New program honours a passionate supporter

January 2009

Inspired by the life and work of an extraordinary supporter, Monash University recently launched a new program to recognise the service and philanthropy of the late Roslyn Smorgon AM.

The Roslyn Smorgon Program in Jewish Communal Service and Leadership in the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation will prepare students for leadership positions in the Jewish community.

Dale Smorgon, speaking on behalf of his father David Smorgon OAM, siblings and family, reflected on his mother’s contribution and devotion to community, health and education causes.

“She had such great passion for the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation. She would be thrilled to see the depth and strength of the Centre’s curriculum,” Mr Smorgon said.

“She had a rare ability to inspire others and a clear vision to empower, educate and enable the next generation of community leaders. There could be no more fitting program to honour her memory. It will help to ensure the continuity of the vital organisations that serve to strengthen our community.”

“Our family is very proud to be financially supporting the new program.”

Coordinator of the new program, Melanie Landau explained that the program encompasses professional development training, consulting, graduate programs and the Master of Jewish Communal Service and Leadership.

“In the same flavour as other Centre endeavours, this program will be at the cutting edge of University programming, bridging between different faculties and reinforcing our already strong relationships between the University and the community,” Ms Landau said.

Monash University Vice-Chancellor Richard Larkins AO said that the program reflected Roslyn’s commitment, enthusiasm and her contribution to the Centre.

“Roslyn had achievements in so many areas of community service, and the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation was just one of her areas of service. She was a wonderful supporter of Monash and everyone at the University owes her a particular vote of thanks. I can’t imagine a more appropriate tribute to Roslyn’s service throughout her life than a program in communal service and leadership,” said Professor Larkins.

“The Centre is a very good example of a partnership between the community and the University to advance scholarship and to advance community engagement. I am delighted that the Centre has grown so substantially in size and activity.”

In a handful of years, the Centre has grown from an idea to a flagship entity of Monash University. The Centre’s 18 staff includes four research chairs that have been endowed by the philanthropy of the Jewish community. The staff deliver an enviable suite of education and research in the field of Jewish studies. This achievement is entirely thanks to the commitment and focus of the Centre’s volunteers, donors and staff and the support of the community.

Centre director Mark Baker believes that the status of the Centre today was made possible by Roslyn’s work.

“The Centre only exists because of Roslyn. She has created a legacy in the people here, in this new program and in the foundation of the Centre. She built something based on a clear vision and today we teach close to 1,000 students each year,” Associate Professor Baker said.

“Roslyn recognised the transformative power of education and knowledge. She also taught us about service and leadership. She showed us that a leader is someone who knows how to give and how to serve.”

“The new Roslyn Smorgon program is a way to continue her legacy.”

Your role

By donating today to the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation you will help to ensure that the Roslyn Smorgon Program, and the Centre’s research and education work, continues to thrive long into the future. Roslyn worked to ensure the Centre was established and had a solid basis to grow and flourish. Your support will help to guarantee the Centre’s sustainability and longevity. Donate online by visiting www.monash.edu/giving/acjc

To find out more about the Roslyn Smorgon Program in Jewish Communal Service and Leadership, visit www.arts.monash.edu/ acjc/graduate-school/communal-service.php