In its bid to raise the profile of the classics discipline, the University of Melbourne’s classics campaign has raised a staggering $4.5 million towards its $5 million goal.

In what is the largest contribution thus far, the campaign received a significant boost from alumni Elizabeth and Professor James Tatoulis AM, establishing The Elizabeth and James Tatoulis Chair in Classics.

“This gift contributes to a new era for classics at Melbourne,” said the university’s Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Mark Considine.

“I know I speak for my colleagues in arts when I say we are extremely grateful for the Tatoulis family’s wonderfully generous support.”

Once the Chair in Classics is fully established, the professor says it will further enhance teaching and research in both the classics and ancient world disciplines, attracting new students to study Ancient Greek and Latin, in addition to potential doctoral candidates.

While the university is close to reaching its full target, it still has a way to go, with its sights set on reaching its goal by the end of the year.

“We hope you might consider providing a gift to help us achieve our aim,” said Professor Considine, in a statement reaching out to all those interested in assisting the discipline.

“Together with support from other alumni and friends, it will assist us to educate future generations of classics students.”

Recent numbers show the discipline is gaining momentum, with the faculty having seen a resurgence of students studying classics from over 600 enrolments in first-year subjects over the last two years.

If you are interested in making a contribution to the Classics Trust Fund, visit www.alumni.unimelb.edu.au/