Alumni forum brings leaders back to uni

Alumni

The University of Adelaide's inaugural Alumni Forum has been hailed a resounding success.

Hosted by Development and Alumni over two mornings on 4-5 September, the event attracted more than 100 participants, as well as 170 to a Gala Dinner at the National Wine Centre.

"From the University's point of view, it was a new way for us to engage with our alumni and we were very encouraged not only by the level of participation in the forum but also the feedback we received from those who participated," Development and Alumni Director Ms Robyn Brown said.

"We had a great mix of presenters and topics, from University Vice-Chancellor Professor James McWha and other senior managers to overseas alumni and Development and Alumni staff.

"It was an excellent opportunity for us to talk directly to our Alumni about what's happening at the University and our alumni activities, and, at the same time, hear directly from them about their alumni experiences."

Distinguished alumnus Dr Cheong Choong Kong, Chairman of the OCBC (Singapore) and former Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Airlines, spoke both as part of the forum, where he examined the rise of Singapore Airlines into one of the world's major carriers, and also at the Gala Dinner, where he took a more lighthearted look at his 'other' career, acting.

Dr Rex Lipman AO was also honoured at the Forum's Gala Dinner with a Distinguished Alumni Award, presented by University Chancellor John von Doussa.

Dr Lipman graduated from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Dentistry in 1951, and in the early part of his career pioneered publicity for the fluoridation of water supplies.

He followed his dental practice involvement with a successful business career as a merchant banker and director of a number of South Australian companies. He has served as Executive Chairman of Harris Scarfe Ltd and Honorary Consul for France, and established Angas Travel (of which he is still Chairman) and the very successful International College of Hotel Management.

Dr Lipman's contributions have been recognised by high awards from both the Australian and French Governments, including being made a French Officer of National Order of Merit in 1982, and an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2008.

Story by Ben Osborne