In memoriam

McKinnon-
Walker
Fellowship

Make a gift

You are warmly invited to make a gift in memory of Professor Ken McKinnon AO, whose leadership and generosity helped shape the University of Wollongong. Donations made in his honour will support the McKinnon-Walker Fellowship, continuing Ken and Sue’s shared commitment to research, scholarship and opportunity.

A gift in Ken’s honour is a meaningful way to recognise his life and contribution, while helping to ensure that future researchers are supported to pursue ideas that benefit our community.

About the McKinnon-Walker Fellowship

The McKinnon-Walker Fellowship was established through a transformative $5 million gift from Ken McKinnon and Sue Walker to support higher degree research at the University of Wollongong in perpetuity.

The Fellowship reflects their belief in the importance of universities as places where ideas flourish and future leaders are shaped. It supports outstanding research candidates to achieve academic excellence while building their capacity to contribute beyond their specialist fields, across disciplines, industries and communities.

Through the Fellowship, future researchers are supported to pursue ambitious ideas, connect across disciplines and contribute to the communities, industries and sectors their work may one day serve.

In memory of Ken McKinnon

Professor Ken McKinnon AO served as the University of Wollongong’s second Vice-Chancellor and played a defining role in its transformation. His leadership helped shape the University, expand its academic disciplines and establish its first international campus in Dubai.

Ken’s vision positioned UOW as a globally connected institution, grounded in excellence, innovation and community impact. His legacy continues through the University he helped shape, the generations of students and researchers he inspired, and the opportunities he and Sue made possible through their generosity.

A man sits resting his head on his hand and smiles at the camera

McKinnon-Walker Research Fellowship - PhD Scholarship Opportunity

The McKinnon-Walker Research Fellowships were established in 2024 through a $5M gift from philanthropist Suzanne Walker and the late Emeritus Professor Ken McKinnon AO, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wollongong. The Fellowships honour their shared commitment to education, scholarship and service and support scholars whose work and actions benefit the wider community.

The Fellowship supports outstanding PhD candidates whose research may benefit Pacific Islander, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples, including through improvements in health, education, law or public policy. In addition to academic excellence, applicants should demonstrate leadership, service and a commitment to contributing beyond their research discipline. Two Fellowships will be awarded for 2027 commencement.

More about the McKinnon-Walker Research Fellowship

Donate to the McKinnon-Walker Fellowship

Make a difference in Ken’s honour

A gift in Ken’s honour will help continue a legacy of leadership, generosity and belief in the power of universities to support people, ideas and communities well into the future.

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Questions?

Contact the Philanthropy and Impact Team