The University of | Alumni Magazine Summer 2016 Memories of a lifetime The Alumni Magazine www.adelaide.edu.au/lumen

The Lumen masthead is derived Message from from the University of Adelaide motto “Sub Cruce Lumen” – the Vice-Chancellor the light (of learning) under the (Southern) Cross.

Studying at the University of Basil is one of many alumni who Adelaide means being part of studied medicine or health sciences a rich tradition of excellence in and used their careers to profoundly education and research, with better the lives of others. The University world-class academics and a remains deeply immersed in health vibrant student life. education and research, ensuring the next generation of health professionals Seek Light. can continue to improve the quality of The light of new knowledge. life for Australians and people across the globe. As the new Royal Adelaide Hospital nears completion, we are building a health and medical sciences building nearby, in the SA Health and Biomedical Precinct at Adelaide’s west-end. The facility will transform health treatment, training and discovery and will ensure we continue to train a health workforce of the highest quality. elcome to the summer edition To build a new health and medical Wof Lumen. This issue features school happens only once in a century alumni and the difference – and you have the unique opportunity they are making in their fi elds—Annabel to be involved in this special project, Crabb in journalism, by adding your name to the Donors’ in law and , and Moya Dodd Wall. To learn more, read the article who is working at the highest level in on page 13. international football. It also features Dr Basil Hetzel AC, who was recently I hope you enjoy reading this awarded an honorary Doctor of the edition of Lumen. University degree for his distinguished service to medical research.

Professor Warren Bebbington Vice-Chancellor and President Contents 10 14 16 13 15 4 20 4 6 2 2 3 7 more accessible togirlsandwomen Moya Doddisworking hard tomakefootball Australian inworld football The mostpowerful supports LibraryandElderConservatorium How KerstinLillemorAndersen’s bequest A lifeofbooks,musicandtravel 25 yearsinoffi ce University LibrarianRayChoateretires after For theloveoflibrary Your gifttotheState’s future health training anddiscovery Help transformhealthtreatment, talks cricketandthelaw Director ofPublicProsecutions AdamKimber From cricketpitchtothecourts Professor PhilHarris Emeritus Geoffrey Harcourt, DrRichieGunand Recognising ourgreat achievers,Professor Distinguished AlumniAwards to maketelevisiongold Annabel Crabbcombinescookingandpolitics The politicsofcooking A tributetothelateProfessor HughStretton Legacy ofanintellectualgreat highest honour Dr BasilHetzelACreceives theUniversity’s to iodinecrusader Honorary doctorategoes Coopers Brewery Cooper AMManagingDirector &ChiefBrewer, From ChairoftheAlumniCouncil, DrTim Alumni update Letters from ourreaders Letters totheeditor Summer 2016 6 24 20 30 28 24 26 22 32 27 18 31 through staff giving Why aUniversitysoilbiologistdonates for disadvantagedstudents Workplace givingmakesadifference The 2015AugustusShortscholarshiprecipients highly engagedstudents Well-deserved supportfor strong relationship withtheUniversity The NeuroSurgical Research Foundation’s A longhistoryofneurosurgical support star, TVsportspresenter turned Professional cricketer, Kollywoodmovie turned Injury failstoslowSuhail donations insteadofgifts Five yearoldEliWolkenberg askedfor Our youngestdonor’s birthdaywish Mark HutchinsonandChristopherKoch Our outstanding2015recipients, Professor James McWhaAwards University newshighlights University news Recent alumniachievements Alumni onthemove University’s foundingfather Hughes BequestSocietycontinuestohonour The spiritofgivingliveson Class of1965return fortheir50yearreunion Professor RobMorrisonOAMandthe The goldenageofcuriosity 28 16 (open 24hours) contact Lifeline:131114-www.lifeline.org.au help orknowsomeonewhodoesyoucan contact detailsofsupportgroups. Ifyouneed (Lumen Winter2015)weneglectedtoinclude In ourarticle‘Predictingthecourseofmentalillness’ Corrections toWinter2015issue: [email protected] To joinouronlinemailinglistplease email you toreceive Lumenonline. to sustainablepracticesweencourage As partoftheUniversity’s commitment contain imagesofdeceasedpersons. readers arethatthispublicationmay warned WARNING: AboriginalandTorres StraitIslander from Lumenwithacknowledgmentofitsorigin. Material maybereproduced withoutpermission contained ineitherthetextoradvertisements. editor orprinterfortheaccuracyofinformation No responsibility isacceptedbytheUniversity, necessarily endorsedbytheUniversityofAdelaide. Views expressed bycontributors inLumenare not No 56500/00097 Registered byAustraliaPost The UniversityofAdelaideISSN13200747 Copyright ©2015 CRICOS Provider Number00123M The UniversityofAdelaide,SA5005Australia, 36,900 inprint,23,800onlinesubscriptions Circulation: +61883135808 Facsimile: +61883135800 Telephone: www.adelaide.edu.au/lumen www.adelaide.edu.au/alumni Email [email protected] Level 1,230NorthTerrace AdelaideSA5005 University Engagement Editorial Enquiries: Chris Tonkin, NaomiCain Design: Renée Capps,GenevieveSanchez,IanWilliams Contributors: Th 1 Magazine |Alumni eUniversityofAdelaide (photo byJo-AnnaRobinson) 50 yearreunion their GoldenJubilee The Classof1965at Front coverimage:

