University of Melbourne's Faculty of Business and Economics celebrates 100 years of history with 1000 business leaders

The University of Melbourne's Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE) will host its annual Foundation Dinner fundraiser on Thursday, 8 May, at the historical Royal Exhibition Building.

This year, the event coincides with the Faculty's centenary celebrations and will bring together almost 1000 business leaders to commemorate FBE's 100 years of contributions to Australia's business community and economy.

To mark its 100th year, FBE aims to raise funds for 100 student scholarships, increasing access to world-class business education for the next generation of leaders. To date, almost 70 scholarships have already been secured, demonstrating the strong support from the business community.

This dinner will help raise awareness of the scholarships and give many business leaders the opportunity to offer support. It will be held in the world-heritage Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, which has been a neighbour of the University of Melbourne for over 100 years and has hosted many University graduations.

Professor Paul Kofman, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, and Sidney Myer Chair of Commerce, said: "For a century, FBE has been at the forefront of business education and research in Australia. This Foundation Dinner is not just a celebration of our past achievements, but a commitment to our future impact. By bringing together 1000 of Australia's most influential business leaders, we're showcasing the strength of our network and its potential to shape the next 100 years of business and economic landscape in Australia and beyond."

The event will highlight FBE's longstanding partnerships with industry, including founding donors such as NAB and the Myer family, who have supported the Faculty since its inception in 1925. These enduring relationships have been crucial in establishing Melbourne as a hub for business education and innovation.

"The continued support from our partners in the business community is testament to the value of our work," Professor Kofman added. "Their commitment to offering work-integrated learning opportunities, mentorships, and employment to our students ensures that FBE graduates remain the employees of choice in Australia's business sector."

Throughout its history, FBE has played a significant role in informing policy decisions that have shaped Australia's economy. From the introduction of Medicare to the development of the superannuation system and the increasing participation of women in the workforce, FBE's research and graduates have been at the forefront of positive change.

The Foundation Dinner will not only celebrate these achievements but also look to the future, focusing on how business education and research can continue to drive informed decision-making in an increasingly complex political and economic landscape.

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