The University of Adelaide - 150 Years of Making History

Forward

For 150 years, the University of Adelaide has been committed to the discovery of new knowledge, and preparing our graduates to achieve their aspirations and enjoy careers that meet the needs of the future workforce and society more broadly.

This commemorative book celebrates the contributions and achievements of inspirational people who have been a part of our evolution, be they alumni, staff, students or volunteers. To honour them, we’ve curated 150 vignettes and photographs to provide a sample of the many significant people, places and objects that have placed us as one of the top 1% of universities worldwide.

Looking back to our founding in 1874, we might imagine the face of the University as it was then, opening its doors to a cohort of 60 students, including 33 pioneering women. Among those who have found their intellectual home here since then, are Lord Florey OM FRS FRCP, whose discoveries are estimated to have saved over 80 million lives worldwide; the remarkable Dame Roma Mitchell AC DBE CVO QC who became Australia’s first female Queen's Counsel, Supreme Court judge, university chancellor and state governor; and Isobel Marshall, who was named Young Australian of the Year in 2021. These trailblazers, amongst many more, arrived ready to learn and shape their potential, going on to lead, inspire and make history.

Yet our spirit extends beyond great leaders and Nobel Laureates, beyond the people, places, and artifacts in this book. All our people are on their own journeys to champion a career or a cause they’re passionate about, to make a meaningful difference for themselves, and to create the history of their own lives—with lifelong friends made, and life experiences that shape who they are.

We can each be incredibly proud of this University, for it delivers more than teaching, learning and research. It provides an enduring legacy for South Australia and for our international community, and our traditions, our lessons, and our experiences place us in good stead to continue to face the challenges of the future.

Our 150th anniversary provides an opportunity to not only reflect on past milestones and achievements but to look to the future as we prepare for the formal establishment of Adelaide University, combining the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia. The evolution of our University seeks to cement our position as a leading university of global standing, offering a nation-leading curriculum and student experience, greater access to education, and world-class research excellence.

While this book is for every life touched by the University, it is also an invitation to be part of what comes next. Whether listening patiently to the next generation of students to better understand them, upholding the values of equity in an increasingly complex world, or contributing to our proud spirit of philanthropy with scholarships, prizes, research, and endowment funds, we each have a responsibility to proactively shape tomorrow. We hold the future in our hands.

Our community can indeed be proud of the University of Adelaide’s progression during its 150 year history. Together, let’s celebrate what we have achieved, and what we can continue to achieve for future generations and our communities.

The University of Adelaide: 150 Years of Making History.  Foreword.  p.7

Acknowledgements

This publication, celebrating 150 years of the University of Adelaide has been a University-wide effort led by the University Library. Many staff across the University have lent their expertise to the production of the book to whom we extend our thanks, particularly project lead Deanne Holmes, Senior Manager Collections and Access Services, University Library.  Thanks is extended to the University’s 150th Steering Committee and to the volunteer members of the 150th Book Advisory Group: 

• Uncle Rodney O’Brien, University of Adelaide Cultural Advisor and Kaurna Elder
• Anita Head, Director, Marketing
• Samantha Sturm, Associate Director Alumni Relations
• Rachel Spencer, President Friends of the Library.

Photography:  Alphaflight, Iain Bond, Andre Castelluci, Scott Goh, Grant Hancock, Randy Larcombe, Richard Lyons, John Montesi, Michael Mullan, Joanna Robinson, Denis Smith, Mike Smith, Andy Steven.

Publication Details and Disclaimer

Original publication printed in South Australia by Openbook Howden Print & Design.

Designed in South Australia by Richards Rose.

© 2024 University of Adelaide.  This work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process, nor may any other exclusive right be exercised, without the permission of University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide South Australia 5005, 2024.

The views expressed by the authors are their personal views and not the views of the University. Further, while we have taken every precaution to ensure that the content of this book is accurate, errors and omissions can occur, and neither the University nor the authors will be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss, arising out of the reliance upon any information in this book. Any reliance you place on the information in this book is therefore strictly at your own risk. 

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