2402-2 story by xx Letters to the editor Alumni update

n our second year of the Alumni Council, Dear Editor, Iwe have been working with the University to increase engagement with our alumni. Our As a member of the alumni of the University of Adelaide I earnest desire is to help raise awareness about am always pleased to read my copy of Lumen. However I what it means to be an alumnus. We are always was especially delighted by the latest edition (winter 2015). pleased to hear how appreciative our alumni It brought back many happy memories of my years as a university student when I read the contribution from Samela are of the outstanding education they received Harris, with whom I commenced law studies in 1964, and at the University – one that has opened doors her references to our fellow law students Piers Plumridge, for them, both personally and professionally. John Waters (all editors of the excellent On Dit) and John This year we have seen an increased Bannon, and when I saw her photograph taken in 1965. level of participation in the alumni program. Thousands of our alumni have been in contact My pleasure was augmented by reading of the honorary Doctorate of Laws awarded to another fellow 1964 law with the University this year, through the many student, Robert Hill and by reading, and seeing the photograph, networking, reunion and information events of Dr Claire Woods. I had the good fortune to meet the held around and overseas. Alumni delightful Claire in our rehearsals and appearances together have helped us to welcome international in Adelaide University Footlights revues. students, and have taken part in forums, surveys and other outreach activities. These Lumen’s articles illustrate the successes of its graduates and that the University of Adelaide, established in 1874 and the interactions provide valuable feedback which third oldest university in Australia, has been and continues helps us to better understand and respond to to be a leader in tertiary education. Sub cruce lumen. the needs of our alumni, and, in turn, shape an even better program. Regards, Lou Crotti LLB We celebrated many achievements this year, and I congratulate the award recipients who have been recognised as Alumni Fellows, through the Distinguished Alumni Awards and the James McWha Award of Excellence. Thank you for your letter Lou. There is certainly no greater Thank you to all our alumni for your evidence of the University of Adelaide’s success than the continued support and for your desire to stay accolades and achievements of our alumni and those you have mentioned have indeed excelled in their chosen fi elds. in touch with your alma mater. I welcome your participation and contribution, and encourage Our prize for this edition is a University branded letter you to provide your input and feedback to the opener and leather business card holder (below). Alumni Council at [email protected] or +61 8 8313 5800. We want to hear from you! Letters to the editor are a regular section in Lumen magazine. You can submit your letter online or Dr Tim Cooper AM Chair of the Alumni Council, by mail. Letters to the editor must include: full name, address (not Managing Director & Chief Brewer, for publication), degree and year of graduation where applicable, Coopers Brewery daytime phone number and/or email address. We will select one letter per edition to receive a prize.

Address your letters to: The Editor Lumen, University Engagement Level 1, 230 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005 Email: [email protected]

Space permits only a selection of letters to be published. Letters may be edited so please keep them concise. Above: Dr Tim Cooper with guests at a Melbourne alumni event

