John's gift

As an undergraduate student and the first in his family to attend University, Dr John Byron (BA (Hons) 1998) received financial assistance from the University at a critical time during his degree.

Now, having built a successful career in research and education policy – and more recently as a celebrated crime author – John is giving back to the University of Adelaide community to support other students in need through the Student Emergency Fund.

I remember asking when I needed to pay the fund back and was so shocked when they told me I didn’t have to – because donors had given the money to the University so it’s there when people need it.John

John received the University medal for his final thesis and went on to complete a PhD in English Literature at the University of Sydney.

“I really don’t think I could have had that level of academic achievement without the support from the University, and the donors who enabled it,” he said.

“Being an undergraduate alone in a city a thousand kilometres away from my family and trying to make it on my own without government support was a really challenging time. The University stepping in at those critical times could have been the difference between success and failure for me.”

“Once I started making a reasonable salary, I was so happy to give back to the University because they’re the ones who gave me a boost at those critical moments.”

“The big thing about giving back to your University where you came from is that there’s a sense of belonging – being here changed who I am and gave me the tools to become a different person.”

Giving back feels like topping up the well. When the well starts to get dry, you need a big rain. And I want to be part of that.John