Celebrating Success

Around 1500 students graduated from the University of Adelaide during the mid-year graduation ceremonies held in historic Bonython Hall in July and August.

The University of Adelaide offers a wide range of academic programs at all levels of study; these are just some of the graduates and their stories.

Mace-bearer and mentor

In 2003 Joel Bayliss entered the University of Adelaide through its Foundation Humanities and Social Sciences access program for indigenous students.

Last month Joel graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in politics and was the mace-bearer for his graduation ceremony, a role reserved for students who have distinguished themselves through academic and other achievements.

“Joel has been exceptionally conscientious, committed and hard working, and is acutely aware of the many difficulties fellow Indigenous students face in school and university,” said Wilto Yerlo adjunct lecturer Susan Cole, who coordinated the Foundation program until last year.

“He has supported fellow students in their studies, giving generously of his time and sharing experiences to assist in their success.”

While studying full-time, Joel has worked part-time as a mentor for Aboriginal children in State schools. He has also recently been elected to the City of Marion Council – their first Indigenous Councillor and, at 26, their second to youngest.

“University has been the best time of my life,” he said. “Education is the key – and that’s what I’ve told the Aboriginal kids I mentored. I’ve pleaded with them to go to University. I am so glad I stuck with it.”

Joel has plans to do his Honours in Politics after working for a while. He has just started as a graduate officer with the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner.

Joel Bayliss with father
Ivan and mother Wendy

Some of the University’s first graduates in the new Graduate Certificate in Food Writing celebrate with a glass of wine. From left: course co-convener Professor Nicholas Jose, Food Writing graduate Stephanie Santich, course co-convener Associate Professor Barbara Santich, and Food Writing graduates Eloise Riggs and Vikki Moore.

David Russell (centre) graduated with a Bachelor of International Studies, watched by proud parents Jenny Russell and Mike Rann, Premier of South Australia

Swimming through his studies

National swimmer and State record holder Mitchell Bacon graduated last month from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Science (EcoChemistry).

Throughout his degree, Mitchell has combined a full swimming career with his studies, competing in State, national and international competitions.

Not content with his Bachelor degree, however, Mitchell is now continuing with an Honours degree in Chemistry.

Mitchell started swimming internationally at 17. His wins include the 400 metre individual medley national short course title in 2002 and the Oceania championships titles for individual medley in 2002 (200 metres) and 2004 (400 metres).

He has also represented Australia in the World University Games in 2003 (making finals in both the 200 and 400 individual medleys) and again in last month’s World University Games in Thailand.

“Fitting in my studies around my training was hard but it helped keep me rounded and focused, and I’m ecstatic to have finished my degree,” Mitchell said.

Medical Science Masters degree graduate Phyllis Turner (centre) celebrates her graduation with two of her great-grandchildren, seven-year-old Jack (left) and five-year-old Levi.

Mrs Turner, 94, is believed to be the world’s oldest person to earn a university Masters degree. Her graduation generated worldwide interest from the media, including an invitation to appear on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in the United States.

Mrs Turner originally quit school at an early age and returned to study almost 60 years later, completing an undergraduate degree at ANU in the 1970s.

In 2002 – at the age of 90 – she earned her Honours degree in Anthropology from the University of Adelaide, before moving on to her Masters.

From left:
James Daniell with his father,
Associate Professor Trevor Daniell
(Civil & Environmental Engineering)

Earthquake studies for
Alumni Medallist

The Honours Alumni University Medal for 2007 has been awarded to James Daniell.

James graduated with First-Class Honours in Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Structural) and a Bachelor of Science at the end of 2006 following an undergraduate career with excellent grades in all engineering and science courses.

The Honours Alumni University Medal is awarded each year for outstanding academic merit.

The institution that James has nominated for his higher degree study is outstanding – arguably the best in the world for the cross-disciplinary treatment of earthquake engineering and engineering seismology.

The European School for Advanced Studies in Reduction of Seismic Risk (ROSE School) at the University of Pavia in northern ltaly is unique in that internationally renowned academics are flown in from all around the world to deliver the Masters course subjects in an intensive teaching mode over three or four-week blocks.