2 Lumen | Summer 2016 story by Genevieve Sanchez

Honorary doctorate goes to iodine crusader

r Basil Hetzel AC often refers to clinical medicine have had a substantial From 1986, as the CSIRO’s fi rst Chief Dchance and good fortune as factors impact on the lives of many individuals. of the Division of Human Nutrition, he in his success. He even believes a “He has served the University of showed that iodine defi ciency caused bout of pulmonary tuberculosis following his Adelaide, his State and his profession with retardation of brain development in sheep graduation was a mixed blessing. distinction, and received the Distinguished and in marmoset monkeys. While it ended his career in the air Alumni Award of the University of Adelaide Iodine Defi ciency Disorder (IDD) is force, it saw him take a pioneering path in in 1995,” he said. now recognised by WHO as the most medicine that would go on to affect up to Basil graduated from the University common preventable cause of brain one billion people around the world. with a Bachelor of Medicine in 1944 and damage in the world with more than It was Basil who fi rst recognised the went on to win a Fulbright Scholarship, 2 billion people at risk in 130 countries. effects of iodine defi ciency in contributing to spending three years in New York with “A global program of prevention of high rates of brain damage called cretinism. his family followed by a year in London IDD and other childhood disorders was He established the International Council at St Thomas’ Hospital. launched at the UN World Summit for for the Control of Iodine Defi ciency It was after his return to Adelaide, while Children in New York in 1990 which Disorders (ICCIDD) to increase awareness working as the University’s Michell Professor provided unprecedented political support of the seriousness of iodine defi ciency of Medicine at the Queen Elizabeth at Heads of State level,” said Basil. “By and to work on programs to eradicate this Hospital, that he began his most infl uential 2000, household usage of iodized salt widespread but easily remedied condition. studies of iodine defi ciency in Papua New had increased from less than 20 per cent Basil’s work has seen him honoured Guinea. He proved the effectiveness of before 1990 to 60 per cent in 2000, with around the world and this year the iodized oil in treating goitre and it was further progress since. University of Adelaide paid him the highest incorporated into the international public “This is regarded by WHO as a global academic recognition in awarding him health practices of the World Health success, comparable to the eradication an honorary degree of Doctor of the Organisation and UNICEF. of small pox and polio.” University for his distinguished service to Basil continued his work in Melbourne, as And of his life’s work which has made medical research in and, the fi rst Chair of Social and Preventative a difference to the lives of millions: “I was more broadly, to society. Medicine at Monash University, and interested in making a better world.” At the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor and by 1970 his team demonstrated that Below: Basil with family after accepting his President Professor Warren Bebbington correction of iodine defi ciency before Honorary Doctorate. said that Basil’s outstanding achievements pregnancy totally prevented endemic in major aspects of public health and cretinism and related conditions. This was pacemaking, global research.

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 3 story by Ian Williams Legacy of an

Australia has farewelled one if its fi nest public intellectuals and leaders, celebrated University of Adelaide alumnus Professor Hugh Stretton.

Left and above: Professor Hugh Stretton (photo at left by Dean Martin, The Advertiser)

Over the years governments of all political persuasions have benefi ted from Hugh Stretton’s willingness to advise and his readiness to serve. They have also occasionally felt the full force of his commitments to a broad humanistic tradition which holds that the State exists to serve the people and not just to manage.

John Bannon, former Premier of South Australia. (Foreword to Markets, Morals and Public Policy, 1989.)

4 Lumen | Summer 2016 intellectual giant Stretton honoured with new centre uring a rich and diverse career Hugh not only wrote with great Dwhich spanned multiple compassion and insight about suburban disciplines, Hugh inspired Australia, he also engaged in the generations of students and colleagues policy process as Deputy Chair of the with his measured determination for South Australian Housing Trust for 17 change and deep commitment to make years where he was able to put his The lifetime achievements the world a better place. progressive ideas into practice. of Hugh Stretton are being He died on 18 July 2015 at the age In 1989 he retired from his role as of 91 leaving a legacy that covered Reader of History but remained active remembered through a history, economics, political theory, as a Research Fellow in Economics, new regional innovation social policy and justice, housing, generating important works, including urban planning, public fi nance and the Public Goods, Public Enterprise, Public centre in Adelaide’s north. role of governments. Choice (1994) with Lionel Orchard The Stretton Centre is a focal point for Born in Melbourne in 1924, Hugh and Economics: a new introduction collaboration between researchers, graduated with degrees in arts and law (1999) which offered both teachers industry and government with a from the in 1946 and students a pluralist alternative to particular focus on the economic and and was a Rhodes scholar and graduate commonly available economics texts. social wellbeing of the northern suburbs. of Princeton University. Hugh’s exceptional career is marked He then taught at Balliol College, by a lifetime of signifi cant achievements The centre is the result of a broad Oxford before leaving Britain in 1954 to – an extraordinary contribution which partnership which brings together take up an appointment as chair of the saw him voted one of Australia’s 10 the City of Playford, University history department at the University of most infl uential public intellectuals. researchers, Renewal SA, and State Adelaide. Just 29, Hugh was the youngest He will be remembered as one of the and Federal governments. professor in Australia at that time. nation’s fi nest progressive polymaths, The Stretton Centre is purpose built He presided over the department’s thoughtful and generous, modest and to support the development of rapid expansion during the 1950s charming, witty and warm. Hugh is industry and workforce development and 1960s, shaping its teaching and survived by his wife Pat and children collaborations designed to boost research programs, and attracting Simon, Fabian, Tim and Sally. employment opportunities in potential historians of international stature. high growth sectors. In 1968 Hugh stepped down from his position to become a Reader in There are only a few History so he could devote more time to lecturers that stand out in my Find out more at writing. He was soon making a landmark www.adelaide.edu.au/wiser/stretton contribution to the social sciences mind. Hugh Stretton, without through his seminal book The Political a doubt, stands above them Sciences (1969). Key later works all. Both what he had to included Ideas for Australian Cities say and how he said it was (1970) which captured the imagination of urban policymakers and practitioners engaging. One couldn’t help looking for insights into the complexity but listen. With Stretton and richness of Australian suburban life. there was a complete absence He built on this theme in 1974 through of any sense of superiority. the ABC’s Boyer Lectures, focusing on housing and government, and two years Not a condescending air to later was awarded The Age Book of the be found. Year award for Capitalism, Socialism Amanda Vanstone, former Federal and the Environment, a book well ahead Government minister. (Extract from Pasts Present: of it’s time. This was followed in 1978 History at Australia’s Third University, 2014.) by his internationally focused Urban Planning in Rich and Poor Countries.

