The University’s Business School is marking its centenary by celebrating its remarkable roll call of students and alumni. The School’s first graduate, Margaret Stevenson Miller, who went on to campaign for women’s rights, is among the former students to be honoured. As part of the celebrations, University Chancellor, HRH The Princess Royal, will meet students and researchers to hear about pioneering school initiatives. A scholarship to support Business School students from diverse backgrounds will also be launched. First graduate Margaret Stevenson Miller was the first student to graduate from the School, with a degree in Commerce. An esteemed writer and academic, she was fired from her job as lecturer after marrying in the 1930s as, for women, marriage was generally considered incompatible with a career. The Edinburgh graduate went on to campaign for the rights of married women to earn, informing debates in Parliament, influencing newspapers and taking part in protests. Entrepreneurial spirit Birna Einarsdóttir, who graduated with an MBA in 1993 will also be celebrated. The CEO of Íslandsbanki rallied her staff and created a new strategy for the bank when Iceland’s banking system collapsed in 1998. As well as closing the gender pay gap at Íslandsbanki, Birna was an active voice in the nationwide campaign that saw Iceland become the first country in the world to legally enforce equal pay for men and women. Business scholarships The School’s new scholarships for MBA and MSc programmes aim to promote inclusivity and diversity. They will support students who face financial barriers to study and those who have contributed to LGBT+ communities. Lasting legacy In 1919, the UK was suffering the debilitating social and economic effects of the First World War. To counter this, local business leaders – including the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, the Society of Accountants and Institute of Bankers – joined together to raise £30,000 for the University to create its first degree in Accounting and Business. Today, the School is home to more than 1,800 students from more than 60 different countries. Like our early founders, our students, staff and alumni have continued to break boundaries and pave the way with entrepreneurial initiatives and thinking. We hope our new scholarships will encourage more people to consider a career in business. As the world becomes more complex, it is important that institutions such as ours positively contribute to organisations, management practice and – ultimately – to a better future. Professor Wendy LorettoHead of University of Edinburgh Business School Related links University of Edinburgh Business School Information about scholarships Publication date 05 Feb, 2019
