Philanthropy, immortality and facelifts

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‘From Little things, big things grow’, (Paul Kelly, songwriter) Any chance of a new historical perspective on the Essendon doping scandal?

Dear reader, it would be crass to suggest that a recent flood of private donations to the very prestigious and august Melbourne University, (to be soon listed on the Stock Exchange) has anything to do with self interest. Nor would it be fair to suggest that such generous donations are motivated by anytime other than  altruism and public virtue. But clearly the new thoroughly modern Melbourne is thoroughly corporate. And it would be snide, and uncharitable to suggest that with such corporate generosity, the sadly depleted history and english departments, ( now a shadow of their former selves) would NOT be doing fascinating groundbreaking research into contemporary and vexed issues related to aboriginal australians, politics, and left-leaning interpretations of contemporary Australian society. Because that would be uncharitable. As benefactor, (and corporate leader) Paul Little’s spouse described, ‘we need to know more about why Hitler invaded Stalingrad, and what happened with the 300 at Thermopylae’. And I’d like to know that also. But what I don’t want, (and the public are clearly not interested), are an analysis of the events of our recent history; the shift to the far right in  Australian politics, human rights, land deals for mates, anzackery, and the seepage of public funds and assets into the pockets of the private sector. Share with us some fragments from the alumni, they are edited to make ‘polite’ reading over breakfast.

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Belief System 1# MONEY!

‘Re universities, there’s little turning of the tide and ironically it is via the corporate sector.
See the Chair in Literature ($5) announced a little while ago, funded by John Wylie (merchant banker) and named after his wife.

And believe it or not, not to be outdone, Paul Little (Chair of Essendon/Toll Holdings) in today’s Financial Review, announced a Chair in History ($10M) to be named the Hansen Chair after his wife ($ left over after the plastic surgery – check out the pics!)

So…… Glyn (Grin) Davis is laughing all the way to the bank with all these cashed up bods wanting to leave a legacy and make themselves feel good (not sure how many of them get out on the soup van!) But nonetheless it is very pleasing to see.
And as we all well know, Dame Elisabeth led the way. But despite her generosity,and the devotion of her son to public institutions and vigorous public debate, the quality of the education from the arts faculty, sadly depleted since the 80’s, seems questionable.

 

And as it emerged from the newspapers, ‘it aint all bad’; (the Age and Fin Review)

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Frederico da Montefeltro. (Op cit.) Renaissance era thug seeking respectability. No bearing on contemporary Australian History.

Award winning novelist, Richard Flanagan, has been appointed as the Boisbouvier Founding Chair in Australian Literature at the University of Melbourne.
The Chair, which is the first of its kind in Victoria, aims to celebrate and promote Australia’s rich literary traditions and abilities. It was made possible by a $5 million gift to the University of Melbourne by merchant banker and president of the State Library Board, Mr John Wylie AM and his wife, Mrs Myriam Boisbouvier-Wylie.
“We’re looking forward to seeing Mr Flanagan play a key role in promoting knowledge of Australian literature and activities that link two of our greatest cultural institutions in Melbourne – the State Library and the University,” Mr Wylie said.
Mrs Boisbouvier-Wylie added: “Richard is a writer of extraordinary talent. He made me discover and appreciate many facets of the Australian experience and psyche through his beautiful and evocative writing.

A passion for ancient Greek wars, the Renaissance era and art has led to the biggest individual donation for history studies for an Australian university.

BRW Rich Lister Paul Little and his wife Jane Hansen have donated $10 million to the University of Melbourne to boost teaching standards for history studies in the arts faculty.

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Hitler and Stalingrad. History repeating itself. Captions; ‘Serco officers sitting thorough the wreckage of the Nauru detention centre, or the last days of the Australian manufacturing industry. (regrettably this will not be on the “new” history syllabus).

Ms Hansen, a former investment banker who is currently undertaking an arts degree at the university, said when asked about the donation and why she was so passionate about the importance of studying history: “Who wouldn’t want to know what made the 300 stand their ground at Thermopylae​ or why Caesar crossed the Rubicon, or Hitler pushed on towards Stalingrad or what caused Gorbachev to tear down the Wall?

“It is my intention this will change the conversation about history. I want to encourage awareness of the significance of an education in history and nurture a passion and appreciation for its relevance in the wider community,” she said.