Keith and Karen Neuendorf have been ardent supporters of USC for over twenty years; establishing the ‘USC Neuendorf Group Scholarships’ in 2005 and Karen has been a member of the USC Foundation Board for 19 years. Keith was born in Buderim to Trevor and Anna Neuendorf, who bought a small furniture shop in Maroochydore in 1959. It was the beginnings of what was to become the Neuendorf Group.

As a graduate of the New York School of Interior Design, Karen spent over 20 years working with Keith; the two of them growing Neuendorf Group into a highly successful Sunshine Coast-based business with residential and commercial projects around Australia.

They are also the owners of Ormsby Park Investments (a property and development company) for over 26 years. Keith and Karen are proud parents of two accomplished daughters, Ellie and Sofie.

How do you two see the impact of USC on the region? The true impact of USC is the extensive connectivity to society and communities who otherwise have no involvement in education.

Karen, what scientific discovery would you like to see accomplished before the end of the decade? Technology that is sustainably integrated into homes to counteract the high levels of plastics, waste and personal rubbish would be a significant goal before 2030.

Where would you two hope to travel on holiday when international borders reopen? As a back packer I travelled across Northern and Eastern Africa, so now Keith and I would love to stay at some of the reserves and spend time in communities and experience true wilderness.

Keith, what is your favourite thing about being a life-long Sunny Coaster? Living overseas and interstate as an adult made me realise that there is no other place that has community and opportunities like the Sunshine Coast.

Why did you both decide to give to the University’s general endowment through the 1996 Society? With deep and long roots in the Sunshine Coast community we wanted to support the University through the 1996 Society, ensuring that the future is focused on higher education and that globally, USC students will effect change and contribute to humanity and 21st century issues