On October 31, the Faculty of Business and Economics invited alumni and staff to launch FBE100, a year-long celebration of the Faculty’s centenary.
Co-Deans Professor Paul Kofman and Professor Jenny George welcomed 300 alumni, loved ones of late alumni, and former and current staff to celebrate the commencement of the faculty’s centenary celebrations.
The Centenary Oration was delivered by Nobel Laureate Professor James A. Robinson who worked at the University of Melbourne thirty years ago as a lecturer in economics.
Professor Robinson is the Rev. Dr. Richard L. Pearson Professor of Global Conflict Studies and University Professor at the Harris School of Public Policy of the University of Chicago. He also directs The Pearson Institute for the Study and Resolution of Global Conflicts.
The oration was followed by a panel discussion featuring four distinguished academics with ties to the Faculty of Business and Economics.
Professor Peter Gahan (Associate Dean, Teaching & Learning) moderated for:
- Professor Lisa Cameron (James Riady Chair of Asian Economics, distinguished Professorial Research Fellow of the Melbourne Institute of Applied Social and Economic Research and a University of Melbourne BCom alumnus)
- Professor Emeritus Ross Garnaut (Vice-Chancellor's Fellow and Professorial Fellow of Economics)
- Professor Mei Dong (Professor of Economics),
- Professor David Vines (Professor of Economics and a Fellow of Balliol College at Oxford University and an alum of the Faculty of Business and Economics).
The Faculty also revealed their new wall art installation honouring alumni.
“We have chosen a diverse range of alumni to feature, not just in their backgrounds and lived experiences, but also in their chosen field, approach to study and work, and application of their degree,” said Professor Gahan.
“We have done this to remind our students that there is no single path into a future career after study at FBE and the skills and knowledge they acquire during their time with us will be a strong foundation to navigate the many challenges they will face in their future life and career, whatever that may be.
“As time goes on, we plan to add new faces to our wall that highlight some of the amazing people that are part of our alumni community.”
In his speech, Dean Kofman expressed how alumni have been able to use their education as a strong foundation for success.
“In my 24 years in the Faculty, I must have congratulated thousands of graduates in some 100 graduation ceremonies—I continue to be impressed by the calibre, proficiency and character of our graduates.
“Likewise in attending regular alumni functions, in Australia and overseas, I have the privilege to hear how their careers unfold with untold stories of civic service and volunteerism alongside professional success.
“Our alumni have achieved so many incredible things using their education from the University of Melbourne.”