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 5 story by Genevieve Sanchez Th e politics of cooking

Plenty of future plans have been cooked up over long lazy lunches on the University of Adelaide’s Barr Smith Lawns and for Annabel Crabb, those plans actually involved cooking.

ost of Australia’s fi rst dedicated friends and Kitchen Cabinet’s recipe technique of interviewing over the cooktop Hpolitical cooking show, ABC consultant, Wendy Sharpe – the plan has seen her charm and disarm the likes TV’s Kitchen Cabinet, Annabel for which was formulated over university of Bronwyn Bishop, , Julie is one of Australia’s most popular lunches on the lawns. Bishop, and . political commentators. For Annabel, it’s the cooking part that is Some surprising quirks and personalities She writes for ABC Online’s The Drum, fulfi lling her lifelong dream to incorporate are revealed as well as the cooking expertise is a columnist for the Sunday Age, Sun- food into her career. To be able do this of some more than capable cooks. Herald and ’s Sunday Times, and in the kitchens of some of Australia’s Annabel says her passion for cooking has worked as a political correspondent biggest names in politics combines food came from being raised by great cooks and sketch writer for various publications. with her other passion – asking the tough in her mother and grandmother. Growing She’s also the author of The Wife questions of our country’s leaders. up on a sheep farm outside Two Wells in Drought and soon to be released ‘Invading’ their homes armed with a retro regional South Australia, she also had a cookbook, Special Delivery – which she cake tin or basket fi lled with one of her lot of ‘shearing/baking experiences’. has co-written with one of her oldest own dessert creations, Annabel’s informal Studying a double degree in arts and law, Annabel has fond memories of her days at university, not surprisingly many of these revolve around food – eating cheese triangles in the refectory and “thousands of avocado and cream cheese sandwiches” at the Art Gallery café. She also spent a lot of time distracting friends in the On Dit offi ces – friends such as Samantha Maiden, , Vanessa Almeida and Misha Schubert – who have also gone on to forge successful careers. Their names are among the who’s who of Australian media circles – often referred to as ‘the Adelaide mafi a’. Annabel also rubbed shoulders with future federal politicians on the university debating stage. After graduating, Annabel sat for a cadetship at The Advertiser, having identifi ed that a legal career wasn’t for her. She jokes that her law degree is “like a car that’s never left the garage, it doesn’t have a scratch on it!” “But I’ve never regretted doing a law degree and I feel like I use it almost every day,” she says. “When I got to Canberra and was reporting on federal politics, I found that I wasn’t fazed by legislative language and

Left: Annabel with federal MP Clive Palmer

6 Lumen | Summer 2016 You can’t learn curiosity which is one of the great advantages of good journalism. Th e only way to develop curiosity is to have great teachers who tell you interesting things.

my knowledge of the Australian constitution was invaluable. I’ve refl ected on many occasions that it was a good degree to do.” Annabel says that aside from the connections she made, she treasures her time at university. “It made me interested in so many different things – the education I received was an expansionary one which is great to have. “You can’t learn curiosity which is one of the great advantages of good journalism. The only way to develop curiosity is to have great teachers who tell you interesting things.” Her own curiosity led Annabel to write The Wife Drought, a book which explores the way the presence of a helpful spouse can be a huge career asset. Although she has a supportive partner, Annabel says her career in modern media is much more self-powered and entrepreneurial, thanks to the different platforms used to convey information. “I’ve taken huge advantage of that over the years partly because I’ve had three children and I’ve used every drop of fl exibility that you can squeeze out of the system that the communications revolution has given us,” says Annabel. “I feel very fortunate because if I’d started having a family 15 years earlier and tried to do the kind of job that I do, I wouldn’t have been able to do it. “There’s no doubt that the communications revolution has brought many risks and disasters for the media industry but it’s also brought opportunities and I think I’ve been a benefi ciary of lots of those.”

