Stories from our donors - St Johns College UQ

Helen and Chen Wu

St John’s College has given our son, Aiden, a wide breadth of opportunities in areas of sport, music, culture, arts, leadership, friendships and so much more. To his credit he has grasped those opportunities with both hands and made the most of his three years within the John’s community. This time has been a perfect transition stage from a teenager to an independent young adult.

In a world of increasing self-absorption and selfishness, I believe that the St John’s culture helps create a platform which fosters a sense of cohesiveness and community. Aiden has enjoyed significant personal growth, and I hope in the future he continues to contribute in some way to community and to cement the many social connections that he has made during his time here.

We wanted to give back and pay it forward, to give all successful applicants, despite financial restrictions, an opportunity to enjoy the community spirit and Johnian culture that Aiden has been so fortunate to experience.

St John's Foundation donors Helen and Chen Wu with their son in the St John's grounds on a sunny day

St Johns' College Foundation donor Don Chandler head shot

Don Chandler RNA Foundation Chair, Old Johnian (83-85)

I grew up on a cattle and sheep property at Barcaldine in Western Queensland and went to boarding school at Churchie when I was 12. I thought that after secondary school I would head back to the bush, to the family property, but to his credit and thanks to my Dad, he insisted on us getting a tertiary education.

That’s when St John’s College came into my life, and although I was enrolled in a Business Degree at QUT, St John’s accepted me into their residential college.
For a boy from the bush, my career in stockbroking and wealth management would never have been possible without the great support I received from St John’s College and UQ. The networks and experiences of school, college and university life shaped my career and proved invaluable.

Together with my fellow Foundation Directors, we are very proud and excited to see the establishment of the RNA Foundation Regional Scholarship. Education is one of our foundation’s core pillars and this scholarship will provide wonderful benefits, experiences, and unique opportunities.

In March, I had the pleasure of hearing third year student Taj Glenn speak so compellingly and describe the scholarships he received firstly to Toowoomba Grammar and then to St John’s College as literally life changing. This was a world away from his life in Darwin and gave him the opportunity to attend institutions about which he had never heard.

For a boy from outback Queensland, I too, would never of had the career or opportunities without being a student resident at St John’s College, for which I remain most grateful.

Dr Sasaka Bandaranayake – Rural & Regional Women’s Scholarship

Originally from Townsville, I attended St John’s from 1992 to 1995 while pursuing my medical degree. My experience at college played a pivotal role in shaping both my personal and professional life.

Currently, I work as a Rehabilitation Paediatrician with the Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital in Brisbane, where I care for children with disabilities from conditions like cerebral palsy, acquired brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. It’s a role that brings immense emotional fulfillment as I work alongside families facing life-changing circumstances.

Balancing my demanding career with being a mother to three young boys has been a constant challenge, but both roles have enriched my life in ways I never could have imagined.

St John’s College was an ideal fit for me, offering not only a strong academic foundation but also a vibrant cultural program. Growing up in a family where medicine was highly regarded, I was drawn to the endless possibilities that the field of medicine offered. My love for the arts and the piano led me to SJC, where I was able to continue performing while pursuing my studies. The college's environment allowed me to balance my intellectual and creative pursuits, which was essential in maintaining my well-being throughout my medical education.

The friendships and experiences I gained during my time at St John’s are priceless. I have fond memories of gathering in the common room, engaging in lively conversations, and enjoying spontaneous events. I also had the privilege of serving as the first female Student Club President at St John’s, which was a defining moment in my life. The sense of community, leadership, and collaboration that I experienced as part of the Student Club was truly special.

To any student considering applying for the St John’s College Foundation Rural & Regional Women’s Scholarship, I encourage you to seize the opportunity. A small effort could lead to an extraordinary journey, just as it did for me. The experiences you’ll gain, the friendships you’ll form, and the personal growth you’ll undergo will shape your future in ways you can’t yet imagine. Don’t hesitate, there’s nothing to lose and so much to gain.