Letters to the editor
We invited readers of the winter issue of Lumen to enter our competition to win signed copies of the memoir, Childhood, by alum Shannon Burns.
We asked for them to share with us, in 100 words or less, their fondest memory of their time at the University of Adelaide.
We also offered entrants the chance to update us on their graduation details, and what they have been up to since then. Many of them were kind enough to do so. Thank you.
For this issue, we have a new competition. Ahead of the 150th anniversary of our University, we are offering 10 lucky readers the chance to win a $150 voucher for University of Adelaide merchandise. Details on the competitions webpage.
Noel Schoff (Winner)
As a very young History undergraduate in the mid-1960s, sitting at the metaphorical feet of Professor Hugh Stretton (1924-2015) in the recently completed Napier 1 Lecture Theatre, and being swept away by both his erudition and systematic style of presentation: lectures delivered in an urbane, quiet voice completely without notes, more of a confidential talk than a lecture really; even his droll asides were carefully structured and supremely apposite.
It was at this point I decided to become a history teacher, a career I followed both in South Australia and England for 40 years.
BA 1967 (Majors in History & English) conferred 1st May 1968.
Grad Dip Ed. 1968 conferred 1969 (when I was already teaching).
Susan Dwyer (Winner)
The Uni Bar in the mid-1980s. It’s packed. I’m there with my mates from the Philosophy Department for a Midnight Oil concert. We’re all clutching plastic cups of ice-cold beer. Every cell in my body is alive, vibrating with the music.
A first-generation student, I flunked out of my first year at Adelaide in 1975. But I’m back now and soon to get my BA (that will lead to an Honours degree and a PhD). I am giddy with joy and, finally, a deep sense of belonging.
I earned a BA in Philosophy and Psychology in 1985, and a BA Hons in Philosophy in 1986. In 1986, I was also awarded the Jeffries Memorial Medal in Philosophy, was named Caltex (S.A.) Woman graduate of the year, and won a Fulbright travelling scholarship. The latter made it possible for me to take up the “full ride” offer from M.I.T to undertake doctoral studies. Picked up the PhD in 1991. Since then, I have taught at McGill University, Montreal, the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, USA, and the University of Maryland, where I remain a tenured Professor of Philosophy
Alison Blackman
My fondest memories are of attending classes to learn new ideas and information. The interaction with tutors, lecturers and other students was exciting. To go home and prepare assignments was productive.
The social life meant that weekends were filled with sport and evening fun too. I met my first husband at Christmas when he kissed me under the mistletoe. It was a privilege to be part of the campus.
The facilities such as the library, the refectory, the grounds and North Terrace position was an enjoyable place... Thank you University of Adelaide.
Diploma of Music 1960, Bachelor of Music 1975
Anikka Stewart
Taking over the hub to protest the firing and general unfair treatment of University staff. Being involved in student activism made me feel so powerful at a time in my life when I had very little control. It was extremely cathartic to yell about my issues with 80 other students about such an important issue – the profound sense of community and peer-to-peer understanding is one of the things I miss the most about university.
Hadi Slayman
Locusts are nervous creatures with big appetites. Usually solitary, they become gregarious in response to certain stimuli; twenty years ago at the University of Adelaide, I was the same. As our group snaked its way along a ridge of the Flinders Ranges, the insects leapt through the air. I closed my eyes and mouth; a wave of soft thuds like microwave popcorn, every bump spurring a bug to make new plans. The rocky hills provided the best classroom for geology students. We sketched the ancient sea beds, thinking the swarm and our zeal to wander was endless.
I graduated in 2002 with a B.Sc. (Hons.) majoring in geology. I worked a number of years in the energy sector, and I am currently a Research Officer at the Parliament of South Australia.
Tracy Dickens (Winner)
University was a place where my passions blossomed, where knowledge and discovery intertwined to create rich experiences. I was surrounded by diverse minds, and relished exploring my interests, expanding my thinking, and delving deeper into topics that fascinated me. The vibrant campus life, stimulating discussions, and inspiring lecturers fuelled my curiosity and nurtured my growth. I enjoyed the freedom to choose my path, engage in meaningful projects, and collaborate with like-minded individuals. These activities filled my days with excitement and purpose. University offered me a transformative journey, shaping my worldview, fostering enduring friendships, and igniting a lifelong love for learning.
I graduated from a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy in 2019 from Adelaide Uni. I presently have a Counselling and Psychotherapy Private Practice in Prospect, South Australia.
David Low (Winner)
Hanging out in The Rubble, with the gamers, proto-subversives, sci-fi groupies and archery fanatics (don’t ask...). Some may have liked the lawns, some the library, some (OK, many) the bar, and some the faux-snobbery of the be-cushioned bohemian coffee house in the Loft. But for a place where diverse interests flourished, the area that didn’t officially exist behind an unmarked door, or off a partly hidden stairwell on the other side, let me meet people from across the spectrum of University of Adelaide scholars. I was lucky to be there while it still existed!
PhD (Sc) 1996
Alexander Agostinelli
I was involved in the Civil Engineering Society and the head of faculty asked me to help them in facilitating a workshop for high school students from rural communities. The students were involved in engineering challenges where we taught basic structural engineering concepts. Being able to hear these students say ‘I want to grow up and study engineering’ and ‘wow engineering is cool’ because of the series of engaging workshops warmed my soul and made me smile. It was pretty special to walk past the University and see some of these students from the workshop are now UoA students.
B Ma and Comp Sc 2021
Faith Blake
When I crossed the stage to receive my parchment after four years of hard work! Graduating was such a memorable moment for me and was made even more magical by the picturesque Bonython Hall and the ceremonial grandeur.
I graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Creative Writing and Sociology. I am currently a full-time professional staff member at the University of Adelaide in the Central Enrolments team - Student Administration Officer.
Claire Page
I did love the social time spent between classes, particularly regular lunches in the Union building with fellow commerce friends, but I also loved spending time alone in the Barr Smith Library looking through the books or using a study room. Years later I went back to university to study to be a librarian, and a love of libraries came from that time. I loved the beautiful reading room and the dark corridors of books. I guess I can be a fairly solitary person sometimes and this library gave me important time to myself to concentrate and get work done.
I graduated in 2001 from a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) then 2002 from a Bachelor of Economics.
Charles Ng
I studied at the University of Adelaide as a part-time student. I needed to put effort into my job and my study. It made me have good time planning so I could manage them both. It was an enjoyable time, advancing my knowledge and building up work experience. Finally, I passed and finished with my MBA. It is a treasure in study and gives me a memorable state of mind. I hope to extend my lifelong learning experience onward from the University of Adelaide.
I am a graduate of 2003 MBA. I am a founder and director of ‘Trinity CPA Limited, Certified Public Accountants (Practising)’ firm in Hong Kong. I am mainly providing audit assurance, accountancy, secretarial and tax services to our clients.
Angela Davison
Eating chocolate muffins while working in the cafe in The Gallerie in Union Building circa 1986.
I’m a town planning consultant around Australia.
I finished a BA in which I majored in architectural history and theories via architecture department and history.
I finished in 1986. I guess graduation was March 1987 by which time I was living in London.
I’ve since got a Master of the Built Environment from UTS, graduating 1996.
Romesh Nalliah
I graduated from the dental school when it was on Frome Road. My fondest memory is walking up and down Frome in autumn with all the coloured leaves on the ground. It was like going to another country.
I graduated with a Bachelors in Dental Surgery in 2000. I’m now the Associate Dean for Clinical Services at University of Michigan School of Dentistry.
Leighlan Doe
My fondest memory at the University of Adelaide was messing around in a communal kitchen just off the Math Lawns making bread dough for the first time. To later that day find myself in a hightech lab essentially giving the dough an infrared ultrasound to try and see if we could determine what types of bubbles were forming in it. Didn’t lead to the master’s project I was hoping for, but was certainly a cool afternoon!
In 2018 I graduated from a Masters of Biotechnology (Plant Biotechnology). I am now a Project Manager in a defence company’s IT department. Attached is a picture of me during my (eventual) Masters project, the first time I encountered genetically modified organisms (they were quite friendly being plants and all).
Lachlan Chuong
Lachlan go Unibar. Lachlan drink beer.
Bachelor of Laws 2018
Paul Lji (Winner)
I enrolled at the Roseworthy campus in 1994 to follow my passion in applied animal nutrition. A seminar meeting at Waite campus led me to a new supervisor, a young academic from the UK, Dr David Tivey, who had just joined the University. I relocated to Waite six months later. That move altered my career path, with a change to a new research area, digestive physiology. I needed to learn a lot of new laboratory techniques, but I finally settled down to my studies. I graduated in early 1999 and have thoroughly enjoyed my career, all thanks to Dr Tivey.
I completed my PhD (Animal Science) examination process in 1998 but graduated in 1999. I have done a few things since leaving Adelaide. I first returned to my job at Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria but then took up a postdoctoral fellowship in South Africa, all in 1999. I returned to Australia in 2005, with an appointment at the University of New England, Armidale, where I worked for more than 12 years, rising to and currently hold the position of Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at Fiji National University.
Allison Down
Alana and I crossed paths at the University of Adelaide in 2017, both eager to explore our academic interests. In 2019, while studying Contemporary Organisations, we found ourselves assigned as partners for a challenging project. Determined to excel, we ventured beyond our comfort zones and collaborated intensely, enhancing our understanding of compromise and effective communication. Our efforts paid off as we presented our case studies, earning appreciation from classmates and lecturer. From that moment on, we formed an ongoing bond, and we continue to inspire each other to reach greater heights in life pursuits to this day and beyond.
MBA 2021
Michael Manou
My fondest memory of being at the University of Adelaide was the countless field trips with my fellow students to Bool Lagoon under the tutelage of Professor George Ganf. It was truly inspirational to spend weeks in situ, studying, modelling, presenting on a beautiful, yet severely degraded wetland with colleagues, first nation collaborators and community who were determined to arrest the impact of changed eco-hydrology and land use practices.
B Sc (Hons) 2001
Geoffrey E. Nottle (Winner)
Adelaide’s University and Teachers’ College became complementary hemispheres of my world in 1950, beginning the whole enriching experience that is my fondest memory.
Studies in arts, education, sports of baseball, cricket; socialising, on two campuses, filled most days and into the nights.
Respectfully recalled now – inspiring instructors in lectures, tutorials, practicals, excursions; Barr Smith, public libraries; refectory, oval; books read, events attended, roles acted, games played, country correspondence courses, assignments hand-written, three-hour opportunities – results released – jobs done!
“Prosh”, Premiership, Inter-Varsity. Graduations, Blue Dinners, Golden Jubilee Reunions – enduring friendships – all precious parts of the total treasure! Thank you both!
Mr Nottle, now aged 92, graduated with a Diploma of Arts and Education, 1953, a Bachelor of Arts in 1956 and a Diploma in Primary Education in 1959.
These two delightful photographs of Geoff and his wife Paquita were taken on the same spot, 50 years apart, in 1959 (soon after their wedding) and in 2009, when they returned to campus to celebrate Geoff’s graduation Golden Jubilee