Kitchen Cabinet airs on Wednesdays at 8pm on ABC, or catch it on iview.

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 7 story by Ian Williams

Distinguished Alumni Awards Recognising our great achievers

An economist of global standing

leading international economist, Since the 1950s Geoff has spent Agregarious storyteller, unforgettable part of every decade in Cambridge as teacher, fi ery political activist and a student, lecturer or fellow, and has above all, a compassionate human being cemented his reputation as a world – Professor Emeritus Geoff Harcourt AO authority on pioneering British economist is all of those and more. , and Keynes’ This larger than life character spent followers Richard Kahn, Austin and Joan nearly 25 years at the University of Adelaide Robinson and . from 1958 where his drive and passion Now retired in Sydney, Geoff still recalls helped make the School of Economics his time at the University of Adelaide with one of the most respected in Australia. great fondness and enthusiasm. A graduate of the University of “When I joined the University it was such Melbourne, he won travelling scholarships a productive, cooperative, collegiate society to Cambridge University which under Peter Karmel and I worked very hard became his second home during a at preserving that,” says Geoff. “There distinguished academic career. was a buzz about the place and I always had an open door policy for everyone.” During his career Geoff has published When I joined more than 420 books and papers and collected numerous prestigious awards. the University it was In the US he was the fi rst Australian such a productive, to become a Distinguished Fellow of the History of Economics Society and to cooperative, collegiate win the Veblen-Commons Award of the society under Association for Evolutionary Economics. He is also an Honorary Member of the Peter Karmel and I European Society for the History of worked very hard at Economic Thought, and a Distinguished Fellow of the Economic Society of preserving that. Australia and the History of Economic Thought Society of Australia. All very impressive but, according to sports mad Geoff, his greatest achievement was being made a life member of the University of Adelaide’s ‘The Blacks’ Australian Rules Football Club. Now 84, Geoff and wife Joan are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary with parties in Australia and England. Three of their children, Wendy, Robert and Tim, are graduates of the University of Adelaide and Rebecca is a graduate of De Montfort and Goldsmiths in the UK. Photo courtesy of Aran Anderson photography and UNSW Business School

8 Lumen | Summer 2016 Many University of Adelaide Every year we celebrate these achievements through our Distinguished Alumni Awards which are bestowed alumni make outstanding on former and current students and staff. Three alumni are recognised in the 2015 Distinguished contributions in their specialist Alumni Awards – celebrated economist Professor fi elds and are recognised in Emeritus Geoff Harcourt; award-winning architect Professor Phil Harris and former Federal MP and Australia and globally. occupational health professional Dr Richie Gun.

Pioneering architect Caring for the inspires a new generation underprivileged

road trip around he career of Dr AAustralia proved TRichie Gun AO a career defi ning has taken many experience for newly directions over the years qualifi ed architect Phil Harris. but there has always been He was captivated by a common focus – he’s a the historical architecture staunch defender of the of the Australian tropics disadvantaged and and in 1980 founded a principled advocate Troppo Architects with against the status quo. fellow University of Adelaide His concern for other graduate Adrian Welke. people has taken him from Thirty-fi ve years later and country GP and politician to Troppo is one of Australia’s Universities have a campaigning occupational health professional and most awarded architectural now a volunteer medical practitioner in East Timor. practices, famous for its to be leaders and deliver Richie graduated from the University of Adelaide in 1959 pioneering and sensitive a discourse in cultural with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and approach to design that topics that are important spent three years as a GP in Whyalla where he fi rst became embraces the environment, to communities. I try interested in politics. climate and history. He then practiced as a specialist anaesthetist before winning “Our university course to do that through my Kingston for the in 1969, a seat he held made us socially aware and research, public speaking for six years. It was after leaving federal parliament that Richie included a strong strand and practice. moved into occupational health, which included an 18-month in building science which period as a visiting scientist with the US National Institute for enabled us to investigate the Occupational Safety and Health. interaction of design and climate,” says Phil. “It also taught us a “I was very fortunate because this gave me a huge amount love of drawing and those skills have been particularly useful in of experience before I set up the postgraduate course in reproducing the historic buildings that we investigated in Darwin.” occupational health at the University of Adelaide,” says Richie. Despite running a highly successful practice with offi ces around “This is a legacy that I’m most pleased about as we started Australia, Phil has made time to give back to the University’s with about 10 students and built it up to more than 150.” School of Architecture and Built Environment as a guest lecturer. Richie was a Senior Lecturer in Occupational and He has been a visiting research fellow and now professor, Environmental Health from 1988 until 2002, after which he and intends to extend his investigation into the history and became the principal investigator on an epidemiological study science of building offshore in Vanuatu. He wants to support of Australian veterans involved in the Maralinga atomic tests. the local community in making architectural decisions based He has continued his association with the University as a on its own unique culture. visiting research fellow and guest lecturer. “Universities have to be leaders and deliver a discourse in Since his retirement Richie has been a regular visitor to the cultural topics that are important to communities,” says Phil. “I Kimberley region in Western Australia and East Timor where try to do that through my research, public speaking and practice.” he delivers much-needed medical and emergency care to Phil also has an eye on the future of architecture and has a remote communities. policy of providing internships for fi nal-year Adelaide students at Troppo, with many given employment. “It’s part of trying to Find out more about the Distinguished Alumni Awards at keep our practice young,” he says. www.adelaide.edu.au/alumni/recognised/

