1974
A fourth Victorian university
In February 1974 the Federal Cabinet Welfare Committee decides that Victoria's fourth university will be based in Geelong.
Deakin was founded on December 10, 1974, in a paddock in Geelong, driven by a commitment to serve the regional community. Today, we proudly celebrate five decades of making a significant impact both locally and globally. Join us as we reflect on key philanthropic milestones and historic moments throughout our 50-year journey.
1977
First on-campus students
Deakin opens to on-campus students. Enrolments begin in April 1977 – 2445 students sign up and 404 staff members are employed. There is a sense among staff and students that they are part of something new and unique, with student activities adding life to campus.
Deakin University Foundation
The Deakin University Foundation was an important link between the University and community, supporting philanthropic activities that promote the freedom to develop new research initiatives and provide resources and assistance to the needs of many students and individuals.
Celebrating Deakin's 50th anniversary
A series to mark Deakin's 50th birthday. Discover where our education and research started, the communities that made us and how we're shaping the future.
1978
First Deakin Alumni
Graduation ceremonies are held for students who have completed their studies, marking the first alumni of Deakin – May, 1978.
1980
Vera White Centre for the Disabled
After a donation from Lady Vera White, the younger daughter of Alfred Deakin, the Vera White Centre for the Disabled is established. Grants help buy equipment specifically for students with a disability and, in the years following, registrations markedly increase. The Centre is renamed the Vera White Disability Resource Centre in 1986, later becoming the Disability Resource Centre.
1982
Deakin University Foundation Fund
The Deakin University Foundation Fund reaches a major milestone of $1 million.
1995
University of the Year
Deakin is named University of the Year for leadership in imaginative and innovative uses of new information and communications technology.
Woolstores Campus Great Hall Appeal
The Great Hall Appeal is initiated by Deakin to transform the Woolstores into a modern university campus and honour their significance in Geelong. In 1998, the building is renamed Costa Hall after generous funds were donated by the family.
1998
Deakin welcomes support for Food and Mood Centre
The Wilson Foundation invests $1 million to support Deakin's Food and Mood Centre to further its cutting-edge research linking the human gut microbiome to mental and brain health.
2008
Support for farmer's mental health in focus
A National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) is established in Hamilton, Victoria after the Helen and Geoff Handbury Trust donates $1 million to Deakin. The NCFH will work to improve the health and wellbeing of farmers, farm employees and their families across Australia through leadership, advocacy, service, research and education.
2010
Supporting Indigenous education
The Harold Mitchell Foundation partners with Deakin through a $1 million donation towards the further development of National Indigenous Knowledges Education Research Innovation Institute (formerlly Institute of Koorie Education).
2017
Deakin GIVE program unveiled
The University launches Deakin GIVE, its first workplace giving program and now has 134 members.
2019
What is philanthropy?
In an award-winning, inspiring and thought-provoking video, we ask some of our generous donors, talented researchers and grateful scholarship recipients the question – ‘What does philanthropy mean to you?’
2022
The Damion Drapac Centre and scholarships
Deakin welcomes a generous gift of $6.1 million from Melbourne businessman Michael Drapac and establishes a new centre of equity for aspiring medical students in honour of his son, Damion.
2024
Deakin in India
Deakin becomes the first university in the world to open an international branch campus in India. The state-of-the-art campus, in the heart of smart business district GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City), gives students access to future-ready Deakin postgraduate courses aligned with local employment needs.