The funds come from a Trust established by Marnie Cowan in 1994. She and husband Bill believed in the benefits of tertiary education, and wanted to help students financially.

MARNIE - was born and graduated in New Zealand. She was a sportswoman, a pianist and a leader. She had 3 children, then became Chief of staff at PGC (now Seymour College). She donated generously to charity. She was well read and had a wicked sense of humour. She died in 1995.

BILL - struggled financially to graduate MA (NZ) and BA London. He was librarian of the University of Adelaide, Barr Smith Library for 34 years. He was a scholar of the classics, a perfectionist, rather demanding. He lived very frugally. He died in 1984.

The Trust's continuing aim is to help financially stressed tertiary students. The Trust is administered by 5 trustees, 4 are members of the Cowan family, and one an independant advisor.

Since starting the Trust has given over $1.2m in grants.