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 9 story by Renée Capps From cricket pitch to the courts

It was not the law library but the University Oval where you would normally fi nd senior prosecuting counsel Adam Kimber SC during his years at the University of Adelaide.

10 Lumen | Summer 2016 Right: Adam Kimber SC

he current South Australian Director Adam still practices a reasonable amount Tof Public Prosecutions (DPP) loves of law, mainly appellant work in the Court his sport, particularly cricket, and of Criminal Appeal. it kept him on the pitch in his spare time, One of his many challenges is diffi cult playing in three A grade premierships for conversations with victims of crime the AU Blacks. where there is no reasonable prospect Adam’s decision to study law was neither of a conviction, which means the a lifelong dream nor a passion, but one he matter cannot proceed. describes as a naïve process of reasoning. “When we make a decision that “I was of that generation, rightly or wrongly, impacts on a victim and explain that where if you were lucky enough to do well decision to them, those conversations at school, you only thought of a narrow can be very challenging,” he said. career path in law or medicine,” he said. A talented cricket player in his youth, “When I entered university I was very Adam played for the AU Blacks for 16 naïve about work and opportunities that years and for South Australia for a brief existed in other fi elds and I remember period. Although no longer a player, Adam University sport is not wanting to pursue medicine. I did still enjoys a close relationship with the AU an incredible way to meet law almost by default rather than any Blacks Cricket Club as its president. people from diff erent kind of grand plan.” “It’s a way of giving back but also a way After graduating with a BA Jur in 1990 of continuing a connection with people I backgrounds, diff erent and an LLB (Hons) three years later, Adam respect and who are important to me.” professions, diff erent started work in the Supreme Court of Adam played in three Blacks’ South Australia where he was an Associate premierships which, at the time he programs and it exposes you to the late Chief Justice Len King (LLB started, was unheard of for a club of to a network of friends that 1951). After a short period in private undergraduates who usually fi nished you wouldn’t have otherwise practice, he was approached by former mid to bottom of the table. DPP, the late QC (LLB 1973), “You can’t overestimate how much fun connected with. who offered him a position. Adam had that was, what a great sense of achievement mixed feelings about taking up the role. it was to be part of the group of people “In a funny way I still love the game, “I was interested in the role because it who achieved at that level,” he said. but I don’t have any desire to play. I is a place where young practitioners do However, it was the connections and spent so much of my time, both as an court work which they can’t do in private friendships Adam made during his time undergraduate and once I left university, practice, but I was torn because the fi rm at the club that he values most. trying to be the best player I could be that I was working for had been very good to “I met so many people through playing I haven’t found much enjoyment in playing me. To turn my back on that after only a sport at university who I would not socially when I can’t train and practice.” couple of months wasn’t easy,” he said. have otherwise met. University sport is If you would like to share your story “I made the decision to leave and I an incredible way to meet people from with your fellow alumni, contact us at haven’t looked back. I have been very different backgrounds, different professions, [email protected] fortunate in my career.” different programs and it exposes you to Adam took up the role of DPP in April a network of friends that you wouldn’t 2012. His offi ce is responsible for serious have otherwise connected with.” Follow the AU Blacks at criminal prosecutions destined for the With a demanding job and commitments www.theblacks.com.au District and Supreme Courts. Along with as the club president, Adam has now running an offi ce of some 135 people, swapped the cricket bat for golf clubs.

