21 March 2005
Monash University has received a major endowment to establish a research chair in Modern Israel Studies in the university's Australian Centre for the Study of Jewish Civilisation.
The endowment was made by Ms Lee Liberman in memory of her late husband, Leon, who was a prominent Australian businessman and graduated from Monash with a Bachelor of Economics in 1969.
Ms Liberman is a passionate advocate of open and critical inquiry in the best traditions of the world's leading universities. She expects the professor will head research projects of national and international significance and will play a key role in advanced study and the training of masters and doctoral students.
"The Chair of Modern Israel Studies will also advance the development of a rounded and multi-dimensional understanding of one of the most diverse and complex of modern societies," Ms Liberman said. "The research chair will be a resource of major significance for Australian society."
Vice-chancellor Professor Richard Larkins said the Leon Liberman Chair in Modern Israel Studies would enable the university to position itself as a major international research centre for the study of Jewish civilisation.
"Monash wishes to make a substantial contribution to the study of Jewish history, language, religion and culture and to build substantial education, research and trade links with the modern state of Israel. This generous endowment will play a critical role in allowing us to do this," Professor Larkins said.
Professor Larkins said the gift provided an opportunity for Monash to lead the way to an era where public philanthropy toward universities became recognised as an important and worthwhile activity that allowed universities to flourish.
In support of Ms Liberman's gift the Australian Centre for the Study of Jewish Civilisation will provide the research infrastructure appropriate to the seniority of the position, including funding of a research assistant and overseas travel.
The director of the centre, Professor Andrew Markus, said he was looking forward to a continuing association with Ms Liberman to realise the vision of a centre of international standing in research and teaching at Monash.
"The immediate challenge for the university is to ensure that the full potential of this gift of world significance is realised", Professor Markus said.
Monash joins leading overseas universities, including Harvard University, the University of California at Berkeley, Georgetown University, Brandeis University, New York University and the University of Toronto, which have in recent years established visiting and continuing professorships in Modern Israel studies.
For more information contact Ms Penny Fannin in the Media Communications office on +61 3 9905 5828 or 0417 125 700.
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