Classics program receives $1m gift
[ The University of Melbourne Voice Vol. 1, No. 13
3 - 17 September 2007 ] By Christina Buckridge
The study of Classics at the University of Melbourne has received a $1 million boost, thanks to the generosity of a major donor.
The University is now planning a significant expansion of its Classics library and teaching programs in its Centre for Classics and Archaeology, the only program of its kind in Australia.
Melbourne continues to be highly regarded by prospective students for the depth of its Classics, Latin and Ancient Greek offerings while, in many universities, Classics departments have been shrinking and, in some, the study of Latin and Greek has disappeared altogether.
Pro Vice-Chancellor, University Relations, Professor Warren Bebbington, says a donor has stepped forward to pledge $1 million over the next three years to build the Centre’s collection of Classics books and periodicals into a front-rank Classics library.
Professor Bebbington says that with $200 000 already received a significant acquisition program has begun.
Architects have been commissioned by the University to explore the possibility of the expanding Classics library collection being housed in the northern wing in the historic centre of the University’s Old Quadrangle.
The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, is a graduate of the University who holds a high regard for Melbourne’s standards and staff dedication.
“He has a great passion for Classics and believes many more young people should experience the joy of studying them,” says Professor Bebbington. “He wants to see Classics remain at the historic and intellectual core of what the University does and what it stands for.”
And after expanding the library, Professor Bebbington expects the donor may turn his attention to staffing and scholarships for the Centre. “Quite simply, he wishes to secure Classics permanently and proudly at the heart of his University. It will be a gift of the highest significance.”
Director of the Centre for Classics and Archaeology, Associate Professor Chris Mackie, is delighted with the donation. “This is a magnificent thing for the study of Classics at the University. The outstanding generosity of the donor has ensured that on-going generations of students and staff at Melbourne will have access to an excellent learning and research library.”
Classics has been taught at Melbourne for more than 150 years. Today, the Centre for Classics and Archaeology is one of the leading international centres for the study of the ancient world and home to cutting-edge research and field study.
The Centre provides students with a multidisciplinary perspective on ancient Graeco-Roman, Aegean and Near Eastern civilisations, giving students an insight and understanding into today’s world by exploring how ancient cultures have contributed to the development of our modern world.
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