A couple who met while studying at QUT have generously chosen to forgo their own wedding gifts to give to financially struggling students at QUT.
Paul Goethel and Leanne Cutler first met whilst studying a Bachelor of Business at QUT's predecessor institution, Queensland Institute of Technology (QIT) in the 1980s. Leanne went on to complete a Graduate Certificate in Writing at QUT and has since worked in the Creative Industries and Law Faculties. In the years since their graduation, both Leanne and Paul have continued to be passionate members of the QUT community, supporting alumni and philanthropic programs alike.
In planning their wedding, Leanne and Paul decided to take the opportunity to give back to the university that brought them together. They invited their guests, including loving family, friends and fellow QUT alumni to make a gift to the QUT Learning Potential Fund in lieu of a traditional wedding gift.
"QUT has given us so much. We wanted to give back by helping the highly motivated but financially struggling QUT students the Learning Potential Fund supports," Leanne said.
"Our guests were delighted they could give the gift of education and opportunity to students in need. Student recipients have each overcome considerable challenges and we hope our gifts gives them the motivation to carry on."
QUT Director of Alumni and Development, Simone Garske, said the couple were a wonderful example of the lifelong connection between alumni and university.
"It is truly inspiring that Leanne and Paul have chosen to recognise the role QUT has played in their lives in such a personal way," she said.
"The gifts of their wedding guests will go on to enable determined students to complete their university education despite the financial and personal circumstances they may face. And who knows - perhaps one of those students will be a part of a future QUT love story."
