In the past, this has been a highly enjoyable gala dinner. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has meant many changes to the way we do things, and this is no exception.

We can't bring you a physical experience this year due to social distancing restrictions. But we'd still like to honour the research, teaching and professional achievements of our staff, as well as celebrate the outstanding academic achievements of our brightest students and shining alumni.

Every year, we recognise outstanding young leaders through our Future Global Leaders Awards.  I am delighted to announce the recipients of our 2020 awards:  Simone Pianko and Emma Tibballs.

You can read more about their achievements on the Future Global Leaders page.

I'd also like to take the opportunity to honour our incredibly talented alumni and announce the recipient of the 2020 Monash Business School Alumni Excellence Award, Michelle Jablko.

Michelle is the Chief Financial Officer of ANZ and a proud alumna, graduating with First Class Honours in Law and Honours in Economics from Monash University. Before joining ANZ in 2016, she had a 15-year career in investment banking working across industries including financial services.

Another important part of the Celebrating Excellence Awards is acknowledging contributions made by our researchers, educators and professional staff who have received annual Dean's Awards for outstanding efforts during the 2019 academic year.

We can’t bring you the Celebrating Excellence experience in person – but you can find out more on this website.

I highly encourage you to explore the wonderful content here, including videos of the Dean's Award winners in each category, and more about our Future Global Leaders and Alumni Excellence Award winner.

Finally, I encourage you to read the copy of our 2019 Impact Review that showcases many of the highlights from across Monash Business School during 2019.

At the time of writing this, there exists considerable uncertainty about the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. It's not possible to see into the future, but I do know that what you have achieved will stand you in good stead for the future to come.

Please stay safe and I wish you and your loved ones the very best.

Professor Simon Wilkie
Head, Monash Business School,
Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics