The Council for Advancement and Support of Education has announced Michael Spence AC, vice-chancellor and principal of the University of Sydney as the recipient of the 2019 CASE Asia-Pacific Leadership Award. The award recognises institutional leaders for their outstanding efforts in promoting and supporting education and advancement.

As the University of Sydney’s 25th vice-chancellor, Spence’s exceptional leadership enhanced the reputation of the University, both in Australia and on the global stage. A key driving force behind the University’s INSPIRED philanthropic campaign launched in 2013, his visionary direction was instrumental to its success of raising over AUD1 billion, a feat still unmatched by other tertiary institutions in Australia. Spence implemented strategic engagement and philanthropy changes which yielded incredible results, enabling the University to reach its AUD600 million fundraising goal in 2017, two years ahead of schedule. In January 2019, the campaign achieved the revised goal of AUD1 billion.

Spence’s active support of institutional advancement was demonstrated through his personal involvement in leading the campaign and giving innumerable hours of his own time towards furthering the University’s fundraising goal. Both were decisive factors in the campaign’s success.

“Michael’s gift of foresight is invaluable to the team. His exemplary leadership in championing advancement and philanthropic efforts, as well as the overall strategic direction has enabled the University to grow from strength to strength,” said Rossie Ogilvie, vice-principal (advancement) at the University of Sydney, who nominated him for the award. “He inspired many through his selfless dedication to the INSPIRED campaign.”

The University of Sydney pioneered multiple new developments and published world-class research under Spence’s leadership. On top of his commitment to educational excellence, he championed gender equity across all areas of study. This resulted in the increased enrolment of women in engineering degrees to 32%, double the Australian average.

“The success of the University of Sydney’s INSPIRED campaign and other philanthropic efforts reflect his recognition of the importance of institutional advancement in transforming lives. He is an inspirational leader who is deserving of the award,” said Heather Hamilton, executive director at CASE Asia-Pacific.

About CASE Asia-Pacific Leadership Award

The Leadership Award recognises CASE member institutional heads, presidents, vice-chancellors, chancellors, system heads or other campus chief executive officers for outstanding efforts in promoting and supporting education and institutional advancement.

This award recognises the following contributions from an individual:

• Actively support advancement
• Create a vision and inspire others
• Establish a positive image for their institution while leading it to higher levels of success
• Increase their institution's stature in the community and
• Encourage innovation among employees

About CASE

CASE believes in advancing education to transform lives and society. As a global non-profit membership association of educational institutions, CASE helps develop the communities of professional practice that build institutional resilience and success in challenging times. The communities include staff engaged in alumni relations, advancement services, communications, fundraising, government relations, marketing and student recruitment. CASE is volunteer-led and uses the intellectual capital of senior practitioners to build capacity and capability across the world. CASE has offices in Washington, D.C., London, Singapore and Mexico City. Member institutions include more than 3,600 colleges and universities, primary and secondary independent and international schools, and non-profit organisations in 82 countries. CASE serves more than 90,000 practitioners. For more information about CASE, please visit www.case.org.