RMIT University degree/RMIT University diploma
RMIT is the product of the aspirations of a city and its people, built on a culture of philanthropy over 120 years ago. In 1882, Melbourne philanthropist and rancher Francis Ormond, founder of RMIT, ignited the spark that would eventually become RMIT. He pledged £5,000 to establish a workers’ college and asked his fellow citizens to contribute the same amount. In 1887, Francis Ormond founded the “Working Men’s College”. [15]
After experiencing the sudden wealth brought by the gold rush of the mid-19th century, Melbourne has grown into the more sober wealth brought by agricultural expansion. But its future lies in trade and industry. Economies and societies need better educated [15] workers — literate, numerate, technologically aware, endowed with new skills for a rapidly modernizing world.
The Victorian Trades Hall believes that education will help working men and women find dignity and prosperity. In support of Francis Ormond’s contribution, trade association secretary William Emmet Murray devoted himself to raising funds for the proposed workingmen’s college. The union levied dues from members who raised more for the college through thousands of small donations, many of which were just a few shillings, than they did for their own Trades Hall building
From the outset, students and staff have been attracted to RMIT’s strengths in teaching and research, its reputation for innovation, the caliber of academic leaders and the strong industry links the university has developed over its long history. [15]
What connects RMIT’s past and future is the university’s ongoing commitment to education and research in response to the needs of industry and the community. As RMIT continues to create life-changing experiences for students and prepare them for life and work, the tradition of relevant, industry-focused learning and teaching will not be broken.