UniSA 2024 Scholarships and Grants Ceremony - Flipbook - Page 16
The Cowan family’s legacy
For three generations, the Cowan
family has demonstrated a strong
commitment to equal access to
education and the benefits of lifechanging experiences.
The Cowan Grant Trust was established
in 1994 by Bob Cowan, OAM FUniSA, and
his mother, Marnie, to perpetuate the
family’s strong belief in providing equal
access to education.
Over three decades, the Trust has
become a beacon of empowerment,
particularly for rural and regional
students, those with disabilities,
and individuals seeking personal
and professional growth through
international experiences. Since its
inception, the Trust has generously
aided nearly 300 students at UniSA,
disbursing grants to the value
of $700,000.
Coming from a humble background,
Bob’s father, Bill Cowan, had to fund
his university education. While he won
a postgraduate scholarship in Arts
and free passage to London University
in the early 1930s, it was financially
challenging. This first-hand experience
led to his resolution to assist
disadvantaged students whenever
possible, a thought shared by his future
wife, Marnie.
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Bill and Marnie Cowan were firm
believers in the benefit of education
and encouraging students, including
their three children, to make their own
way rather than relying on gifts or a
large inheritance. Marnie was a teacher,
and Bill was a librarian. The family lived
frugally, but they invested wisely. After
Bill’s death, Marnie donated the family
home to charity, and she and her son
Bob used their investment portfolio to
establish the Cowan Grant and award
the inaugural Cowan Scholarships.
The Trust's initiatives span a wide range
of opportunities, addressing diverse
student needs. From enabling access
to university for those facing traditional
learning challenges to providing
essential support for health-affected
students, the Cowan Trust stands firm
in its dedication to expanding access
to education.
Bill and Marnie’s granddaughter Tiffanie
was a member of the delivery crew of
STS Young Endeavour, a ship gifted by
Britain to Australia to commemorate
its bicentenary in 1988. Recognising
this as a unique, character-building
opportunity, the Trust also offers the
Young Endeavour Grant, a professional
development experience aboard
Australia’s national sail training ship.
Additionally, the Cowan International
Placement Grant opens doors for
students to pursue professional
experience placements overseas,
fostering a global perspective and
enriching their academic journey.
Until their passing in 2023, Bob
Cowan and his wife Gayle continued
championing higher education and
managing the Trust, working hard
to find areas where their support
could make a difference. They
both played pivotal roles and their
dedication extended beyond familial
boundaries, as evidenced by their active
involvement in community endeavours
and advocacy for philanthropic
enhancement nationwide.
Their efforts were recognised by UniSA
in 2022 when they were appointed
Fellows of the University and by the
nation in 2023 when they were both
awarded the Medal of the Order
of Australia.
The Cowans’ regional support is
celebrated in the naming of the Bob
and Gayle Cowan Auditorium at the
UniSA Mount Gambier campus.
Their three children, Leigh Cowan,
Jeremy Cowan and Tiffanie Bulstrode,
remain board members of the Trust and
continue to follow their parents' and
grandparent's vision.
