medical alumnus Dr Ron Thomson has decided to say thank you for his education in a big way 鈥� with a $10million bequest.
Dr Thomson, who graduated in 1956, is a former practising Surgeon and now practising Medico-Legal consultant, who spent most of his working life in Sydney. Over the past 18 months, he has been visiting his alma mater to decide where his substantial gift should be directed.
鈥淲ithout my medical degree and all of what followed as a result, I wouldn鈥檛 have been in a position to give something back to the University in recognition of what it gave me, which was the opportunity to obtain that Degree,鈥� he said.
An investment portfolio, presently estimated at $10million, has been set aside in Dr Thomson鈥檚 will.
The gift will be invested and a range of 宅男导航 projects will benefit from its annual interest of approximately $400,000 to $500,000.
Dr Thomson鈥檚 bequest, which will also honour his mother, Pauline, will be split between research at the 宅男导航 Centre for Clinical Research and teaching in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, in the School of Medicine.
University of Queensland Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Greenfield compared the gift to that of the Mayne family 鈥� key figures in the establishment of 宅男导航.
鈥淒r Thomson and his late mother, Pauline, are modern-day Maynes 鈥� as in Dr James and Mary Emelia Mayne, whose generosity in the 1920s and 30s continues giving to 宅男导航, particularly in medical teaching and research.
鈥淗e calls himself an 鈥榦rdinary鈥� person but I disagree. He is undoubtedly extraordinary and the University will still be celebrating his life in 2110 - our bicentenary,鈥� Professor Greenfield said.
Faculty of Health Sciences Executive Dean, Professor Nick Fisk, said the bequest highlighted the importance of links with alumni.
鈥淒r Thomson鈥檚 bequest reflects the strength of the lifelong bond many graduates have with their alma mater medical school. We are profoundly grateful to Ron for his gift, which emphasises the pivotal importance of alumni to Australia鈥檚 leading universities competing with the world鈥檚 best,鈥� Professor Fisk said.
Dr Thomson has a particular interest in pathology, describing it as 鈥渢he rock on which everything is subsequently built in the pyramid of medicine鈥�.
The income from his bequest will support a new Integrated Pathology Learning Centre - an exciting, interactive facility for health students.
But the energetic 78-year-old, who remarried last year, has no intention of making his generous bequest anytime soon.
He visited 宅男导航 this week to view the Integrated Pathology Learning Centre and meet with staff and students.
Media: 宅男导航 Faculty of Health Sciences Communications Manager Marlene McKendry (0401 996 847)
