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Students learn a valuable lesson at Monash

12 September 2007

Jessica Bounds and Andrew Blyberg plant a tree to celebrate the 2007 Ancora Imparo leadership program.

Students have planted a rare tree at the Clayton campus to celebrate their role in the 2007 Ancora Imparo leadership program.

The program, initiated by Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins in 2005, has to date provided 80 students with an understanding of the skills needed to be a leader in the modern world.

This year students have met a variety of leaders including former Federal Health Minister Michael Wooldridge, Loy Yang Power CEO Ian Nethercote and Monash alumni Hugh Evans and Julian Burnside Q.C.

Master of ceremonies, Professor David Copolov, used the event to mark the 76th anniversary of Sir John Monash's death.

Professor Copolov spoke of a man who overcame adversity to succeed further than any one would have expected of him. A reminder to those present that a life of achievement centred on the betterment of society in part relies on a solid belief in one's own abilities.

2007 Ancora Imparo graduates Jessica Bounds and Andrew Blyberg joined Professor Copolov to plant the tree.

Coordinator of the program Ms Leanne Gunnulson said she was overjoyed with the enthusiasm demonstrated by this year's group.

"It's been fantastic, they're a leading group of students, exceptionally talented, innovated, dynamic and committed. They reflect everything that the program strives to achieve," Ms Gunnulson said.