By Shari Wakefield
Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness’ Elite Athlete Program along with the Faculty of Economics and Business recently celebrated the hard work and contribution of faculty Dean, Professor Peter Wolnizer, who will retire at the end of the year.
The celebration luncheon at the Water’s Edge restaurant was attended by numerous staff, students, friends and family who paid tribute to a man described as a friend, a mentor and a leader.
President of SUSF, Bruce Ross said people who assume roles of responsibility fall into two categories – those who see their role as a shopkeeper and those who see their role as one of initiating change. “Peter Wolnizer has definitely enhanced and changed the Faculty of Business and Economics,” Mr Ross said.
“Professor Wolnizer was responsible for forming the intrinsic relationship with the Elite Athlete Program and contributing greatly to the success of the scholarship arrangement with Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness.
“Those who are outstanding athletes are now able to go on and make great contributions in business thanks to the commitment of the Faculty of Business and Economics.”
The Faculty’s contributions have touched many elite athletes studying at Sydney University, including Wallaby Luke Burgess and Olympian Francis Hegerty.
“I’ve been lucky to have the opportunities that I have,” Wallaby halfback Burgess said. “To have the support of the Faculty and SUSF has been excellent. And it makes you want to be able to give back to the University.”
Hegerty praised the postgraduate degree in commerce. “I think it’s a great thing] to have on the side,” he said. “It’s an invaluable tool to take into the future.”
