story by Genevieve SanchezAlumni on the moveThe beverage bossMaster of Gastronomy graduateMichael Meagher knows moreabout wine than most peoplein the world. He’s one of only 232people to have achieved the titleof Master Sommelier since the Court ofthe Master Sommeliers was establishedin 1977 to promote excellence in hoteland restaurant beverage services.To earn the coveted title, Michaelpassed a gruelling diploma examafter nine years of preparation. Thefinal invitation-only exam sees manycandidates fail, sometimes severaltimes over. Michael attempted the examsix times before achieving success.He says it is an honour to be includedamong such an elite group of wine experts.“Having met and worked with alarge number of masters in the USduring my studies, I stand in awe oftheir accomplishments and talents andwonder how it is that I could possiblybe mentioned in the same sentence.”Michael studied sociology as anundergraduate at Harvard Universitybut soon realised his interests lay withthe culinary arts. He went on to work asa chef and gained qualifications fromthe Culinary Institute of America and theUniversity of Adelaide’s Le Cordon BleuMasters of Gastronomy program.He says that Adelaide’s vibrant cultureof food and wine was the perfect placefor him to further his skills.“Putting all three of my degreestogether, with the gastronomy programas the capstone, really sharpened myintuition and insight into culture, societalinfluence and market trends, whilemaking me keenly aware of the trueuniversal nature that is the celebrationof good food and good wine.”As Chairman Emeritus of the BostonSommelier Society, Michael nowmentors others who are workingtowards the Master Sommelier title.He is also the regional sales managerfor Jackson Family Wines where heeducates sales representatives inBoston, New York and Washington DC.“I know that every bottle of wine Isell has the potential to be a part ofsomeone’s celebration and throughmy education and experience, I hopeI can help other people become betterambassadors of great wineries, greatvineyards, great winemakers, which inturn will foster better consumers andwine culture,” he says.“Wine is the ultimate social beverageand I’m just happy to be workingtowards bringing more people togetherover a glass or two!”Find out more about food studies at the University of Adelaide:www.arts.adelaide.edu.au/history/food-values/More alumni achievementsDr Helen Caldicott (MBBS 1962) has been recognisedfor her dedication to promoting peace and freedom withan Inaugural Australian Peacewomen award in Canberra.Professor Mike McLaughlin (PhD Ag Sc 1988) has beenelected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.Fleur Tuthill (M Clin Nursing 2013) has won the GraduateNurse of the Year award at Coffs Harbour Hospital. Fleur wasa part of the first cohort to graduate from the masters program.What’s new with you?If you have recently celebrated a promotion orcareer achievement, a change of job or won a majorprize, we want to hear about it! Share your goodnews with your fellow alumni by emailing us. Pleaseinclude your name, degree and graduation year.Send it to alumni@adelaide.edu.auor call +61 8 8313 5800View more alumni achievements atwww.adelaide.edu.au/alumni/about/on-the-moveAssociate Professor Hubertus Jersmann (PhD 2001)has been awarded the 50th Anniversary Medal of theThoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand.The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 31
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