3 months ago
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A West Australian philanthropist has donated $100 million to Murdoch University – the largest gift ever received by a state university – to increase capacity at one of its specialist programs.
The state’s only veterinary school will undergo a complete rebuild, with the existing school replaced by a 9600 square metre state-of-the-art facility big enough to support a 50 per cent increase in the number of vet students who can be trained.
An artistic rendition of the new and improved Murdoch University vet school.
Perth businessman and philanthropist Ted Powell presented the gift, also one of the largest given in one hit nationally, to the university on Thursday.
Powell is already a long-term supporter of the university through The Ragdoll Foundation – created with his late wife Dee – which has provided financial support to more than 140 students.
“There are many good causes in the medical field, in the educational field and I would encourage anyone who is financially well-off to consider giving to worthy causes,” Powell said.
“I am absolutely delighted that this gift will support the redevelopment of the veterinary school.
“Dee was an animal lover, and I think she’d be really, really proud of this project.”
Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks said Powell’s “extraordinary act of generosity” would help ensure WA continued its role as a leading hub for animal research, teaching and training.
“Veterinary Medicine was one of 10 foundation courses offered by Murdoch when we opened 50 years ago and a commitment to the environment and conservation are part of the university’s DNA,” he said.
“The discipline has advanced significantly over that time, as have the safety requirements for biological laboratories and animal facilities.
Perth businessman and philanthropist Ted Powell at Murdoch University.
“The new facility will improve the safety and wellbeing of staff, students and animals alike – as well as providing a higher quality service for the agricultural and scientific community and the broader WA community.”
Deeks said the development would also strengthen research in animal health and the university’s One Health agenda – recognising the links between human, animal and environmental health; expand biomedical research collaborations and attract high calibre academics, students and other animal specialists.
“On behalf of Murdoch University, I cannot thank Ted Powell enough for his generosity, support and foresight,” Deeks said.
“He will leave a legacy for the Western Australian veterinary profession, animal research – and for animals great and small - which will resonate for generations to come.”
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