Trinity Business School celebrates 100th birthday

Posted on: 28 January 2025

Trinity Business School last night marked 100 years of leadership in business at a centenary launch ceremony attended by former president of Ireland Mary Robinson.

When the school first opened in 1925, it was a tiny unit that offered afternoon lectures to a handful of business professionals. Now it is housed in a six-storey building at the heart of Trinity's campus, with 2,893 students and 64 core and 84 adjunct faculty.

At the event Professor Robinson (above) launched the Trinity Business School’s centenary programme for the coming year. She also joined staff and students in a first view of new planting, marking the beginning of the School’s initiative to 'green' the foyer of its eco-friendly building — a reflection of its ongoing commitment to sustainability.

This initiative complements the School’s iconic 70m² living wall on Pearse Street, which features seven plant species arranged at a density of 96 plants per square meter, creating a valuable habitat for biodiversity.

Trinity Business School traces its history to the establishment of the School of Commerce in 1925, making it a pioneer of formal business education in Ireland. In 1964 the School launched its first MBA programme. In 2016 the School embarked on a high-growth and internationalisation strategy. Today 80% of its postgraduate students are international and the school features in the top tier of FT rankings.

In 2019 the School opened the doors of its independently financed €80 million building. This was followed by the launch of the School’s ‘Transforming Business for Good Strategy’ which aims to consolidate the School’s achievements and high growth trajectory to address the challenges facing humanity today.

Provost of Trinity College Dublin Dr Linda Doyle said:

“The Trinity Business School has achieved a huge amount in its 100 years. Experimentation, development and growth have marked its evolution over the decades.

“Today, the Trinity Business School enjoys a fantastic international reputation, and its record student numbers attest to this.

“The School's focus on ‘Transforming Business for Good’ is exactly what the world so urgently needs at this moment in time. I am delighted to join with staff, students, alumni and the School’s wider community to celebrate 100 years of leadership and innovation in business education.”

Dean of Trinity Business School Professor Laurent Muzellec (below) added:

"Trinity Business School’s 100-year journey is a story of innovation and impact—from pioneering formal business education within Ireland and shaping of one of Europe’s first MBA programmes to becoming a leader in ethical business practices today.

“As we celebrate this milestone, our 'Transforming Business for Good' strategy drives us forward, focusing on climate action, innovation, and social inclusion to create a more sustainable future for the next 100 years."

Trinity Business School at a glance:

· The School was founded in 1925, offering afternoon lectures to accommodate working professionals.

· Two of the first four Bachelor of Commerce graduates in 1928 were women.

· The School has 64 core faculty and 84 adjunct academic faculty, 62 professional staff, 1,809 undergraduate students, and 1,084 postgraduate students.

· Five undergraduate and 16 postgraduate programmes, as well as a range of executive education programmes are offered at the School.

· 47% of the School’s core faculty are international, while 39% are female.

· Since 2018 the School has launched four new postgraduate programmes, including a mainly online flexible EMBA.

· The School has experienced a 178% revenue increase from 2015 to 2023.

Last week the School united its community of students and staff together to form a giant "100" on the Trinity rugby pitch (pictured above). This striking symbol of unity pays tribute to the remarkable individuals who have shaped its legacy over the past century, while celebrating those who are driving the next 100 years of innovation, impact, and excellence.

A highlight of the School’s centenary forthcoming programme will be the 2025 Trinity Business Summit on April 16. Held in collaboration with Trinity Sport, the conference will focus on the themes of leadership, operations, and data analytics in both business and sport.

In June the School will host an event, ‘Marching in Time – Trinity Business School and the Development of the Irish Economy’. This will feature new research undertaken by business historian and economics writer Dr Emmet Oliver on the history of Trinity Business School and its contribution towards the development of the Irish economy and business, post-independence.

Main image at top shows Provost Dr Linda Doyle, Mary Robinson, Business Student Margarita Baturova and Laurent Muzellec, Dean of Trinity Business School, cutting the ribbon to mark the centenary

ENDS

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