous gift of $1,996 or $5,000 annually is recognised as critical to UniSC's mission.
Via the 1996 Society, your generosity today becomes an ongoing legacy.
Make your gift today
The power of philanthropy
1996 Society members help make a real and measurable difference.
Over time, endowment income supports:
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Student bursaries that help ensure students can complete their degrees
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Seed funding for innovative research
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Strategic initiatives that strengthen the University and the region
The Visionaries Fund continues to evolve as priorities change - making a difference year after year.
For more information on joining the 1996 Society, please contact Talia Asouline at usc1996society@usc.edu.au.
1996 Society Event hosted by Noelene Shadforth, featuring The Kitty Kats (10 October 2019)
Why endowments matter
Universities are enduring institutions but the world around them is constantly changing.
Political change, economic uncertainty and a growing demand for accessible education limits the ability for a university like ours to plan confidently for the future. A strong endowment helps protect against that uncertainty.
The Visionaries Fund provides UniSC with:
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Stable, long-term funding
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Flexibility to respond to emerging needs and opportunities
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Financial resilience in times of change
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Ability to deliver lasting impact for students and our region
Quite simply, you can help secure a better tomorrow.
Impact in action
Founded in 2017, the 1996 Society was established to create a lasting endowment that strengthens UniSC and supports students over the long term.
Today, rising cost‑of‑living pressures are driving unprecedented demand for financial assistance. Your support helps students stay connected to their studies and focused on their future.
This chart shows a steady stream of financial growth through new supporters and the continuing commitment of our loyal founding donors. As decision was made at the start of the endowment investment to hold the distribution of interest until a substantial impact could be made; at five years (2022) the cumulated interest can be seen at $75,000 for that year, which was dispersed in full to students. Managed with long-term impact in mind, the fund may distribute up to 5% of its value annually.
To date, the Visionaries Fund has supported 45 students across undergraduate, honours and higher degree by research programs.
Shaping the future, together
Joining the 1996 Society means you are an important part of a collective commitment to education as a force for good.
A gift to the Visionaries Fund is an investment in students who will become skilled professionals, leaders, and changemakers - people who contribute to the Sunshine Coast and far beyond.
The impact ripples outward: from student to community, from research to region.
Recognising Generosity
UniSC proudly acknowledges the generosity of founders and current supporters of the 1996 Society.
An enduring legacy
Ngaire Roberts
Helen Sethna
Founding 1996 Society supporters leave an enduring legacy
Ngaire Roberts and Helen Sethna, both founding supporters of the 1996 Society, will be remembered for their commitment and generosity to UniSC after sadly passing away in late 2022.
As a 1996 Society Visionary, Ngaire first supported the University with a donation during the inaugural Giving Day in 2016. Ngaire was a member of the Vice Chancellor’s Founders Circle, and valuable research donor, establishing the Ngaire Roberts Youth Mental Health PhD Scholarship. Ngaire’s commitment to giving continues through PhD scholarship recipient, Kassie Bromley’s neuroscience research at the Thompson Institute; Kassie shares her youth mental health research findings through Brain Changer workshops to schools across the Sunshine Coast.
A loyal supporter of UniSC, Helen (along with her husband Rustum) was named Honorary Senior Fellow of UniSC for ongoing philanthropic support and volunteer contributions throughout the Sunshine Coast, including their financial support for UniSC’s psychology program at its inception. You can read more about Helen’s commitment to UniSC on the 1996 Society supporter profile page.
Ngaire and Helen both leave wonderful legacies that will continue to provide support for UniSC students and research, delivering great outcomes for our region well into the future.
1996 Society supporter profiles
Five questions with our 1996 Society supporters
Be part of what comes next
Join the 1996 Society and help secure UniSC's future.
With your generosity today, the dream conceived in 1996 can continue to shine brightly for a better tomorrow.
Make your gift today
100 percent of your donation will go towards the UniSC Visionaries Fund, and any donation over $2 is tax deductible.
For more information on joining the 1996 Society, or if you would like to learn more about other giving opportunities, please contact us.
UniSC Advancement
University of the Sunshine Coast
- Phone: +61 7 5430 1104
- Email: advancement@usc.edu.au