January 01, 2007

RMIT University - 120 years old and going stronger

In 2007, RMIT University proudly celebrated 120 years since we opened our doors on 7 June, 1887, as the Working Men’s College. RMIT University is today one of Australia’s leading educational institutions, with a commitment to applied education, training and research.

From an encouraging intake of 600 students, RMIT University has grown to a global university of more than 63,000 students, including 21,000 international students drawn from more than 100 countries - an institution recognised internationally for the quality of its graduates and the excellence of its research.

What links our past to our future is RMIT University’s 120-year-old commitment to ever higher standards of teaching, learning and research grounded in the needs of the real world.

Anniversary celebrations included special functions, seminars and public engagements. Current and former students or staff members, industry partners and members of the broader community took part in many of the events recorded below.

Celebratory stories

	RMIT counts its blessings RMIT University has recognised the role that philanthropy played in its founding and the benefits that diverse forms of giving continue to bring. 12/12/2007
	RMIT celebrates Indigenous community RMIT University last night celebrated the rich cultural and historical contributions of Indigenous students, staff, artists, mentors and friends throughout its 120-year history. 06/12/2007
	Over-fish at planet’s peril A senior RMIT University academic has warned a gathering of international colleagues of the devastating consequences of over-fishing. 05/12/2007
	Conference puts global graduates under spotlight The globalised economy requires a new type of graduate – one who has social, economic and environmental understanding. 30/11/2007
	Medical scientists set for Vietnam experience Seven lucky students from RMIT University’s School of Medical Sciences are set to embark on a work experience opportunity of a lifetime when they travel to Vietnam to study Medical Biotechnology, as part of the University’s 120th anniversary celebrations. 29/11/2007
	Opening doors to global mobility Academic leaders from around the world gathered at RMIT University this week to discuss improved collaboration in international education. 27/11/2007
	Hanoi graduation ceremony an RMIT first Almost 80 students took pride of place when the first RMIT International University Vietnam graduation ceremony in Hanoi took place last Thursday. 26/11/2007
	In the market for experience Crossing borders using marketing was top of the agenda for a group of RMIT University TAFE Business students who recently visited Vietnam. 08/11/2007
	Students present future visions [ V ] Flying saucers, robots and zombies are all part of RMIT University’s future, according to student film-makers. 29/10/2007
	RMIT panel sentences Ned Kelly to a life of education [ V ] A lively debate at RMIT University has drawn parallels between the times of bushranger Ned Kelly and the present, with participants declaring a good education might have changed his life. 13/09/2007
	Celebratory dinner in multicultural Moreland A celebratory dinner hosted by RMIT University has reaffirmed its relationship with the City of Moreland. 06/09/2007
	Dinner toasts unique relationship A special event hosted by RMIT University has celebrated its relationship with the City of Melbourne. 20/08/2007
	120 years of fame in 120 seconds RMIT University students are being encouraged to get creative and enter the RMIT Video Challenge 2007, part of the University’s 120th anniversary celebrations. 16/07/2007
	Catch the 120 RMIT tram to Melbourne RMIT University is celebrating its 120 years as a Melbourne icon by decorating another of the city’s icons, a tram. 09/07/2007
	RMIT celebrates 120th anniversary with gala dinner [ V ] On 7 June 1887, RMIT opened its doors as the Working Men’s College. 15/06/2007
	RMIT launches Second Life island RMIT University is today opening the doors to its island in Second Life, showcasing the work of its students as it marks its 120th anniversary. 08/06/2007
	Hundreds and thousands for RMIT’s 120th Cupcakes, pizza, fairy bread and red cordial were all on the menu as hundreds of RMIT University staff, past and present, celebrated the University’s 120th birthday on Thursday, 7 June. 07/06/2007
	120 reasons for RMIT students to celebrate As part of RMIT University’s 120th anniversary celebrations, 120 students and accompanying staff will receive funding to participate in hands-on projects at RMIT International University Vietnam. 07/06/2007
	RMIT brings world and industry to its graduates Engineering students from RMIT University now have firsthand access to Victoria’s world-class manufacturing industry and the opportunity to be involved in developing secure infrastructure systems, thanks to two major partnerships announced today. 06/06/2007
	RMIT says housing can be affordable and sustainable The dilemma of how to integrate housing affordability and environmental performance in Australia will be examined for the first time thanks to new research by RMIT University. 05/06/2007
	Record spend on RMIT scholarships RMIT University will spend more than $60 million on student scholarships over the next five years. 04/06/2007
	RMIT celebrates reconciliation through art RMIT University has marked National Reconciliation Week with the creation of an original artwork. 28/05/2007
	RMIT Gallery showcases modernist works As part of RMIT’s 120th Anniversary celebrations, RMIT Gallery will host the exhibition New Abstraction RMIT: 1965 to1985, honouring the work of three influential artists, and past RMIT teachers, who made a significant contribution to the University’s Art program, the Melbourne art community and to Australian art as a whole. 30/04/2007
	RMIT soldiers on during war times RMIT University has always been hands-on during war time, with students working around the clock, offering technical, artistic and food science services. 24/04/2007
	Dining out on community spirit in Whittlesea RMIT University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Margaret Gardner AO, hosted a dinner recently for the City of Whittlesea, to celebrate the University’s 120th anniversary and highlight RMIT’s links with industry and community in the area. 04/04/2007
	Sunshine and butterflies weave Harmony Day magic [ V ] RMIT University kicked off its 120th birthday celebrations on Harmony Day, with 120 butterflies and a skilfully crafted tapestry at a ceremony at the City campus’s Spiritual Centre. 23/03/2007