Associate Professor Martin Hiscock (OM 1982) is a man well-versed in decisions of the heart.
As an interventional cardiologist, taking responsibility for people’s lives and their future comes with the territory.
But when thinking about his own life and the future of those closest to him, it was a moment of clarity that Martin says inspired him to leave a gift in his Will to Melbourne Grammar School.
“Sometimes in the busy life we all seem to lead nowadays you get a wake-up call,” Martin says.
“For me that was seeing Melbourne Grammar win the APS Athletics last year. To witness the exultation on the boys’ faces as they suddenly realised they had won against the odds was terrific.”
Martin is the third generation in his family to attend the School, following his father Anthony Hiscock (OM 1954) and grandfather Walter Hiscock (OM 1927).
His son Antonio “Nino” Hiscock – Anthony’s namesake – is currently in Year 11 at Senior School and has excelled in athletics.
Martin says watching his son’s journey has been very rewarding.
“He just adores the School,” Martin says, “and he loves that idea that the family tradition has continued.
“I keep saying to him, we’re enormously lucky to live in this country and be able to attend a school like Melbourne Grammar.”
After witnessing the School’s APS win and deciding to reach out, Martin says the more he learned of the School’s philanthropic priorities, the more motivated he was to give back – ultimately directing his gift to the Exceptional Staff Fund.
“Not many things move you so emotionally as an unexpected and thrilling win,” he says.
“I thought, what can I do for this school that has been such a big part of my life and my family’s life for so long? How can I repay them in some way?
“After speaking with the School, it was quite something to realise that making a bequest will have more effect than anything I could do as an individual.”
Melbourne Grammar’s Exceptional Staff Fund supports the ongoing professional development necessary to maintain the highest educational standards for our students.
“I thought what a great thing!,” Martin says, “to attract and support the best teachers who in turn have such a beneficial influence upon so many students.”
A directed bequest, like Martin’s, has the potential for significant lasting benefits.
With the principal funds held by the School, the generative income can support Staff Excellence for generations.
“For us Old Melburnians, it’s not just the School, but the teachers we had along the way that have played such an important role in our lives and helped us to get where we are today,” Martin says.
“I would just say, think about where you or your children are now, and spare a thought for the bluestone.”
If you would like to learn more about making a contribution to the School’s philanthropic priorities, or including a gift to the School in your Will, please contact:
Roni Baird
Senior Philanthropy Manager
+61 3 9865 7632
[email protected]
