School of life

RMIT Business Development Manager, Heather Mallinson

Heather, front row third from left, and the class of ’77 outside Emily McPherson College of Domestic Economy. Photo by Emma Phillips (Bachelor of Fine Art, Hons, 2016).

With a lifelong connection to RMIT – as a student, a tutor, a lecturer, a researcher and partnership manager – Heather Mallinson decided to leave a bequest to the University to ensure her passion for education thrives into the future.

“If you’d asked the young girl who had her photo taken back in ’77 whether she would still be working at RMIT 40 years later, I would have roared with laughter. But I’ve been very fortunate to have had many different ways to grow and expand my knowledge in the process of staying at RMIT.

“My connection with RMIT began in ’77 when I graduated from Emily McPherson College. At the time, it was the best place for females to be educated for a career in nutrition, food and fashion; RMIT took over Emily Mac in ’79. I later came back to RMIT to teach hospitality, tourism and leisure. I went overseas for a conference and ended up living and working in Japan for five years.

“I was tapped on the shoulder for one of RMIT’s first global partnerships – the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Project in Hong Kong. When I returned to Australia I worked in transnational education, and am now in industry engagement.”

Deciding to leave a bequest “I’ve lost a few friends recently and it was a bit of a reality check. And I thought, okay I have no children. I have two god-children who are 30 and 35, they’re quite established and making their own way in the world.

“I’ve always been very fortunate in having the support of other people, I don’t necessarily have to have a scholarship named after me, or a

building named after me, but rather if we all make a small contribution it all adds up. I would like to pass something on, in the hope that it gives someone else a chance.”

Create your own legacy A gift in your will is a powerful legacy that will ensure the University can give more young people the power to transform their lives and the future through education.