Landmark gift underwrites student endeavour

Hundreds of talented Australian students will have the opportunity to realise their potential through an extraordinary $30 million gift to the University of Melbourne from the Hansen Little Foundation.

A unique philanthropic partnership with the University, the gift from Jane Hansen and Paul Little AO (pictured below) will allow for the construction of Little Hall, a landmark student residence on Swanston Street, Carlton, and the establishment of the University’s flagship Hansen Scholarship Program.

The annual program, which will run for an initial 40 years, will commence in 2020 with an inaugural intake of 20 students, to be known as Hansen Scholars. They will receive free accommodation at Little Hall, assistance with general living expenses for the duration of their Bachelor’s degree, and development and career support throughout their time at university.

Little Hall is expected to house almost 700 students, all of who will benefit from an Enrichment Program to support them in reaching their academic potential and to succeed in their post-University careers.

“Little Hall will be an exciting addition to Melbourne, a unique and outstanding architectural statement that establishes a new benchmark for student living in a distinctive academic and intellectually rich environment,” Mr Little said.

More information: go.unimelb.edu.au/cnv6