Macquarie University, NSW 2109
Betty Kopetko’s 100th birthday celebration drew quite a crowd in her retirement village. “They’re all here for the food,” the Macquarie University alumna joked.
Macquarie’s Philanthropy team recently visited Mrs Kopetko at her home, nestled within the grounds of a retirement village in Thirlmere on the southern outskirts of Sydney.
Although her graduation was decades ago, Mrs Kopetko has continued to contribute to Macquarie University. She is a long-time supporter of Macquarie’s scholarship fund and is a member of the Lachlan Macquarie Society, a newly established donor recognition community.
Mrs Kopetko shared stories of her life, much of it spent on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. A sixth-generation Australian and mother of two, Mrs Kopetko began entertaining the thought of pursuing higher education while raising her children. She soon discovered a campus in North Ryde – Macquarie University – that welcomed mature students. She credits Macquarie for pioneering the concept of mature-aged students and “opening up education for women”.
Mrs Kopetko enrolled at Macquarie in the early 1970s after attending an Open Day at the University, joining a cohort of just 72 students. She was interested in studying law, but enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts, the only degree available at the time.
She says her time at Macquarie University was busy but fulfilling. She cherished the closeness fostered by the small campus, which had just one faculty, one dining area and one building.
Mrs Kopetko went on to complete an accounting course via correspondence and embarked on a career as an accountant, despite some resistance from her husband and parents.
Asked if she had any advice for young people, Mrs Kopetko offered sage words: “Make the best of what you’ve got.”