BRW Rich Listed Melbourne couple Paul Little and Jane Hansen are believed to have made the largest-ever contribution towards the study of history.
With a contribution of $10 million to the University of Melbourne to boost teaching standards for history studies in the arts faculty, the duo launched its new philanthropic effort, the Little Foundation, which will also fund other educational initiatives.
“This is the largest gift for the faculty of arts in its history [and] it’s an investment in history that we have never seen before,” Melbourne University vice-chancellor Glyn Davis said.
Ms Hansen’s passion for ancient Greek wars, the Renaissance era and art has led her to the emotional but well-considered record donation. She is on the board of the Melbourne Theatre Company and as well as her current arts degree, has degrees in economics and a master of finance and business administration from Monash and Columbia universities.
Paul Little, on the other hand, the former chief executive of Toll Holdings, who steps down as Essendon chairman next month, helped establish the First Step organisation in 2000 that combats drug addiction, as well as the Second Step drug treatment and rehabilitation programs.
“Who wouldn’t want to know what made the 300 stand their ground at Thermopylae or why Caesar crossed the Rubicon, or Hitler pushed on towards Stalingrad or what caused Gorbachev to tear down the Wall?” said Ms Hansen, who is also undertaking an arts degree at the university.
“It is my intention this will change the conversation about history. I want to encourage awareness of the significance of an education in history and nurture a passion and appreciation for its relevance in the wider community.”
The foundation will, via $8 million from the Hansen Trust, fund the Hansen Chair in History, three Hansen lectureships, an annual Hansen PhD scholarship and, in conjunction with the faculty of arts, a senior lectureship in history. The couple is also funding the Mavis Little Award for the Victorian Artists Society artist of the year.
“Paul and I have made the money in our own lifetimes, we have taken risks, we have worked hard and we firmly believe in giving something back,” Ms Hansen added.
“It isn’t a cheque-writing exercise where a donation is passed off as charity. It is more about targeted programs where the founders have had extensive involvement in the design and impact of their investment,” the pair later stressed in a joint statement.
Meanwhile, the Hansen Trust’ will fund $30,000 for student scholarships each year, in addition to the employment of more history experts and staff at the university.
Source: AFR, 9News