Musical night launches new donor annual giving circle

Monash University’s annual giving recognition circle – the Commitment Circle – was launched at an exclusive event for donors on 20 April 2012.

The Commitment Circle celebrates the philanthropy of individuals, organisations, and trusts and foundations who have given more than $2,500 to Monash in the previous year. 

The Commitment Circle joins the Chancellor’s Table and Lifetime Society as one of the key ways Monash recognises the generosity of our donors.  The Chancellor’s Table celebrates lifetime giving of $1,000,000 or greater and the Lifetime Society recognises lifetime giving of $100,000 to $1,000,000.

View photos from the night

Dr Alan Finkel AM, Chancellor of Monash University, launched the Commitment Circle and spoke of the impact of the group on the University.

“Collectively and individually, the Commitment Circle has achieved great things,” Dr Finkel said.

“In 2011 alone, you gave Monash University 235 gifts.  And you have given fantastic breadth of support.  Your gifts are targeted to all faculties and go to more than 88 different initiatives including scholarships and bursaries, prizes, research projects and positions, services, teaching and learning programs, and much more.  It’s a fantastic achievement.”

Chris Varney, a current student and advocate for child rights and poverty reduction, spoke about how Monash had instilled in him that we all have a responsibility for social justice.

“I admire how Monash integrates into the community and wrestles with the issues we collectively face,” he said.

Professor Adam Shoemaker, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), continued the theme by telling three stories of students and alumni achieving great things.  Professor Shoemaker said that these stories demonstrated the idea “that Monash trains students and graduates who are prepared to answer the questions that haven’t yet been asked”.

The Commitment Circle cocktail reception was held at the Monash Club.  The group then proceeded to a performance by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in the Robert Blackwood Hall entitled ‘Emperor Concerto’.  The performance featured Olli Mustonen directing two Beethoven concertos and one of his own works.

Review blog Musical Scribblings wrote:  “It’s one thing (and by far taxing enough) to play two Beethoven piano concertos over the course of a single concert. Then add directing from the piano, and having one’s own work for symphony orchestra played in between, and you have Finnish renaissance man Olli Mustonen.

“Far less well-known than its Emperor cousin, Beeethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 is nevertheless a gem. Mustonen approached it with enthusiasm and zeal, leaping out of the piano stool at every opportunity to drive the orchestra on. That said, it was certainly when seated that the best magic was woven, with the daring, ever so flirtatious cadenza to the first movement being particularly impressive.”

Dr Finkel concluded the event at the Club by commenting:

“Working together with donors, we can harness the power of education and research to make a substantial difference to the lives of people in Australia and around the world.

“So thank you, once again, for your philanthropy to Monash.  We truly appreciate it.”