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The art of givingThe Krongolds have quietly gone about their lives building a family, industries and a university they believe in, writes MARY VISCOVICH.
The painting is a life-sized portrait by Robert Hannaford of a proud Dr Henry Krongold CBE AM wearing his honorary Monash doctoral robes. And despite the fact that Dr Krongold is fast approaching his 93rd year, there are few signs that the couple's passion for the university is abating. The Krongolds have lived their lives with vision and energy. They have raised three sons, created a successful business empire and been generous benefactors, particularly in the field of education. It is just such energy and enthusiasm, according to Monash vice-chancellor Professor David Robinson, which has seen the couple play such a central part in the growth of the university. "The Krongolds had, from the outset, a vision for Monash University. They were not just people of fine words they actually wanted to help build something special, something that would make a difference," Professor Robinson said. "Without the Krongolds and their belief in education, so much wonderful work would simply not have been possible." Yet when drawn on just how such a passion came about, Dr Krongold is a master of understatement. "I wanted to take an active part in my children's education," he said. His first involvement was by way of a $100,000 gift to establish the Dinah and Henry Krongold Centre for Exceptional Children in 1971, after his second son, Dennis, became part of Monash's first law intake. "On a visit to the university, I asked Sir Douglas Menzies and Sir Louis Matheson whether there were any projects I could become involved in," Dr Krongold recalled. "The following week I received a four-page letter in the mail which enumerated all the projects they wanted to undertake. The project that best reflected my commitment to and love of children and education was the one that was to become the Krongold Centre." When the Krongolds talk about the centre, there is real pride in the fact that it has helped change thousands of young lives. They have recently pledged a further $250,000, which will continue the work of the centre well into the 21st century. The Krongolds have also been involved in a range of other Monash projects, donating $250,000 to help establish the Australian Centre for the Study of Jewish Civilisation in 1992. Emeritus Professor Louis Waller, who worked with the Krongolds in establishing the new centre, said they had made the initial donation towards a fund that was established to provide "most significantly" for the centre's creation. However, it was not just the couple's financial contribution, Professor Waller added, it was also their passion for Jewish scholarship that had brought the centre to life. "They had a vision, one they wanted to share with Monash that the range of scholarship and learning we describe as Jewish civilisation should be part of Monash's teaching, learning and research," he said. Professor Waller said the Krongolds had also supported several charitable enterprises both in Australia and Israel, including Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Monash recognised Dr Krongold's outstanding financial and personal support when he was awarded an honorary doctorate in 1991. "He has a real understanding of what a university sets out to do. He believes people who have been successful should put something back and that is what he has done. He and his wife have given their support to what they obviously regard as a great university," Professor Waller said. Indeed, this reflects how the Krongolds view their involvement with Monash and their place in Australian society. "I have always believed very much in the calibre of Monash, and I wanted to repay in some measure what Australia did for me," Dr Krongold said. "We feel blessed ... we have raised two generations of children and been successful in our business life. We are glad to have had the opportunity to share our good fortune." To find out how you can make a gift or bequest to the university, contact Mr Serhat Abdurazak on +61 3 9905 2340 or email serhat.abdurazak@adm.monash.edu.au |
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A painting that takes pride of place in the living room of Dr Henry and Mrs Dinah Krongold says much about the strength of their feeling
for Monash University.