Geraldine Johns-Putra: A Journey from Student to Benefactor

Geraldine Johns-Putra's journey from a young international student to a prominent donor and council member at Monash University is a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring impact of giving back.

As an alumna of Monash Law, Geraldine's story is not just about personal success but also about her commitment to creating opportunities for future generations of students.

Monash Law offers a new beginning

In the early 1990s, Geraldine arrived in Melbourne from Malaysia, embarking on a new adventure as an international Bachelor of Laws (Hons) student in the Law Faculty at Monash University. The transition was filled with excitement, exploration, and a bit of trepidation.

"All my thoughts are connected with a sense of exploration, adventure, newness, a bit of trepidation, but just excitement all around. Even when I come back to Clayton campus, I get that sense again," recalls Ms Johns-Putra.

Global opportunities as a Monash Law alumna

Geraldine's Monash law degree opened doors to a global career. She worked in prestigious law firms across Shanghai, Hong Kong, and the UK, where her Monash University education was highly regarded.

"I worked amongst people who were very experienced, very knowledgeable, and I felt really confident about my skillset, going back to my undergraduate and what I'd been taught and what I'd learned," she says.

This global perspective and the opportunities she enjoyed fuelled Geraldine’s desire to give back to the institution that had given her so much.

Geraldine Johns-Putra on screen at Monash Law's 60th Anniversary Launch in 2024.

Giving back to Monash Law with pride

Geraldine's journey as a benefactor began in Hong Kong, where she joined a group of Monash alumni to fund a scholarship for a Hong Kong-based student to attend Monash University.

This experience rekindled her connection with Monash and inspired her to establish a scholarship in her name within the Law Faculty.

"I really wanted to be able to give that opportunity or be part of giving that opportunity to somebody else," she explains.

The power of scholarships

Geraldine believes that scholarships do more than just ease financial burdens - they provide a sense of belonging and validation for students. Reflecting on her own experiences, she understands the importance of feeling capable and fitting in.

"A student who is given an opportunity through a scholarship that they wouldn't normally have, the scholarship helps to ease that concern that they may not be enough, or that they may not be capable. It’s a welcoming gesture, obviously earned, and it proves to them that they belong here," she says.

Geraldine firmly believes that this sense of security allows them to thrive academically and personally.

Supporting Monash Law supports the legal profession

Geraldine is passionate about the broader impact of scholarships on the legal profession and society. She believes that increasing diversity within the profession enriches it and benefits the community.

"[Having legal professionals with an] underprivileged background or lower socioeconomic status is going to actually enrich the profession and by extension, enrich the community's experience of the profession," Ms Johns-Putra notes.

The ripple effects of supporting one student can be profound, extending far beyond the individual to impact the wider community.

Geraldine Johns-Putra discusses her journey from student to benefactor with Monash Law.

A personal connection to philanthropy

One of the most rewarding aspects of Geraldine's philanthropy is meeting the recipients of her scholarship. She speaks fondly of a recipient of the scholarship in her name - a young woman who impressed with her maturity, intelligence, and groundedness.

"I was so gratified that an individual with her qualities has been given the opportunity to undertake a law degree here at Monash. She really impressed me with her insights as well as with her groundedness," shares Ms Johns-Putra.

A call to action for Monash Law alumni

Geraldine encourages other Monash Law alumni to consider supporting scholarships. She highlights the resources available at Monash, including a dedicated philanthropy unit and engagement team, to assist potential donors.

"My advice to alumni who are looking to support students at Monash is to get in touch with the engagement team at Monash. There's always somebody who's available to help and to answer questions," she advises.

By contributing, alumni can reconnect with the Monash community and play a crucial role in shaping the future of students who will go on to make significant contributions to society.

Geraldine Johns-Putra's story is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of education and the importance of giving back. Her journey from student to benefactor is an inspiration to all alumni, demonstrating that by supporting scholarships, we can help create a brighter future for the next generation of Monash Law students.

If you'd like to explore how you can give back to Monash Law, please email our Industry and Alumni Engagement Manager.

Contact: James Brandis