Recently arrived as Flinders University’s new Director of Alumni & Advancement, Ted Wynn spoke with us about the international path that led him to Flinders, and his appreciation of the life-changing impact of philanthropy.

What is your role here at Flinders?

I recently joined Flinders University as Director of Alumni & Advancement, and have the absolute pleasure of working with a team of passionate and experienced professionals who are committed to delivering excellence in alumni relations and fundraising for education and research at Flinders. My role will help guide the team as we strive to grow alumni engagement and philanthropic support at Flinders.

Tell us about your journey in philanthropy and to Flinders.

My journey in philanthropy began when I was working in the US as a stockbroker at the international wealth management company Morgan Stanley. With a background in law and sales, I worked with clients on their estate planning, which led to the idea of working with universities on estate planning for their alumni.

While touring universities across America, I learned about philanthropy and advancement. I reflected on the opportunity of being a facilitator to connect capital with things like medical research that could change lives, or financial support that could change the life of a student from disadvantage. I realised that working within a university was a way to use my advocacy skills for the greater good – to help fund ideas that create solutions to address how we use energy in a sustainable way, to alleviate suffering and reduce disadvantage.

In 2016, I moved with my family halfway around the world for the opportunity to lead the advancement team of the Faculty of Business Economics and Law at The University of Queensland.

After hearing glowing reports from colleagues and friends about Adelaide, it piqued our interest in relocating. As lovely as Brisbane is, it hasn’t taken long for all of us to embrace Adelaide and the lifestyle it offers.

What are you looking forward to achieving at Flinders?

Flinders University is at a pivotal moment, and with that comes plenty of opportunity that I’m excited to navigate and execute. Currently, we’re pioneering several initiatives of high value to our national sovereign capability, regional health across Australia, global cybersecurity, and the future of higher education in the 21st century – just to name a few. All these initiatives need some level of private philanthropic support to move forward.

I am excited about this wonderful opportunity to work with teams and individuals across the University so that together we can realise Flinders’ great potential to have impact across Australia and the world.

What has inspired you to be part of supporting others in the community through philanthropy?

I’ve realised the transformative impact a scholarship or private philanthropy can have, not only on recipients, but on their families and their communities. Early in my career, I heard a scholarship recipient explain how receiving funds had not only transformed his life, but opened doors that would change the trajectory of his entire family going forward. After I heard that, I was committed to advancement for the long haul.

I’ve also been fortunate enough to see how gratifying our work is in the lives of our donors. When we can connect their passion with an area of priority and need, the gratitude they have as they see their generosity making a difference is eye-opening. I like to say that advancement professionals enable dreams – the dreams of donors, researchers and students.

What is your greatest achievement, personally or professionally?

Growing up in a small, blue-collar town on the south-eastern coast of Virginia in the US – where most people live out their entire lives – I never imagined or thought of expat life as a remote possibility. Relocating to Australia was a huge risk for my family, especially as we’d never previously visited the country, but we are so glad we took this adventure, which has proven to be so rewarding personally and professionally. I am incredibly proud of myself and my family. We’ve established a life we love in Australia.

How do you spend your spare time?

I like to hike in my spare time and Adelaide offers an abundance of scenic trails. I’m also a US political history enthusiast so I spend a great deal of my spare time delving into that subject matter. I also enjoy joining my daughter for some gaming on Roblox from time to time.

What have you enjoyed about being at Flinders so far?

Flinders already feels like home. I am so grateful to everyone I’ve meet along the way for their hospitality and collegiality. I feel very fortunate to be here and look forward to building connections and becoming a part of the Flinders family.