A 30-year collaboration sees students thrive in construction

Forming part of Melbourne’s construction landscape for over 100 years, Hansen Yuncken has played a vital role in supporting tertiary education at the University of Melbourne, a relationship that extends across 3 generations of the Hansen family.

From financial donations, scholarships, construction advocacy and capital works programs, Hansen Yuncken takes great pride in seeing students thrive in a dynamic and forward-thinking industry whilst personally investing in the industry’s ongoing success.  

 

The Hansen Yuncken Prize

With a long and established relationship with the University, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the annual Hansen Yuncken prize, awarded to a students with the top aggregate mark in the Master of Construction Management core subjects.

Established in 1990, the first prize fund was donated to the University by Hansen Yuncken, along with the staff and students of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning in memory of fellow student Michael Hansen who died in 1987.

Committed to our industry’s future leaders, HY’s most recent donation of $22,000 sees the total award pool increase to $50,000, allowing a more significant value award to students of $2-$2,500. Presented annually, an honour board listing all prize recipients since 1990 resides at the university.

“In construction, the Hansen Yuncken Prize is one of a few awards to recognise and support students. … (and) it highlights the importance the firm places on tertiary education, growth and innovation to support the incoming workforce of the future.”  Andrew Middleton, Senior Development Manager Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning Office | The University of Melbourne

 

The Peter Williams Fund

Amid this challenging economic period, the Hansen family has cemented its ongoing commitment to the University, donating $5,000 to a fund to provide ongoing support to students undertaking construction related degrees whilst recognising the long and successful career of Associate Professor Peter Williams.

Peter Williams, Peter Hansen and other luminaries of the industry including Professor Leo Simon, helped create and establish the University course, originally as a Bachelor of Building. Members of the 2nd generation of Hansen & Yuncken, brothers Frank and Clarence Hansen, supported the creation of the course and were part of the group who funded the first Chair of Building. Their goal was to professionalise building which until the mid 1950s had been a trade based course with Diplomas obtained through the Working Man’s College (now RMIT). 

 

Capital Works Programs

Acknowledging a long and successful relationship with the University, both HY and the Hansen Family helped fund the new building for the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning. Now known as the Glyn Davis Building (Melbourne School of Design), this donation enabled the construction of one of the most exciting buildings on the Carlton campus. The spectacular hanging studios that act as a key feature are named the ‘Hansen Yuncken Hanging studios’ in recognition of the donation.

 

Educating for our future

From health and safety, to construction management, design and innovation, the HY team has engaged with students over many years to deliver interactive and thought-provoking lectures to University students, expanding their knowledge of industry best practice and practical application. Peter, Louise and Richard Hansen have also served at various points in time on the Construction Advisory Board for the University.

 

Hansen Yuncken’s social investment policy builds on its history of working with and for the community in three key areas: education and training, social sustainability and environmental sustainability. This provides a framework for the company’s ongoing community engagement and initiatives. For more great examples of our community investment visit HYInsights

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