Trinity Business School Centenary (1925 - 2025)

Welcome to the centennial celebration of Trinity Business School, a monumental milestone marking 100 years of excellence in business education and leadership development. Since its inception in 1925, Trinity Business School has been at the forefront of cultivating innovative thinkers and transformative leaders who have made significant contributions to the global business landscape. Join us as we honour our rich legacy, reflect on our impactful journey, and look ahead to a future of continued success and advancements.

Explore our programme of events, support Pathways to Business, and discover new ways to engage with Trinity Business School. Together, we will celebrate a century of empowering minds and shaping the world of business.

History: 100 Years of Transformation at Trinity Business School

The story of Trinity Business School began with the establishment of the School of Commerce in 1925. While early examples of independent business schools can be traced back to 1759 with the Aula do Comércio in Lisbon and ESCP Business School in Paris in 1819, business schools as part of a university system only truly emerged in the first half of the 20th century. Oxford and Cambridge, for example, established their business schools after World War II.

In this context, Trinity can be seen as a forerunner. Trinity began experimenting with business-focused programmes as early as 1906, offering a Diploma in Economics and Commercial Knowledge. At the time, Irish universities placed little emphasis on formal business education, viewing business skills as vocational, best learned in the workplace or within family firms.

The Dublin Chamber of Commerce played a pivpotal role in advocating for formal business education. In 1920, John Good, Chamber President and Managing Director of J. & P. Good, championed the establishment of Trinity’s School of Commerce. By 1925, the School was founded, offering afternoon lectures to accommodate working professionals. The first graduates of the Bachelor in Commerce (B.Comm) emerged in 1928, supported by the expertise of the Economics Department and led by renowned economist Charles Francis Bastable.

Although gender parity was not a significant consideration at the time, it is notable that two of the first four B.Comm graduates in December 1928 were women. Among them was Mabel Olive Richardson (later Olive Smith), a prominent figure in Irish musical life who founded the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland and the Music Association of Ireland. Constantia Elizabeth Maxwell, one of the first women admitted to Trinity in 1904, also played a significant role in the School’s early years. She later lectured in economic history at the Business School, a remarkable achievement during a period when female academics were rare.

Much like today, the School employed professional teaching staff, including senior managers from Ireland’s largest rail firm, the Great Southern Railways (later CÍE). At the time, the Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm) focused on disciplines such as economics, geography, statistics, history, and law. However, by the 1950s, management emerged as a dedicated subject, marking a significant shift in the curriculum. The School also collaborated with the Irish Management Institute (IMI) to modernise and reshape its offerings. In 1962, the School of Commerce was replaced by a new entity—the School of Business and Social Studies—where the Department of Business Studies was established. The traditional B.Comm was phased out and replaced by the Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS), reflecting the evolving focus on business education.

Trinity’s business programmes continued to progress through the 1960s. A major milestone was reached in 1964 with the launch of the MBA programme, one of the first of its kind in Europe. The innovative programme combined studies in business administration and public administration, placing a strong emphasis on recruiting international students and faculty to broaden the School’s global reach. Its design was highly innovative, reflecting a mould-breaking era. For instance, the programme had no fixed syllabus; instead, each year’s content was shaped by the freshest contemporary management thought.

In the 1970s, Charles McCarthy was appointed the first Professor of Business Studies. His influential writings and research on Irish industrial relations and society contributed significantly to the academic prestige and thought leadership of the School during this period. Following the lifting of the Catholic student recruitment ban in 1970, the School also saw a notable increase in student diversity, reflecting a more inclusive academic environment.

Despite economic challenges in the late 20th century, the School thrived under the leadership of Professor John Murray in the 1980s. He transformed the curriculum, expanded international exchange opportunities, and introduced innovative master’s programmes. By the mid-2000s, Trinity Business School underwent a period of restructuring as part of the university’s broader consolidation efforts. While the Global Financial Crisis in 2008 brought further uncertainty, it also set the stage for a renewed vision and strategic growth.

In 2015, the School adopted a transformative vision under Dean Andrew Burke’s leadership. The “Growth & Development” strategy resulted in significant achievements, including rapid progression in Financial Times rankings across multiple programmes, triple accreditation (EQUIS in 2018, AACSB in 2021, and AMBA re-accreditation), a 178% revenue increase from 2015 to 2023, and the financing of an €80 million near zero energy building opened in 2019. The School also introduced ten new postgraduate degrees, featuring innovative programmes like the MSc in Business Analytics, Financial and Risk Management, and Ireland’s first onlipe flexible MBA.

The School is now implementing an ambitious strategy to “Transform Business for Good,” reflecting its commitment to sustainability, ethics, and innovation. Under the stewardship of Dean Laurent Muzellec, it is integrating climate action into teaching, research, and operations, alongside a dedication to social inclusion through initiatives like the Trinity Access Programme. Recognising the need for continuous adaptation to evolving market realities, the School fosters innovation through its programmes and research centres, such as the Trinity Centre for Social Innovation, the Centre for Digital Business and Analytics, and the Corporate Governance Lab. With record student numbers, a global outlook, and a steadfast focus on sustainability, innovation, and excellence, the School continues to shape the future of business education.

Support: Pathways to Business

As we celebrate the 100-year anniversary, we reflect on the countless opportunities Trinity Business School has provided to its alumni, staff and students. These experiences have shaped careers, fostered lifelong connections, and inspired innovation. Now, we have the chance to pass these opportunities on to the next generation. All funds raised from the 100-year events will go towards our Pathways to Business initiative, ensuring that even more students can benefit from the transformative power of education at Trinity.

We invite you to contribute directly to our Pathways to Business initiative, dedicated to supporting and empowering students from underrepresented backgrounds. Whether your contribution is modest or substantial, every donation during this landmark anniversary year makes a significant impact. Each gift, regardless of size, provides crucial financial support that enables students from disadvantaged social backgrounds to pursue a business degree programme at Trinity.

Trinity Business School is renowned for producing ethical business leaders who are not only equipped with exceptional skills and knowledge but also with a strong sense of integrity and social responsibility. Join us in ensuring that this legacy of excellence continues and help empower the next wave of ethical business leaders. Your generosity will help shape the future of business.

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