When Duane and Jennie arrived at Bond University on separate scholarships, neither could have imagined their time on campus would mark the beginning of a lifelong partnership. More than two decades later, the couple have built a life together in Sydney, raising four children, forging impressive careers, and continuing to give back to the University that played a central role in shaping their future.
A legacy of learning
Duane grew up in Tamworth and, after visiting Bond for a scholarship weekend, knew he wanted to move there after high school. “I had fallen in love with the place,” he recalls.
“Going from the country to seeing the campus and the Gold Coast lifestyle — it was a big step. My parents sat me down and said, ‘Look, not to be harsh, but it's all or nothing here. If you don’t get the full [scholarship], we can’t finance it.’ So, I was very fortunate to secure a Vice Chancellor’s scholarship.”
Jennie, meanwhile, was finishing school in Sydney when her parents encouraged her to move beyond her comfort zone. “Mum and Dad pushed me to try something new and move away,” she says. “Bond awarded me a half scholarship and I moved up to the Gold Coast. It was the best decision for me.”
Their story together began early in Jennie’s first semester. “I was in week two or three, and I went to a party — Duane was there,” she remembers.
The next night, Duane’s sister, who lived across the corridor from Jennie on campus, invited her over. “She said, ‘My brother’s coming over,’ and that was it.”
Their time at Bond wasn’t just significant for them; it set the stage for their siblings as well.
“My little sister was at Bond the same year as Jennie,” says Duane.
“My brother came a bit later, and then Jennie’s brother and sister both went. So, it’s a big family thing. Now, our son has visited Bond and he’s got it in his head that he’s going, too.”
Careers taking shape
Duane and Jennie’s university experiences set them on very different professional paths. Duane studied commerce and finance and is now a partner and equity holder in a private markets firm. Jennie graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and practised overseas in New York before pivoting to interior design. She now runs her own business, Periwinkle Interiors.
Bond played a significant role in shaping their careers and character. “You grow up a lot living away from home,” says Jennie.
“You learn to pay bills, sort out accommodation, and manage responsibilities. The law program was also very practical, which helped me professionally. I was on the Law Students' Association and participated in student sporting clubs — being at a smaller university made it easier to get involved, and those connections led to opportunities later.”
For Duane, Bond was an eye-opening experience. “Coming from the country, I learned about the aspirations of the people I met there. Our closest family friends are Bond alumni. I’ve been surprised how well they’ve all done in different areas — none of them overlapping, but all very successful.”
Paying it forward
The couple has long supported Bond’s Giving Day and, this year, they’re making an even bigger commitment: matching every donation dollar-for-dollar.
“We had the Bond Giving Day team go back and calculate what it would have cost us to complete our degrees without scholarships,” Duane explains.
“We’re looking to pay out whatever’s left on that. Some of it we’ve covered in past years, and this year, we’re matching all donations to bring us even with the costs of our education.”
For them, it’s about ensuring that others have access to the same opportunities they did.
“We want to ‘pay it forward’ rather than ‘pay it back',” Duane says.
“Paying it back makes it seem like it’s done, but it's about giving the next generation the same opportunities we had — and we still intend to do more and contribute more.”
Jennie echoes the sentiment: “I think it’s important to have diversity at Bond."
People who wouldn’t ordinarily be able to afford tuition fees can bring different perspectives, which enriches the environment for everyone. Scholarships help make that possible, but they can’t continue without donors.”
“People who wouldn’t ordinarily be able to afford tuition fees can bring different perspectives, which enriches the environment for everyone. Scholarships help make that possible, but they can’t continue without donors.”
“People who wouldn’t ordinarily be able to afford tuition fees can bring different perspectives, which enriches the environment for everyone. Scholarships help make that possible, but they can’t continue without donors.”
A lasting connection
Even after leaving campus, Bond remains a significant part of their lives.
“It was a really great community — I didn’t want it to end after four years,” Jennie says.
“Almost all our siblings went there because they saw how amazing it was.”
Her advice to current students? “Get involved in everything you can because it goes so quickly.”
For alumni, she stresses the importance of staying connected. “I know life gets busy, but just stay involved with alumni events. You never know where those friendships and connections will lead.”
For Duane and Jennie, Bond University was more than just a stepping stone — it was the foundation of their family, careers, and lifelong friendships. And now, through Giving Day, they’re ensuring future students experience the same life-changing opportunities they did.
Join Duane and Jennie in donating to this year’s Giving Day on May 15, as the Bond University community unites to enrich the student experience. Funds raised will bolster initiatives including the Student Opportunity Fund, Elite Athlete Fund and Global Alumni Scholarships, supporting Bond students and their potential. Be part of the impact by donating today.
Published on Wednesday, 9 April, 2025.
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