Monash Memo - 12 September 2001

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Krongold Centre turns 25

The Krongold Centre was honoured to welcome Dr Henry Krongold and Mrs Dinah Krongold recently as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations.

Distinguished guests included vice-chancellor Professor David Robinson, deputy vice-chancellor (Resources) Ms Alison Crook and Education dean Professor Sue Willis, who reflected on the centre's groundbreaking achievements.

Monash also welcomed back the centre's foundation director, Professor Marie Neale, AM OBE.

Speaking on the important milestone, Dr Krongold said it was not only statistics that confirmed the necessity of the centre, but also the many letters of thanks it had received over the years from those who had attended the centre.

"The vision we shared with Professor Marie Neil has provided us with an object of love and perpetual motivation," Dr Krongold said.

Professor Neil told guests that the establishment of the centre had, for the first time in Australia, created a purpose-built environment in a quality research and clinical setting which would support a range of postgraduate studies in special education.

She said it had also given two-year college trained primary school teachers the opportunity to access postgraduate programs for the first time.

"It must be remembered too that this was a time when no child with major disabilities was accepted into normal preschool.

"Can you imagine the delight when the gift from the Krongold family was made. ... It transformed and extended the range of our work for children with special needs."