Lumen Autumn 2025 - Flipbook - Page 27
A wombat statue?
Given Lumen’s recent issues on the 150th
anniversary and creation, I thought your
readers might be interested in knowing the
unlikely role wombats played in creating our
University.
It’s a little-known fact that the discovery
of copper on the Yorke Peninsula can be
attributed to the diggings of wombats which
unearthed samples of the metal on land
owned by Captain Walter Watson Hughes,
which subsequently became the Wallaroo
Mines.
That find, thanks to a wombat, was the
foundation of Hughes’ fortune. He went
on to be a very generous early benefactor
involved in the creation of the University and
a statue of him is out front of the Mitchell
Building on North Terrace. Perhaps we need
a little bronze of a wombat at his feet too!
The Roseworthy Veterinary Alumni
Network honours the southern hairy nosed
wombat, our State’s faunal emblem, as part
of its logo for this reason.
Associate Professor Wayne Boardman,
Roseworthy, PhD (Vet Sc) 2021
A mixed response
Thanks for the Spring/Summer edition of
Lumen which has a lot of interesting articles
and pictures, put together in an interesting,
readable format. My feedback – if you want
to use Kaurna words (e.g. Wirltuti/Warltati),
presumably to encourage understanding,
it would make sense to include the English
translation of the words at the same spot
(rather than in small font on page 4),
otherwise the meaning is lost.
General feedback for the University,
though it’s far too late, I guess: the new logo
is a shocker and promotes laughter and/
or shaking of heads among alumni and
non-alumni with whom I have discussed
it. Regardless of the sentiment and
meaning behind the new logo, it is bland
and non-descript and a real disappointment
to University of Adelaide alumni. It is a
great case study in how to shatter brand
awareness, loyalty and pride.
Meanwhile, keep up the good work with
Lumen.
David Kilmartin, Bachelor of Engineering
(Hons) 1989
Contest entries
We invited readers of our recent
creativity issue to enter our contest
with the chance to win one of 10
artworks by acclaimed artist and
alum Peter Drew. Creativity was
encouraged among the entrants, as was
a nod towards this issue’s time theme.
The prizes are screen-printed and
painted posters featuring University
luminary and pioneer Edith Dornwell.
Here we present some of those
entries and name the winners.
We have a new contest this issue with
books and wine up for grabs. Details
on page 29.
Winner
A stitch in time
When I was at the University of Adelaide,
time wove itself through my degree like a
thread.
From the structured hours of lectures to
the vibrant blur of club events, I learned that
time wasn’t just counted in degrees earned,
but in connections made.
Time was the plane that flew me to
Vietnam, not only to learn engineering
but explore culture, food, and friendships,
expanding my horizons.
Time was the hours helping others at
Ask Adelaide, allowing me to master
leadership and empathy in both an office
and a classroom.
Time, in its passing, gifted me with
friendships that still stand strong, years
after my degree was framed.
In the end, time at the University of
Adelaide was not measured in the degree
received, but in the seconds and minutes,
hours and days, weeks and years, that
stitched me into the fabric of something
bigger.
Naomi Smith, BE (Chem) (Hons) 2022,
B Ma & Comp Sc 2022
New skills
The experience I gained during my
graduate certificate study at the University
of Adelaide was gratifying. It reinforced
the school of thought that education is a
lifelong process. It instils more confidence
in my profession and a sense of fulfillment
in learning new skills and breakthroughs. I
highly recommend completing a study at
the University of Adelaide, which ranks in
the top 1% globally.
Benjamin Nueva, Philippines, Grad Cert
Marine Engineering 2020
LUMEN
Winner
Great memories
I attended Adelaide University during an
exciting time. I have a vivid memory of the
FJ Holden hanging from the footbridge.
Remember SCIIAES and the great events
we held? I was treasurer of the AUFC and
recall the controversy around the A1 team
losing all their season points when we were
one of the best teams in Amateurs. This
gave rise to the Bob Neil phenomenon
inspired by the great Fred Bloch. Professor
‘Hatchet’ Harcourt was another luminary of
the football club.
Both of my children are also graduates
of Adelaide which brings me to the main
reason for entering this competition. My
daughter was the inaugural winner of the
Edith Dornwell Medal and I would love to
be able to present to her a portrait poster of
Edith. It feels appropriate.
Martin Byrt, B Tech (Electronic) 1973
Winner
My time at Adelaide University
In the corridors of Adelaide's esteemed
halls,
Where time weaves tales within its walls
From ’74 to ’85 I trod,
A journey through the hands of God.
Mathematical sciences, a field divine,
Psychology's secrets, the human mind.
Degrees and honours, achievements high,
Each day a new challenge, reaching the
sky.With scripts in hand, the stage my
domain,
The dramatic society, where memories
reign.
“Willee Comback" and "The Merchant of
Venice” told,
In characters' shoes, my stories unfold
President of the tennis club I stood,
The courts my kingdom, where friendships
brewed.
Though victory's embrace I never found,
In laughter and camaraderie, joy did
abound.
So here's to the days at Adelaide's door,
Where time was not wasted but cherished
more.
In the heart of the University's embrace,
Lies the essence of time and grace.
Dr Jack White, B. Math Sc. (Hons) 1977,
PhD psychology 1985
