The Gales have been benefactors of Macquarie University for more than 20 years, especially in the fields of ancient history and archaeology.

Newly named The Gale History Museum, the space forms part of the Faculty of Arts at Macquarie and is home to 18,000 historic artefacts spanning collections of the former Australian History Museum and the Museum of Ancient Cultures.

During a small private ceremony on Thursday 29 May, Macquarie Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton thanked Dr Gale for the generosity shown by her and her late husband, which has “enhanced learning opportunities, fostered academic research, and enabled international research collaborations.”

"Throughout her long-held relationship with the University, Dr Gale's philanthropic contributions, along with those of her late husband, have left an indelible mark,” Professor Dowton said. “Dr Gale’s commitment, curiosity and continued support ensure that Macquarie remains a beacon for those passionate about the rich tapestry of ancient civilisations."

Dr Gale’s contributions include a significant glass collection, and more than 60 various antiquities donated to the Macquarie University History Museum. She also marked the occasion with further generosity by gifting the museum another antique for its glass collection; a second or third century Roman bowl that remains completely intact.

Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton (L) and Dr Janet Gale (R) at official event for the renaming of the MQ History Museum on 29 May (image by Chris Barlow).

Dr William Gale gifted his personal coin collection to the Australian Centre for Ancient Numismatic Studies (ACANS) at Macquarie.

Now a globally renowned research centre and the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, the Gales were instrumental in the establishment of ACANS thanks to a significant philanthropic endowment they made to the University.

The Gales (left) donating coins to the ACANS with Associate Professor Kenneth Sheedy and Emeritus Professor Edwin Judge in 1999.

Janet has supported many scholarships enabling graduate research students to travel to undertake research on the ancient Graeco-Roman world, and study at the British School at Rome for six months. Her support has also enabled the annual appointment of ACANS Fellows and visiting fellows in Egyptology.

"The convergence of philanthropy, academia and student engagement embodies the essence of Macquarie University's commitment to holistic education and community involvement,” said Professor Chris Dixon, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts. “We are so grateful for the Dr Janet Gales’ passion and partnership in honouring and celebrating history.”

Speaking at the renaming ceremony on campus last week, Dr Gale said she was overwhelmed by the honour, and grateful for the friendship of Macquarie's Discipline of History and Archaeology over the years.

“To me personally, it is like coming home each time I visit here and see all my antiquities … all of which I lived with and looked at daily in my home," she said. ”They were my friends, but they are better here where everyone can admire them and learn from them, and be cared for in a controlled atmosphere."