The Gallaghers were in at the beginning too and have now pledged support for another decade through a $2.5 million gift to the University of Waikato, from the Gallagher Group and Dr John and Glenice Gallagher.  The money has been earmarked to establish an endowment fund at the university.  In recognition of their generosity, the Academy will bear the Gallagher name for the next 10 years and the concert chamber will be renamed in honour of Dr John Gallagher.

The Gallagher brothers, Sir William and John, have honorary doctorates from the University of Waikato acknowledging their work in industry, their contribution to the Waikato region and an association with the university that has lasted more than 20 years.

Dr John Gallagher has served on the University Council since 1990, been Pro-Chancellor and Chancellor, has been a chairman of the Waikato University Foundation and is now Patron.  He has contributed significantly in time and money to the development of the Don Llewellyn Sports Pavillion and the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship programme.

Sir William Gallagher serves on the Board of WaikatoLink, the University's commercialisation arm, and has made many significant donations to support projects on campus.  He says it's always satisfying that the success of the Gallagher Group enables his organisation to contribute at a high level, and this new partnership should be beneficial not just to the University, but the wider community too, who make good use of the Academy throughout the year.

Director of Development at the University of Waikato Christine Brabender says she hopes the generosity and long term support shown by the Gallaghers will encourage others to be supportive of Waikato University.

"This university is always evolving as it strives to deliver world-class education to students who in turn can be world-class in their chosen careers.  Support for scholarships, superior facilities, research activities and the endowment fund really do help our students achieve their full potential.  I hope our alumni and friends here in New Zealand and overseas will be inspired by what the Gallaghers have done and consider how they too can contribute to Waikato."