Victoria University has unveiled a program of events and activities to celebrate 100 years of providing education in Melbourne’s west.
Federal Education Minister Christopher Pyne officially launched the centenary celebrations recently to an audience that included alumni who studied at the original Footscray Technical School from 1938.
Student protesters had earlier clashed with security staff protecting Mr Pyne as he arrived to deliver his speech at the launch.
Victoria University grew out of the Footscray Technical School, which opened in February, 1916.
VU vice-chancellor Peter Dawkins said principal Arch Hoadley took up the challenge 100 years ago to offer education opportunities to the area’s diverse communities.
“Today, we continue to rise to new challenges to support skills and job growth, and improve access to education across Melbourne and the western region,” he said.
Program highlights across 2016 will include a centenary dinner in the National Gallery of Victoria’s Great Hall, a centenary ball for past and present members of the VU community, and a VU homecoming weekend for staff and students of VU’s predecessor institutes.
Details: www.vucentenary.com.au
