Love flows strong

A PLAQUE ON THE FOUNTAIN OF GIVING PAYS TRIBUTE TO A MAN WHO STRIVED FOR IMPROVEMENT IN HIMSELF AND THE WORLD AROUND HIM

by Reon Suddaby

George Boath’s (Class of 2009) plaque is one among many on Bond University’s Fountain of Giving. But for Lara Boath (Class of 2012), the plaque she bought in memory of her late father represents more than just a name – it’s a heartfelt tribute to a man who loved his wife, four daughters, two grandchildren, and Bond University.

Ms Boath says purchasing a plaque on the Fountain of Giving was a fitting way to remember her father, who graduated from Bond in 2011 with a Master of Property Valuation, before passing away in 2017. “Dad could always see the bigger picture. He would make the time to approach all people as individuals and encourage us to understand our potential and that opportunities can be endless. He saw Bond University as a platform to continue to understand the bigger picture, be a part of the world and affect positive change.

“Bond recognised Dad’s experiences and saw his potential within the world too. Dad was 57 when he started his degree, he was the first of his family to go to university, he constantly educated and improved himself through higher learning.”

Mr Boath’s connection with Bond began even before he commenced studying at the University, as he spent part of his 20s working with Indigenous communities with his wife in the Northern Territory alongside future Bond University Executive Chancellor and Vice Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Harry Messel AC CBE. After graduating from Bond, Mr Boath worked as a Land Access Research Officer for Land Field Services, followed by a role as a Land Management Co-ordinator with major resource companies Saipem Australia and Santos before moving to the P4 Group and a new position as Land Access Manager – Resources and Infrastructure Projects. Mr Boath continued to work in preconstruction land access management up until his passing, with a passion for negotiation toward synergistic infrastructural growth, respecting people and culture first.

Ms Boath is herself a Bond alumna, graduating in 2013 with a Bachelor of Communication, majoring in journalism. She went on to work with both 9 News and 7 News, while also featuring on radio as the National Station Voice of Triple M, working for Southern Cross Austereo, and providing public relations and communications strategy and writing services. Ms Boath is one of many people who have either purchased a plaque on the Fountain of Giving or found another way to give back to Bond University.

Earlier this year, the University’s firstever Giving Day set a target of $100,000, but raised almost $115,000, thanks to the generosity of alumni and supporters. Vice President Engagement Catherine Marks says the funds would go towards multiple areas of need including the Student Hardship Fund, Student Opportunity Fund and Scholarship Fund. “We are so proud of the generosity shown by the Bond community at our very first Giving Day,” Ms Marks says. “We hope to build this event into a staple of the Homecoming calendar, allowing Bondies here in Australia and those abroad to help foster the success of the next generation of Bond students.”

Ultimately, it’s those fellow staff and students that Ms Boath says made a difference to both her and her father during their time studying at Bond. “It’s just the spirit that you feel when you are here, just the positivity and the openness of people that are studying here, and something my Dad always said was to surround yourself with those who have a similar mindset and would also like to succeed, and Bond is definitely the place to do that.”

Watch the video to hear more from Ms Boath.