Alumnus champions UQ’s new home in the heart of Brisbane

18 December 2017

Generous UQ students, alumni, and community members are using their loose change to contribute to the greater good, by raising funds for causes they are passionate about such as dementia research and providing legal help to those in need.

Stephanie Elwin
MBA alumnus Stephanie Elwin was proud to support UQ Brisbane City

The new initiative is the brainchild of the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law and has been introduced at UQ's new Brisbane city site, where at The Daily Coffee Cocafé, 20 cents from every coffee purchased is donated to vital causes and community initiatives.

Forward-thinking alumnus Stephanie Elwin became one of the first people to give back through the system at the site's opening.

The MBA alumnus, who dreams of becoming an ASX 200 CEO, said her 20 cents went to a cause close to her heart.

“I donated to the cutting-edge dementia research that the Queensland Brain Institute is undertaking,” Mrs Elwin said.

“Their involvement in the Not if, when campaign really struck a chord with me because my mum has younger-onset dementia.

“The minute I watched the campaign video, I immediately donated. And today, being able to buy a coffee and donate my 20 cents – every bit counts.”

Mrs Elwin said she felt a genuine emotional connection to the University and a strong desire to give back.

“I loved learning alongside high-calibre professionals and being part of such a wonderful MBA community with incredible teachers who have taught me things I’ll never forget,” Mrs Elwin said.

 “As graduates, I think it’s important to remember how much we have gained from the University. Not everybody has access to the exceptional education we’ve all enjoyed at UQ, and I think it’s vital to ensure the next generation can have the same experience.  

“Any way that I can give back to the MBA program, UQ Business School, the Faculty and the wider University, I want to do that. It’s really rewarding and I would encourage anyone else to do the same.”

Despite her packed schedule as an Associate Director within KPMG Melbourne’s management consulting division, Mrs Elwin has prioritised maintaining her UQ ties since she graduated in 2015.

The Faculty of Business, Economics and Law’s Melbourne Alumni Ambassador jumped at the chance to support the launch of UQ Brisbane City at 293 Queen Street, a vibrant learning and meeting hub operated by the Faculty.

The site is the new home for UQ Business School Executive Education programs and will host selected MBA and postgraduate business courses. In addition to smart, flexible teaching spaces, it also features a range of corporate meeting spaces available for hire and a socially-conscious street-level café run by the award-winning team from Customs House.

As part of the multimillion-dollar project, UQ has leased and refurbished three floors in the heritage building (ground floor and Levels 6 and 7) for students, alumni, partners and staff to connect with key decision makers and influencers.

Mrs Elwin said she was proud to be associated with UQ Brisbane City.

“UQ Brisbane City is unbelievable – the perfect environment for collaboration and innovation, as well as connecting with business leaders located in the city,” Mrs Elwin said.

“I think it will benefit students and staff in multiple ways. I wish I’d had the opportunity to study here!”

For more information about UQ Brisbane City, visit bel.uq.edu.au/brisbane-city.

To enquire about meeting spaces for hire, please email venue@business.uq.edu.au 

Originally published on UQ Giving.

Give through BEL

Support BEL Faculty researchers and students as they strive to create change locally and globally. Please donate online, or update your details to keep in touch.

 

Latest