On 15 October, the UQ law community achieved something remarkable. Together, 39 donors raised A$183,313 for the Cedric E.K. Hampson AO Scholarship fund – a record-breaking result for UQ's annual Giving Day.
The driving force behind this achievement was the shared belief in supporting students who face financial barriers. Donors told us they were inspired by the opportunity to honour Cedric Hampson AO’s legacy in a practical way – by opening doors for the next generation of legal professionals. Many were motivated by their own experiences at UQ, a desire to give back and a commitment to ensuring that students can access the same opportunities they enjoyed.
We are especially grateful to the Hampson family, UQ Alumni Friends, and members of the UQ Law Alumni Association. All of these groups contributed generously to the fund. Their leadership and encouragement rallied the wider community and set the tone for this philanthropic campaign.
"This scholarship is a wonderful example of how the University can work with the alumni community to provide an enduring source of support for students in financial need," said the President of UQ Law Alumni Association, Mr John McKenna KC.
"It is so apt that the scholarship is to be named in honour of Cedric Hampson AO QC. He was one of Queensland’s most influential legal figures, with broad-ranging cultural and intellectual interests," said Mr McKenna.
The Hampson family’s vision and generosity have been central to establishing this scholarship. Their support ensures Cedric Hampson AO’s legacy will continue to inspire and assist future generations of UQ law students.
Looking ahead
The Cedric E.K. Hampson AO Scholarship will be awarded from 2026, supporting students undertaking the Bachelor of Humanities / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) dual degree. This program combines legal training with the intellectual depth of the humanities, preparing graduates to become thoughtful leaders in the legal profession.
Most importantly, this scholarship will transform the lives of financially disadvantaged but academically brilliant students. By removing financial barriers, it enables talented individuals to pursue a world-class education, realise their potential, and contribute meaningfully to the legal profession and society.
Thomas’s story
Thomas Woodrow, a UQ current student undertaking the dual degree that the Cedric E.K. Hampson AO Scholarship supports, shares the value the two programs have provided him for his legal outlook:
“My studies in humanities (western civilisation) have profoundly complemented my law degree, providing an enduring intellectual foundation that continues to shape me today," said Mr Woodrow.
"Through critical engagement with seminal texts ranging from Jean-Jacques Rousseau's The Social Contract to William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, I developed strong critical thinking skills and a deeper appreciation for the philosophical traditions that underpin our legal and social systems. This interdisciplinary approach has equipped me with the analytical tools and broad perspective essential for both rigorous legal reasoning and thoughtful civic engagement.
"I cannot imagine a more valuable dual degree to prepare me for my future, both personally and professionally.”
The generosity of our donors is shaping the future of the legal profession and making a real difference for students who need it most.
Donations to the Cedric E.K. Hampson AO Scholarship can be made at any time.
