Documents released under the Official Information Act showed the university received an avalanche of correspondence - much of it positive, others less so - about its appointment of the former deputy prime minister, who starts in the role in July.
Since then a former president of an alumni group has claimed prominent former students - who have donated millions between them - have stopped donating over a string of concerns over how the university is run.
Included among the correspondence over Mr Robertson’s appointment were emails from people who claimed they were pulling donations or no longer bequeathing money in their wills to the university.
Others expressed concern about the "political" nature of the appointment.
But university chancellor Stephen Higgs said only four donors had decided to discontinue their donations.
"Two of these donors last gave donations in 1995.
"We very much value and appreciate our donors’ support and do not underestimate their contribution, for which we are extremely grateful."
Mr Higgs said the university council went through a robust and extensive recruitment process for the vice-chancellor role and unanimously supported appointing Mr Robertson.
"We are excited about Grant starting in July and we have received considerable positive feedback about the appointment.
"Grant’s extensive senior leadership experience at the highest levels of government, understanding of the machinery of government, deep capability and experience in financial management, strategic thinking and ability to navigate complex issues during challenging times made him a standout candidate."
Alumni of the University of Otago in America former president Neil Matheson told the Otago Daily Times Mr Robertson’s appointment added concerns some alumni had about the university’s direction.
The situation was complex, Mr Matheson said, but there were specific concerns about "the production of a virtue signalling strategic plan document that is nothing more than a woke agenda document", the "change to a new logo and the expense incurred", the "financial mismanagement of the university" and the treatment of alumni by the alumni office.
"I personally know of three people [prominent alumni] who have taken the university out of their wills and stopped annual giving.
"Collectively the group has contributed millions to the university over a long period of time."
The university’s new branding, featuring its new tohu (symbol) and ikoa Māori (Māori name), is set to be unveiled at a new logo launch event this morning.
The university will spend about $1.3 million over the next two years on the rebranding, which includes the rollout of its new Māori name to Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka.
Mr Higgs said the university’s strategy, Pae Tata, outlined its vision for how the university needed to evolve to meet the expectations of students, staff, mana whenua, alumni and other key stakeholders, as a contemporary and financially sustainable institution.
"We need to continue as a university delivering high-quality teaching and research, and creating positive impact for society.
"Strong leadership will be crucial to achieving these goals, and Grant is the right person to lead the university in the years ahead."
Mr Higgs said the university’s engagement with alumni had been benchmarked against universities in Australia and the United States and "consistently rated higher than average".
"We respect the opinions of our donors and stakeholders and we understand there may be differing perspectives on leadership appointments."
