Deakin celebrates 50 years with extraordinary gift of lifelong learning

But Deakin has another reason to celebrate, with the University receiving an extraordinary gift in November that will help shape the future of education.

A legacy gift from the late Dr Lewis and Libby Hughes of $1.64 million – the largest bequest ever received by the University – will fund research stipends of over $25,000 for three years for PhD and post-doctoral education students, as well as tuition fees for international students and staff salaries.

The funded research will focus on how lifelong learning helps people form social connections and build a sense of community.

Lewis and Libby were passionate about Deakin, lifelong learning, and giving back to their community – believing that education was a cornerstone of creating a sense of community.

Together, they made it their life's work to advance the power of lifelong learning, with their generous bequest stemming from a shared belief that educators hold the key to shaping society's future.

Speaking to Deakin University in 2018, Lewis said he and Libby wanted to inspire future generations to value learning and its outcomes, thus enriching the whole community.

'We believe that the measure of one's life is centred on what you contribute, not about what assets you have,' Lewis said.

'Through supporting educators—both researchers and practitioners—we create ripples of impact that extend far beyond the classroom.'

The Hughes had a strong connection to Deakin. Lewis completed his Masters degree at Deakin and remained engaged with the University throughout his life, later completing a PhD and driving philanthropy at Deakin as the President of the University's bequest society.

After Libby's cancer diagnosis in 2010, the couple channelled their passion for lifelong learning into joint research on how vocational education can help build strong social connections.

'This was profoundly important to us as, in 2010, Libby was diagnosed with terminal cancer and received a dark prognosis. To which our response was "with the superb oncology support provided, we will get on vigorously with life",' Lewis said.

'I fully believe that the research that Libby and I undertook together contributed to her living – with purpose and passion – another four years after being told she only had a very short time to live,' Lewis said.

Libby sadly passed away in 2015, and Lewis in 2023.

Deakin Vice-Chancellor, Professor Iain Martin, praised the Hughes' extraordinary gift.

'The gift from Lewis and Libby Hughes is a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact philanthropy can have on education,' Professor Martin said.

'The Hughes' generosity embodies the belief that supporting educators today will shape the minds of tomorrow — a sentiment that is very close to Deakin's heart.

'Their bequest ensures that their dedication to education will benefit future generations, fostering a passion for lifelong learning and the lasting pursuit of knowledge.'

Professor Martin also emphasised the transformative role philanthropy has played throughout Deakin's 50-year journey.

'Philanthropy has driven Deakin's growth and innovation, enabling us to extend opportunities beyond the classroom and into communities.'

'As we celebrate this significant milestone, we honour the unwavering support of donors like Lewis and Libby Hughes, whose contributions make a lasting difference to our communities.'