Lumen Summer 2015 - Flipbook - Page 20
Distinguished Alumni Award
A Chinese first for career diplomat
F
rances Adamson has been establishing some
impressive ‘firsts’ ever since she was appointed the
inaugural female captain of the Adelaide University
Boat Club. Her most recent achievement came in 2011
when she became Australia’s first female Ambassador to
the People’s Republic of China, an appointment that caps
a distinguished career in the diplomatic service.
With a background in economics and fluent in Mandarin,
Frances has played a significant role in building strong
relationships between the two countries.
She talks fondly of her time at the University of Adelaide
where she graduated in economics in 1985 and was first
introduced to rowing.
“Joining the Adelaide University Boat Club, learning how to
row, competing in competitions and, ultimately, becoming
captain taught me a great deal about teamwork, leadership
and the importance of preparation and determination,”
Frances said. “All of this has stood me in good stead as a
diplomat and now as an ambassador.”
After joining the public service, she studied Mandarin
before taking up her first post at the Australian ConsulateGeneral in Hong Kong. She was also representative to
the Australian Commerce and Industry Office in Taipei and
twice served in the Australian High Commission in London.
“I am proud to have studied at the University of Adelaide
and loved my time there”, she said. “My economics
lecturers were excellent and the overall study environment
was perfect for me. I still keep in touch with members of
my third year study group and other students, some of
whom are now leading economists.”
I am proud to have
studied at the University of
Adelaide and loved my time
there. My economics lecturers
were excellent and the overall
study environment was
perfect for me.
18 Lumen | Summer 2015