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 11 Join alumni on social media

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Find out about the latest events and developments and keep up-to-date with opportunities and University news by following us on social media You can also join our LinkedIn group for insights into career development and networking with fellow alumni.

www.facebook.com/uaalumni @EngagewithUoA www.linked.in/uniofadelaide Help transform health treatment, training and discovery

The University of Adelaide Health and Medical Your gift will help us build Sciences Building, its students and staff , will be the State’s future health In the year before it opens we are seeking neighbours to the new Royal Adelaide Hospital and to raise $2 million from generous alumni the SA Health and Medical Research Institute and friends, towards the total construction cost exceeding $230 million. We are also (SAHMRI). And within its top three fl oors will seeking donations to fund four community be the new Adelaide Dental Hospital. dental chairs for the care of homeless and disadvantaged dental patients.

t will be a vibrant environment in which The new cutting-edge facility includes: Gifts of every size will help Ihealth students, staff, researchers and > High- and low-fi delity hospital Put your name where 250 medical clinicians are integrated, moving easily simulation training for 1,600 students and dental careers begin every year between classroom, bedside and lab. and where cures to the great health > 240-seat multifunction public lecture In 2017 the doors will open to incoming challenges are sought. theatre with retractable seating students at the new medical, dental and Every donor who gives $500 or more > nursing clinical building to train a health Interactive 90-seat theatre for case will have their name included on the workforce of the highest quality. studies and demonstrative learning Donors’ Wall in the ground fl oor atrium. > 89-chair public dental clinic There are also opportunities to name > Ground-fl oor retail and public facilities labs, classrooms, learning stations below a multi-storey internal atrium, and student lounges. Principal naming mid-level student hub with external opportunities include the building itself, balconies, and external pavilion lecture theatres and the Deans’ offi ces. and student area

To make a donation to help transform health treatment, training and discovery visit: www.alumni.adelaide.edu.au/donateHMSB For more information: Telephone: +61 8313 5800 Email: [email protected]

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 13 story by Genevieve Sanchez For the love of the library

Even after a quarter of a century at the helm of profession nationally, holding senior positions on various professional associations. the University of Adelaide libraries, Ray Choate He says the support of alumni, Friends still considered himself a newcomer in the role of the Library and other committed supporters are extremely important for compared to his predecessors. maintaining a quality library system. “Generous contributions over the past nly the seventh University Librarian automation with the introduction of 15 years of annual appeals have provided Oin the University’s history, Ray a commercial software system. the library with funds to acquire additional followed the lengthy tenures of One of his biggest changes was and often unique research materials,” he Robert Clucas (30 years), William Cowan overseeing the switch from hardcopy says. “I fi nd it especially pleasing that so (31 years) and Ira Raymond (18 years). journals to digital with nearly 200,000 many alumni and friends are also users of Recently retired, Ray grew up as far from electronic journals now accessible online our collections.” an Australian university library as you can through the library’s website. He insisted on It is also a wonderful testament to get – on a cattle ranch in Wyoming, USA. retaining the Barr Smith Library printed Ray’s commitment that in the last half As an undergraduate majoring in literature, book collections as an important research of his tenure he donated over 2,500 Ray shelved books at a local library for 45 resource at all levels and in most disciplines. volumes to the library. cents an hour – and it was there that his Other key initiatives have included “To be involved with these major interest in libraries was sparked. reciprocal borrowing for students and staff changes in the library, its collections and He received a Fulbright Fellowship to at the three South Australian university the provision of access for the University study in Germany in 1963 and later taught libraries, the development of Adelaide community has been both challenging English at high schools in West Berlin before Research and Scholarship as an open and rewarding,” he says. “With the completing a masters in librarianship at access digital repository, and in 2009 the loyalty of staff, donors and the extended Columbia University in New York. establishment of University of Adelaide University community it has been possible Ray continued his travels, working as Press. Ray also played a key role in to accomplish signifi cant change.” librarian at the American School of The converting Barr Smith Library space into Ray will continue to read and collect Hague in the Netherlands before coming the Hub Central (a space where students with a bibliophile’s passion, and in to Australia in 1970 to work at La Trobe meet, study and socialise). particular will pursue his avid interest in University where he progressed to the During his time in Australia, Ray has the areas of garden history, architecture position of Deputy University Librarian. made a leading contribution to the and the decorative arts. He arrived in Adelaide in 1990 just as the University entered a new era in

Barr Smith Library Appeal Photo by Michael Mullan As we say goodbye to Ray, we also refl ect on the contribution that our donors have gifted to the library during his time with us. The 2015 Barr Smith Library appeal has so far raised more than $132,000 taking total donations to more than $1.2 million since the Appeal’s inception in 2002. Your generous support keeps this inspirational place of learning alive and offers staff and students a premier research facility where excellent resources are readily available. You make it possible for us to maintain our breadth of collections, and our ability to acquire rare and unique items which motivate and excite those who read them. Thank you for your support.

