Staff + Student LoginGallagher name to stand out at the University of Waikato
19 July 2011
Generous Support: From left to right, Waikato University Vice-Chancellor Professor Roy Crawford, Sir William Gallagher, Dr John Gallagher and Chancellor the Rt Hon Jim Bolger.
The University of Waikato’s world-class performance venue will now be called the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts.
In total the Gallagher Group and Dr John and Glenice Gallagher have committed $2.5 million to the University of Waikato. In recognition of their generosity, the Academy will bear the Gallagher name for the next 10 years and the stand-out building’s 340-seat concert chamber will be renamed to honour Dr John Gallagher.
The official renaming takes place at a function at the Academy on July 26.
The funds have been earmarked for the establishment of an endowment fund for the university. The announcement coincides with celebrations to mark the Academy’s first 10 years.
“The University has benefited in numerous ways from its ongoing relationship with the Gallaghers,” says the University’s Director of Development, Christine Brabender. “The Gallagher contributions over the years, personally and through the company, have enabled the university to undertake several new initiatives that benefit not only our staff and students but the wider community too.”
Dr John Gallagher has served on the University Council since 1990 and has fulfilled the offices of Pro-Chancellor and Chancellor. He is a former chair of the University Foundation, and is now Patron, and was the city’s deputy mayor in 1997 when the decision was made to support the construction of a performance facility at the university.
“I always believed the university was the best location for an all-purpose but specialist venue. That might sound contradictory, but that’s exactly what the Academy has turned out to be.”
He says it’s the building’s versatility that keeps him coming back. “We have a duty to support the arts, from the high-brow professionals to the enthusiastic school productions. The bonus is that it’s a teaching facility too, and it must be a real privilege for students to have lessons, practise and perform in such a quality space.”
CEO and Chairman of Waikato’s most successful private company Sir William Gallagher says it’s always satisfying that the success of Gallagher enables the company to contribute at a high level. As well as the company supporting university events and initiatives, Sir William serves on the board of WaikatoLink - the university’s commercialisation arm, has written and presented several papers relating to business management, exporting, and in particular export marketing. “We are indeed privileged to live in a city where there is a university of such high calibre where students can gain a world class education in wonderful facilities.”
Both brothers have honorary doctorates from the university, acknowledging their work in industry and the community.
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Roy Crawford says he’s pleased the Gallaghers are part of the Academy’s next decade. As much as Gallagher is at the heart of Waikato business, the Academy is at the centre of the region’s cultural heart – coming together seems like a natural and perfect fit, he says.
