Donors, mentors, and volunteers for the Faculty were acknowledged and thanked at the annual Deans’ Thank you Christmas Function on Thursday 24th November.
Like minded supporters of the Faculty gathered in the Deans’ Boardroom to celebrate the successes of 2016, and to hear from students who have been directly impacted by their philanthropic donations and gifts in kind.
Professor Paul Kofman, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, presented an update that highlighted key achievements throughout the year including securing accreditation with both the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) and the Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), awards and recognition bestowed upon our internationally renowned professors, and of course, an update on the all-important Faculty rankings.
The high point of the evening was hearing from Master of Economics student Matthew Connolly, the recipient of the Order of Australia Association Foundation Scholarship. He demonstrated the impact of his scholarship using the analogy of Snapchat, the popular picture messaging app, sharing with guests with the opportunities the scholarship had afforded him through a series of ‘snaps’. His scholarship has paired him up with a prominent Melbourne mentor, taken him to the London School of Economics for a summer semester and helped him connect with key people in industry. But perhaps most importantly, as stated by Matthew himself, ‘It has opened my eyes to the power of philanthropy.’
Matthew is just one example of the many students whose experience at the University has been greatly enriched and positively impacted by the generosity of our donors and volunteers. The Faculty would like to thank all of our alumni and friends whose contributions allow endless opportunities for the Faculty as a whole and its students.
We look forward to celebrating with you again next year.
For information on how you can help support our students and contribute to Believe – The Campaign for the University of Melbourne, please email us.