Building futures: David Johnston’s philanthropic vision for Monash engineers
David Johnston, a Monash University Chemical Engineering alumnus from the class of ’72, has spent decades driving technological innovations and inspiring the next generation of engineers. His journey from a curious schoolboy experimenting with chemicals to a successful global consultant highlights his passion for learning and his deep commitment to giving back to the community that shaped him.
Today, he’s known for spearheading an extraordinary philanthropic initiative that provides entrepreneurial scholarships to Monash Chemical and Biological Engineering students, empowering them to innovate and thrive in an evolving professional landscape.
Growing up, David’s curiosity about the world of science was sparked by the biographies of famous scientists across many fields. His love for experimentation led him to build his own chemistry kit in the mid-1960s, sourcing chemicals from pharmacies and scrap metal from local yards. “No thoughts of safety... pretty scary in hindsight,” he recalls. Though his rural school’s career adviser suggested he become a tree planter, David’s heart was set on science. Initially drawn to nuclear physics and chemistry, limited career options in those fields led him to chemical engineering on the recommendation of an uncle. The decision was life-changing, opening the door to a field rich with diverse and challenging opportunities.
University life: A stark contrast to today
David’s university experience was far from what students today might imagine. In the late 1960s, there were no computers, internet, or mobile phones. Learning involved reading stacks of reference books, copying lecture notes by hand, and spending 25 hours a week in classes and labs. The campus itself was a treeless construction site, a world away from today’s vibrant, social university experience. "There was no cafe culture, no part-time jobs, and a limited social life," David remembers. The ‘Uni Caf’ was the primary refuge for students during Melbourne’s cold winters, and card games provided a welcome distraction at lunchtime.
The late 1960s and early 1970s were also a time of significant political upheaval. Anti-war protests, cultural shifts, and fears of nuclear war created a charged atmosphere on campus. Despite this, David and his fellow engineering students kept their heads down, focused on their studies, while participating in key votes to keep the campus open. Country students living on an outer suburban campus had limited income and few ways to spend it though David recalls buying a secondhand car with his earnings from a vacation job. But, he couldn’t afford to fill it up for a year, and the car sat in the muddy campus parking lot with flat tires. “Luckily there were no parking fees or permits back then”.
A global career
David says a university education provided him with a solid foundation for his career. The skills he developed—particularly the ability to sift through myriad options to find optimal solutions—served him well in his professional life. Over the years, David’s career shifted from technical design work to leadership roles in global change management. His work took him across 20 countries, where he developed a passion for understanding diverse cultures, offsetting the challenges of spending over 200 days on the road each year.
Philanthropy: Giving back to the next generation
As David neared retirement, his focus shifted toward giving back to the community he felt had given him so much. Reflecting on the free education he received in the form of Commonwealth scholarships, and the nearly guaranteed career prospects of his generation, he felt it was time to create similar opportunities for today’s students. "We had nearly 100% certainty of a financially rewarding career back then," David says. But as the world has changed, he and his peers recognised that today’s students need more than just classroom education to succeed.
In 2022, David organised a 50-year reunion for his class of ’72. What began as a nostalgic gathering quickly evolved into a significant philanthropic initiative. The class raised $240,000 to fund entrepreneurial scholarships for Monash Chemical and Biological Engineering students. These scholarships provide financial support and access to Monash’s world-class research facilities, encouraging students to develop entrepreneurial skills and creative problem-solving abilities—qualities that are increasingly essential in today’s diverse professional landscape.
"We wanted to give students an opportunity to grow their entrepreneurial skills instead of just taking on part-time jobs during non-curriculum hours," David explains. The scholarships are awarded to two students each year based on their initiative, enthusiasm, and potential to innovate. The impact has been immediate and transformative, with students gaining the tools and resources to explore new ideas and prepare for careers that demand innovation and adaptability.
Looking to the future: A call to action for alumni
In the end, David Johnston’s story is one of a legacy that will continue to shape the careers of Monash engineers for years to come. Through mentorship, philanthropy, and leadership, he continues to inspire others to invest in the next generation of innovators.
Looking to the future, he hopes other Monash alumni will follow the Class of ’72’s lead. “We’ve set up a structure where any graduating class can establish similar scholarships,” he says. His message is simple: community-driven initiatives can create lasting change, and alumni have a unique role to play in building a brighter future for students.
In retirement, David is as active now as he was at the heights of his career - he continues mentoring university students and serving in business advisory roles, while developing his passion for Japanese gardening, playing tennis, and abstract and impressionist painting. “Family is a big part of my life as well,” he concludes.
