Level 2, 18 Wally's Walk Macquarie University, NSW
Morning tea celebrates Lincoln Legacy donors
For many of the members of the Lincoln Legacy Society, leaving a bequest to Macquarie University is not only an act of generosity but also one of trust. Trust that through the University’s continuing work, we will improve the lives of many generations to follow.
A few months ago, the University recognised this trust in Macquarie at the annual Lincoln Legacy Morning Tea hosted by Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton, where he presented the Lincoln Legacy Society pin to new member Sylvia Tropiano (pictured).
The Lincoln Legacy Society is named in honour of Dr John Lincoln and his wife Joan, who were deeply connected to the University for much of their lives. Dr Lincoln was instrumental in Macquarie’s establishment, having chaired the committee that lobbied for the creation of a new university on the north shore. He served as a member of the Macquarie University Council from its foundation in 1964 until 2009, as Deputy Chancellor from 1976 to 2000, and as Emeritus Deputy Chancellor until his passing in 2011.
The Lincolns were known for their philanthropic spirit, hosting many fundraising gatherings in their family home and establishing a scholarship for Indigenous students. Today, the members of the Lincoln Legacy Society continue in the namesake’s tradition by bequeathing a donation to Macquarie University in their will.
For many, a bequest is made to a specific area close to their heart. For Daphne Thornton, who spent many years working in rehabilitation and geriatrics departments as a social worker, supporting Macquarie’s groundbreaking dementia research provides a welcome glimmer of hope.
“I have had a vast experience of dementia at both the professional and personal level,” Daphne says. “Dementia robs sufferers of their personality, their memory and their histories, and it robs us of the loved ones that we hold dear. I have been greatly impressed with the dedication of Macquarie dementia researchers, and their empathy for the patients and their carers. I have trust and confidence that my bequest will be put to good use.”
Some of the University’s recent discoveries in dementia and other brain diseases were presented at the morning tea by Professor Clement Loy, Dean of the Macquarie Medical School. Associate Professor Peter Davies from the Smart Green Cities Research Centre also shared insights on how healthy cities connect with nature.
Hedda Paisley, Executive Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations, says the robust discussions generated by the presentations were typical of the Lincoln Legacy Society gatherings.
“Our society members are intelligent, forward-thinking and highly engaged with the challenges facing our world,” she says. “We are always so pleased to welcome them to campus, and we are very grateful for the contribution they make to our education, research and health missions.”
The event concluded with a tour of the Michael Kirby Building’s floating moot court, which is among the state-of-the-art educational facilities at Macquarie that have been built with the support of generous donors.