The past six months as Chair of the Wesley College Foundation have been both energising and rewarding. It has been a genuine pleasure to connect with so many in our community - to celebrate the impact of philanthropy and to welcome new supporters. What has stood out most to me is the depth of commitment across our donor and volunteer community and the shared belief in the enduring value of a Wesley education.
This year has reminded me of the importance of keeping stewardship at the heart of our work. More than raising funds, we focus on creating connections between our supporters, their passions and the shared Wesley story. Every gift we receive - whether modest or transformational - represents both trust and partnership and our responsibility is to honour that generosity with care.
In our ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement with supporters, the Foundation team and I always welcome your feedback and ideas on how we can best demonstrate our appreciation for the vital role you play in supporting a Wesley education. As more alumni, parents and friends of the Wesley community join the Foundation through financial contributions and by sharing their time and expertise, we will continue to grow stronger together, reaching new heights for the benefit of Wesley students.
Our calendar of events has been an important part of this journey. A recent highlight was the evening with international theatre star, Josh Piterman (OW2003), which brought our community together in celebration of the arts.
Another standout was the 17th Annual Wesley College Foundation Business Breakfast in September, which gathered alumni, donors and business leaders for a powerful conversation on cybersecurity. Moderated by Graeme Samuel AC (OW1963) and featuring experts Lahra Carey, Adam McCarthy and Shannon Sedgwick, we unpacked the realities of cyberattacks and highlighted the importance of preparation, resilience and responsibility. The event offered practical insights for organisations while also reflecting Wesley’s commitment to preparing students as responsible digital citizens, ready to navigate the online world with confidence and care.
Our fundraising focus is sharpening. We are proud to highlight STEM scholarships as a flagship area of donor support, recognising that investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics will empower the next generation of Wesley graduates to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Beyond scholarships, our efforts are also directed towards facilities and buildings that will sustain Wesley for the long term - ensuring that the opportunities available to students today are not only preserved but expanded for future generations.
The impact of this collective support contributes to the long-term sustainability of Wesley and the life-changing experiences of our students. As we approach Wesley’s 160 year anniversary in 2026, the Foundation is thrilled to be a catalyst to celebrate the impact of generous supporters and share ways our community can continue to strengthen a Wesley education.
Looking ahead, we are excited to be hosting our Grand Prix Breakfast once again on Thursday 5 March 2026. Later in the year, we will hold our annual Giving Day on Friday 1 May and the College’s signature celebration, the Founders’ Day Gala, will be held on Saturday 2 May, honouring our heritage while projecting our vision for the decades to come.
Thank you to all who have contributed in 2025. Your generosity ensures that Wesley continues to be a place where young people are challenged, inspired and empowered to make their mark on the world.
Marianne Stillwell
Chair, Wesley College Foundation
