Lumen Autumn 2017 - Flipbook - Page 39
story by Kelly Brown
“Graduates of the University enjoy
revisiting the people and the places that
made their time at University unique,
reminiscing about days gone by, and
reflecting on where life has taken
them,” says Lisa.
Throughout the year, faculties and
alumni networks from across the
University host or support a number of
reunion events. The most prominent
of these is the Golden Jubilee, which
sees the return of graduates 50 years
after graduation.
“At the Golden Jubilee, in addition to
a special sit-down lunch, alumni get to
re-enact their graduation ceremony in
Bonython Hall, complete with graduation
gowns, the academic procession and the
presentation of certificates,” says Lisa.
Last year saw the return of the Class
of 1966, where Janet Crawford (nee
Manuell) and Max Pfitzner were able to
experience a graduation ceremony for
the very first time.
“We didn’t have a graduation; it
was something that we never got to
have for completion of our Diploma in
Physiotherapy – so it was lovely to finally
experience it,” says Janet.
“I really enjoyed the ceremony: going
into the hall, wearing our gowns, seeing
other graduates receive their certificates
from the Chancellor and listening to the
speeches – it was very special.
“And of course – seeing the girls who
Max and I trained with was also wonderful
– and extremely emotional.”
For Max it was catching up with people
he hadn’t seen since graduation that
made the day memorable – the people he
studied with, but also those with whom
he did extracurricular activities.
“Most of us had some extracurricular
activities, like playing sports for the
University, and so it was great to catch-up
with people I played football, cricket and
tennis with,” says Max.
“And 50 years on we all remember
playing our sports much better of course,
like champions.”
The Golden Jubilee was one of several
reunion events that took place last year.
Others included a reunion of engineering
graduates from the Class of 1946 who
celebrated 70 years since graduation,
and the Roseworthy Old Collegians
Association (ROCA) reunion dinner.
“We are looking forward to supporting
many more reunion events for our alumni
this year,” says Lisa.
“This year we will welcome the Class
of 1967 back for their Golden Jubilee and
host a reunion of economics graduates
from 1974 – 1978.
“We are also supporting social and
learning events presented by our alumni
networks, and hoping to increase
the number of networks locally and
internationally, to bring our alumni
together more often.”
The University’s Alumni Relations team
is keen to support faculties or alumni
who would like to organise a reunion.
To find out more about how the alumni
team can help please contact
alumni@adelaide.edu.au
I really enjoyed the
ceremony: going into the
hall, wearing our gowns,
seeing other graduates
receive their certificates
from the Chancellor and
listening to the speeches –
it was very special.
Above: The Class of 1966 reunite for their
Golden Jubilee – 50 years since graduation.
Left: Diploma in Physiotherapy graduates
from the Class of '66. Back (L to R)Dianne
Fairhead (nee Skewes), Mary Withers (nee
Barkley), Elizabeth Jackson (nee Askwith),
Helen Reilly (nee McKenzie), Janet
Crawford (nee Manuell). Front (L to R) Max
Pfitzner, Anne Potter (nee Luke), Margaret
Stokes (nee Hill), Phillipa Stuart (nee
Richards), Patricia McClure (nee Barnett).
Photos by Jo-Anna Robinson
The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 37
