What is it that makes a relationship with Keystone so enduring?
One compelling story is illustrated by AECOM, which has been by the trust’s side for 25 years.
Its intergenerational association was marked at this year’s awards evening, when the global infrastructure consulting firm was presented with a plaque and citation in recognition of its wide-reaching contribution.
The plaque now sits in pride of place at AECOM’s Auckland office, where Claire Drewery, Practice Leader – Building Engineering NZ – recently spoke about the strengths of the silver-anniversary association. It began back in 1999 when Chris Sutherland, regional director of construction company Davis Langdon – later acquired by AECOM – became a member of Keystone’s student selection committee. Chris saw the opportunity to give back to the industry and grow talent within it. Since then the AECOM association has wreathed its way through many connections – including as a Platinum Sponsor and now Key Scholarship Partner. Along the way there are plenty of stories to tell and people to talk about.
An example: Keystone alumni and now trustee Simone Sharp was instrumental in growing the relationship, says Claire. “Simone was in our team, and she really sold the benefits beyond sponsorship. Simone is a great ambassador for the cause and she shared her personal insights on what the Keystone relationship can do.”
As a result, the connection has strengthened, and AECOM has become more involved in spreading the Keystone message across the business – not just financially but with personal stories too. This has made a lasting impact on the industry
Consider the lineup of Keystone scholars who have gone on to work for AECOM: Kakati Royal, Lily Sanson, Eyad Masoud, Temukisa Taito, Nick Bycroft and Asia Aharkova among them. Some, such as Eyad, who joined as a graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering, have since gone on to work elsewhere. But the relationship continues, says Claire. Then there’s Asia, the most recent Keystone recipient, who is still studying but has already worked as an intern at AECOM. “She is very keen to come back to us, and we’re very keen to have her.”
Outside the students and alumni, the company regularly gets involved in fundraising schemes, such as the Rugby Lunch, to help promote the trust, says Claire.
AECOM’s early links have also fostered on-going ties. Some early Davis Langdon team members subsequently set up Barnes Beagley Doherr, which has been with the trust for 10 years. It’s this sort of thriving collegiality that is one of the vital components of maintaining the Keystone relationship.
There are trans-Tasman ties too. AECOM Australia / New Zealand has only two recognised charities it supports – the Smith Family in Australia and Keystone Trust in New Zealand. “That is incredible,” says Keystone general manager Amanda Stanes.
Frances Lee, Corporate Responsibility Lead for AECOM based in Brisbane agrees. She explains that the decision was based on Keystone’s alignment with AECOM’s sustainable legacies strategy. “This includes our commitment to social equity and inclusion, and to giving back to the communities that we work in. Supporting students who have been held back by inequality is a core part of our strategy and hopefully leads to more diverse graduates coming into our business,” Frances explains.
The years may have gone by, but the 25-year relationship doesn’t change, says Claire. “It’s all about people and connections. Keystone is completely different to some other trusts – particularly when you’re reviewing scholarship applications and you hear young people’s stories.
“Keystone is opening doors to these individuals – and we’ve seen the benefits within the industry. We want to maintain and build on that.”
As the citation notes: “AECOM is proud to champion the next generation of talent in property and construction.”
