Matheson Society Newsletter

The Matheson Society newsletter

Volume 10 | 2025

Thank you from the Vice-Chancellor and President

One of the privileges of being Vice-Chancellor of Monash University is the opportunity to meet with, and thank our inspiring donors and bequestors who are members of the Matheson Society, and share with you just some of the fantastic and critical work you make possible.

Features

A celebration in honour of our future

It was wonderful to celebrate Monash University bequestors, with our annual Matheson Society lunch held in April 2024.

A legacy to honour his parents

Brian Frary had the foresight to think of the future when he left a gift in his Will to Monash University in support of scholarships, after sadly passing away in 2021.

Why I give: Trish O'Brien. The gift of education

In her long career as a nurse and teacher, Trish O’Brien has met many people and heard many stories. But although she only briefly met Mariam at a Monash alumni event, her story left its mark.

Ian Fehring

Heart to heart

How a cardiac failure inspired Ian Fehring to help fund future cures.

It’s safe to say that Ian Fehring (Bachelor of Arts 1975, Bachelor of Laws 1981) is no stranger to stress. Ian has been involved in many litigated court cases in a range of courts.

But in 2007, he suffered a significant cardiac failure following a viral infection. It prompted him not just to re-evaluate his lifestyle – but to consider his legacy.

Find out more
Seagull on iceburg
Save the date

Matheson Society Annual Lunch, Wednesday 30 April 2025

Keynote speaker: SAEF Director, Professor Steven L. Chown FAA.
Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF)

“A sustaining, liveable and diverse planet for current and future generations is dependent on obtaining and utilising knowledge about the Antarctic, and maintaining peaceful geopolitics in the region. SAEF will help to deliver both through its leading research.”

SAEF Director, Professor Steven L. Chown FAA

A tribute to Valerie Constable OAM

Valerie Constable (née Wilson) OAM, alum of the Victorian College of Pharmacy (now Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash) passed away in 2023 aged 90, after a lifetime of gently breaking the glass ceiling and motivating a legion of other women in the process.

Hoping against hope

The Monash University Library is hosting the exhibition, Hoping Against Hope. It will be in the Gallery until March 2025. Hoping Against Hope explores the enduring theme of resilience in Ukrainian culture through 500 years of print publishing to explore how hope persists amidst adversity.

Read last year's edition

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