Lumen Summer 2013 - Flipbook - Page 23
story by Genevieve Sanchez
The memory of a cherished father and respected ViceChancellor lives on through one family and their 40year history with the University of Adelaide.
A
t the time of his death in 1986,
aged 57, Professor Donald
Stranks AO was about to embark
on his third term as Vice-Chancellor,
having served in the role since 1977.
His sons, Dr Geoffrey Stranks and
Associate Professor Stephen Stranks,
were both studying Medicine at the
University while their father was in office
and have gone on to successful careers
as doctors and medical educators.
Their children have also launched or are
orbiting successful careers in Medicine,
Science and Psychology and there is
even a Rhodes Scholar amongst them for
good measure.
“Dad gave us a real conviction that
a good education was very important
– there was an unsaid, unwritten
expectation that you work hard and do
well,” says Steve.
And each generation of Stranks has
done this and more, from a common base
of the University of Adelaide.
In his nine years in office as ViceChancellor, Donald was acknowledged
as a supportive and insightful leader;
his significant contributions included
establishing the University of Adelaide
Foundation and revolutionising the
academic administration of the University
during a period of increased funding
constraints.
Often referred to as the ‘student’s
Vice-Chancellor’, Professor Stranks’
involvement with students through the
University of Adelaide Sports Association
was extensive, including a very active role
as Patron of the Football Club.
In an oration delivered at a service
in Donald’s honour, former Deputy
Chancellor Dr Harry Medlin remarked,
“All of his actions were those of a person
deeply committed to the doctrine of free
and equal access to education for all.”
Eldest son Geoff himself discovered a
passion for adult education while working
as a GP. He has previously combined
his commitment to general practice with
work with the GP training program at the
Flinders Medical Centre. He now teaches
medical students and GP trainees on
placement at his clinic and also provides
locum relief for country GPs through the
Rural Doctors Workforce Agency.
Geoff and his wife Gerry, a paediatric
physiotherapist, have three children, all of
whom have excelled in their studies at the
University of Adelaide.
Elizabeth, 24 graduated with First Class
Honours in Psychology in 2011 and is now
enrolled in a Doctorate in Neuropsychology
at Latrobe University in Melbourne.
29-year-old Ben commenced a Science/
Arts double degree at Adelaide before
going on exchange to the University
of Birmingham. He went on to study
postgraduate medicine at the University
of Warwick and is now working as a
doctor and GP trainee prior to returning to
Australia.
This year, 27-year-old Sam, the
University’s 101st Rhodes Scholar, finished
his PhD in Condensed Matter Physics at
the University of Oxford. He is continuing
his work as a Post-Doctoral Researcher
and Junior Research Fellow at Worcester
College for another 18 months while his
wife Amanda, also a University of Adelaide
graduate, is doing her PhD in Clinical
Medicine at Oxford.
“I am very proud of their commitment to
finding areas of study and work for which
they have a passion, as I think this sustains
people over their career, whatever that
might be,” says Geoff.
His brother Steve followed Geoff’s
lead by also studying Medicine and is
now the Director of Southern Adelaide
Diabetes and Endocrine Services
and Associate Professor at Flinders
University of South Australia. His clinical
role involves the delivery of services in
Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic
Bone Disease at Flinders Medical
Centre, Repatriation General Hospital
and Noarlunga Hospital and public
outreach services in community settings
in the region.
Steve and wife Louise – a GP at
University Health and a tutor in clinical
skills and case-based learning at the
University’s Medical School – may not have
directly pushed their children into a career
in medicine, but the influence of their own
careers was obviously strong.
All three children enrolled in a Bachelor
of Medicine at the University of Adelaide
– Jessica, 26 graduated in 2010 and has
gone on to do specialist training, moving
towards a similar field as her father, while
Katrina 23, and Lachlan 21, are both in
their fourth year of studies.
“They grew up in an environment where
it was something we were comfortable
with and we enjoyed what we did,”
says Steve.
And for each generation of Stranks, the
comfort they have found in the academic
environment is more than evident.
Geoff is struck by the varied and eyeopening pathways that the University can
provide and believes his father would have
been very happy with the direction the
University has taken.
“I know that Don would be immensely
pleased to see the University of Adelaide
continue to provide and expand both
undergraduate and postgraduate course
options,” says Geoff.
“He would also have been very proud
of all of his grandchildren’s achievements
and their take-up of the opportunities
provided by his alma mater.”
Above: From top left
Steve’s children Lachlan,
Jessica and Katrina. From
lower left Geoff’s children
Ben, Sam and Elizabeth
Left: Dr Geoffrey Stranks
and Associate Professor
Stephen Stranks in front
on their father’s portrait.
Photo by Chris Tonkin
The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 21
