Ted Powell, a businessman from Perth, gave $100 million to Murdoch University’s veterinary school. This is a huge occasion in Australia’s history of education and charity. This is not only the biggest single donation ever made to a university in Western Australia, but it is also one of the biggest gifts ever made to any Australian university.
This never-before-seen act of generosity will rebuild and modernise the state’s only veterinary medicine school. This will make WA a leader in animal health, training, and conservation for many years to come.
The largest donation ever made to a university in Washington
Ted Powell’s contribution is different in both size and purpose. This $100 million gift will pay for:
- The whole veterinary school at Murdoch University is being rebuilt.
- Building a 9,600-square-meter facility just for this purpose
- An increase of 50% in the number of vet students (from 105 to 150 each year)
The planned five-year redevelopment will not only help with the long-term shortage of veterinarians in WA, but it will also make things more effective for animal welfare, agricultural health, and environmental research.
Why It Matters – Improving Animal Health and Research
Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks says that the new building will:
- Make Murdoch’s facilities meet worldwide requirements
- Make things safer and better for students, staff, and animals.
- Increase biomedical research and projects to protect the environment
- Strengthen the university’s “One Health” mission, which connects the health of people, animals, and the environment.
WA is already a key centre for research on farming and livestock. With this upgrade, Murdoch will be able to help rural communities and pet owners even more.
Ted Powell’s Legacy – The Man Behind the Gift
Powell, who was 74 years old, said he couldn’t see why he should keep such a large amount of money. The donation was made in honour of his wife Dee, who loved animals deeply.
“My wife was a big cat lover, especially… He said, “She’d be very proud of what I’m doing.”
The couple, who didn’t have any kids, had been involved with Murdoch University for a long time through The Ragdoll Foundation. Over 140 students in need were awarded scholarships from this foundation. Powell always put the veterinary school “first in line.”
“Having too much money is a problem.” He said, “It would be wrong to put the burden of getting rid of my assets on someone else.”
Murdoch University’s Past in Veterinary Education
When Murdoch University opened 50 years ago, one of its initial ten courses was Veterinary Medicine. Since then, it has become the most important part of the university’s dedication to animal welfare, conservation, and public health.
Professor Henry Annandale, the Dean of Veterinary Medicine, said that
- Every year, about 650 students apply to take the course.
- At the moment, only 105 can fit in.
- The new facility will allow for a spike in intake to 150.
This expansion directly addresses Australia’s lack of trained veterinary professionals, which became even more important after COVID-19, when more people got pets during lockdowns.
What the WA Government and Academics Did
Tony Buti, the WA Minister for Tertiary Education, called the donation “the biggest single gift ever made to any university in WA.”
“Veterinary science is a key part of Murdoch… “It is important for both animal lovers and our economy,” he said.
Professor Deeks said:
“Ted Powell will leave a legacy for the veterinary field, for animal research, and for animals big and small that will last for generations.”
People in academia and the general public acknowledged with this sentiment, appreciating the gift’s vision and generosity.
A Message to Australia’s Rich
Powell hopes his choice will change the way people deliver to charity.
“I want to encourage anyone who has been able to make money to think about responsible ways to give back… A good education is a gift that will last a lifetime.
Powell says that the amount is not what matters; what matters is the desire to make a difference.
“Before I made the choice, I was scared. I felt better after I gave the money. It felt like a load had been lifted off my mind.
Outside of the Classroom – Effects on WA and Beyond
The redevelopment involves far more than just classrooms and labs. It is a long-term investment in:
- The scientific and agricultural communities in WA
- The health of animals and the environment in the future
- The most up-to-date research and teamwork in veterinary medicine
- Worldwide efforts to deal with the link between people, animals, and the environment
Murdoch’s stronger One Health agenda will now draw in top researchers, academics, and students from around the world who will directly improve the health of animals in Australia.
Personal Thought – One Gift, Many Generations of Change
Ted Powell’s $100 million gift to the Murdoch University veterinary school is more than just a way to get more money; it’s a gift that will last for animals, learners, instructors, and all of Western Australia. It shows what can happen when people use their money for the greater good.
With construction going on and numerous projects in the works, WA is on track to become the world’s best place for animal research and veterinary education. And at the centre of this change is one man’s choice to make a difference—for love, legacy, and lasting change.
