Robb College Foundation Association Inc. Report

Hello Robb Alumni,

DONOR “MATCH 50” PLEDGE CHALLENGE - Call to match Donors by 30^th June.

We currently have an urgent need to lift our 1^st Year scholarships for Robb students.

This year, with thanks to over 60 Alumni and SCR members, plus two Employer-Donors (Octopus Investments and Fresh Country Farms Australia) who joined our co-operative scholarship program, we have been able to award $12,000 over two scholarships, for both 2^nd year and 3^rd (or final year) students residing in Robb in 2021. However we have only one scholarship of $3,000 for 1^st Year students. The Master has requested we lift this.

Call to double the Sinclair-Wilson Scholarship and launch a new Irvine Scholarship.

The Board have set a target to raise $140,000 this year to enable us to complete our two scholarship pathways, lift our 1^st Year scholarships to $12,000 and help increase student numbers in Robb.

Twelve of our loyal Donors have pledged $50k to be paid by 30^th June 2021. They have issued a challenge to all other Robb Alumni to match this. We are seeking 50 Alumni to donate $1,000 each (or what you can) and ask a “Buddy” to match you.

Please follow the link to (UNE’s secure site) to make your tax-deductible donation and see details on how to do it by credit card or direct bank transfer:-  give-to-robb-college-scholarships

Other News

Congratulations to our 2021 scholarship winners (mentioned in this newsletter) and many thanks to the 30 applicants from Robb. It was a very difficult decision for the Scholarship Committee.

Five new Directors join the Foundation Board. At our AGM, on 15^th March we welcomed Five new Directors – James Cleaver (Dubbo), Suzy Balogh (Sydney), Clytie Dangar (Brisbane), Fiona Harrison (Armidale) and Kate Pinn (Narrabri). The full report can be found on our website. Please go to www.robbcollege.com/latest-news for details.

Appeal for funds to launch Irvine Scholarship in tribute to third Master of College. Dr Jim and Sue Irvine headed Robb for 10 years in the 80’s. They implemented big, brave initiatives with the students which helped to keep the College full for years and established many traditions that are still continued today. Both Jim and Sue are Life Members of just about everything in Robb and are still keen supporters of the College.

Go to the Alumni website History tab to see Jim’s memoirs called “Reflections on Robb College in the 1980’s” which gives some great history of the College. Please go to www.robbcollege.com/history-heritage-people and scroll down.

Help us raise the balance of our appeal and keep Robb numbers high.

Our young, new scholars are terrific examples of the calibre of our students. They will no doubt go on to be our leaders in their industries. They face big challenges and need to be armed with the best know-how, science and ability to apply to improve our farms, professions and enterprises for a sustainable future.

These talented young people should not be handicapped by financial need to gain the best education. We need to accelerate their skills and uptake into careers to find pragmatic solutions that add value.

I am asking more Alumni to please donate to our “Match $50k Donor Challenge” to complete our 2^nd pathway. These funds will assist students in perpetuity plus they are helping to secure the future of the College.

Please make a donation by going to our website at www.robbcollege.com/donate

Thank you

Geoff Perry

Chairman, Robb College Foundation Association