Find out more at www.adelaide.edu.au/give

14 Lumen | Summer 2016 story by Genevieve Sanchez A life of books, music and travel

The late Kerstin Lillemor Andersen had a long affi liation with the University of Adelaide – fi rst as a graduate earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1934, then as an employee of Barr Smith Library for over 40 years.

nown as Miss Andersen in the Lillemor came to Australia with her went on walking holidays in the Australian Klibrary and Lillemor to her friends, parents from Sweden when she was seven Alps and the Flinders Ranges. she was remembered by some as and the temporary stay became permanent. “As a travelling companion you felt a stern staff member but by others as a After graduating Lillemor joined the Barr you were travelling with a library – she lifelong, faithful and adventurous friend. Smith Library in 1938 where she worked for had such a zest for knowledge and She was also extremely generous, the next 42 years before retiring in 1978. information, a wonderful memory and leaving half of her estate to the Barr Smith It was during a sabbatical that she grasp of languages,” says Barbara. Library and the Elder Conservatorium – returned to her native Sweden for the After retiring, she continued to volunteer ensuring others would continue to enjoy fi rst time in more than 30 years and at the Art Gallery and the Adelaide High the things she was most passionate stayed for nearly a year working at a School library until well into her seventies. about in her life. Her bequest helped the university library in Stockholm. Lillemor remained active despite being library acquire numerous titles, including Lillemor was known to say “reading is plagued by an inherited vascular problem reference works in art and architecture, my drug” and she was an avid reader in which resulted in four leg by-passes and while the Elder Conservatorium has used English, Swedish, French, German, Italian eventually a below-knee amputation. the funds to support orchestral concerts. and Spanish, devouring biographies, She continued travelling and concert- poetry, novels and journals. The hall of going until almost her 90th year before frail her small city cottage was lined with health forced her to retire from public life. books and she was a regular visitor at After her death in 2006 at the age the Central Market Book Exchange and of 92, friends remembered Lillemor in Adelaide and Burnside libraries. the most appropriate way possible – She had a wide circle of friends with music, refreshment and conversation shared interests in theatre, music, in the Barr Smith Library. literature and fi lm, and enjoyed walking in the Adelaide hills and at the beach Above: Lillemor (front right) with library staff Inset: Lillemor with Sir Mark Oliphant, Owen Slight where she could follow her interest in (Deputy Librarian) and Ira Raymond (Librarian) wild fl owers, bird watching and geology. Left: Lillemor with the limited edition book, Every summer, Lillemor and friends, Birds of the Australian Swamps by Frank T. Morris Elfriede Muetzelfeldt and Barbara Stodart, Photos: Barr Smith Library, Special Collections

For further information about bequests or to arrange a confi dential discussion please visit www.adelaide.edu.au/give/how/bequests/ or contact Sue Fox on +61 8 8313 3234 or email [email protected]

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 15 story by Genevieve Sanchez Th e most powerful

Australian in In the male-dominated world of football, Moya world football Dodd is working hard to make the game accessible to girls and women at all levels – but she says that she doesn’t want to be famous for being female.

16 Lumen | Summer 2016 oya is the Chair of the Her next big challenge MWomen’s Football Committee is to build gender in the Asian Football equity into a meaningful Confederation (AFC) and has become reform framework in Australia’s fi rst female representative on football at all levels and football’s world governing body, FIFA. to commercialise the The lawyer and former mid-fi elder for women’s game so that the Matildas also sits on AFC’s Executive athletes and coaches Committee where the competitions and can have proper development resources are decided. football careers. “Some days it’s tough being a Moya says that these pioneer,” says Moya. “You are exposed challenges are fun and to more scrutiny and judgement, and that’s also how she sometimes not taken seriously as refers to the diversity it’s assumed you are only there for of her jam-packed decorative or tick-a-box purposes. schedule of work You have to earn your credibility. and life and spending “The most rewarding times are when up to a third of her you can overcome those issues, make year travelling. the game grow, and make it easier for And she’s always those who come next.” been a good juggler. Thanks to Moya the AFC is developing While studying law at “On top of that, the sporting facilities a vision and strategy to develop the the University of Adelaide in the 1980s meant I could pursue my football career game in Asia. Her successes include she threw herself into extracurricular within a stone’s throw of my student life.” lobbying to get the headscarf rule activities, not all of them revolving Moya continued to play for the changed so that half-a-billion Muslim around football. Moya says she loved Adelaide University Soccer Club women in the world can play. She also every moment of writing for student when she was a judge’s associate visited Iran where she spoke out against paper On Dit which she says had its at the SA Supreme Court and was the ban on women being allowed to own bizarre extracurricular life – such as recently made a life member of the club. attend men’s matches in stadiums. a band (Too Sick To Sing) and various She went on to be vice-captain Moya says the recent FIFA Women’s renegade projects. of the Matildas, Australia’s national World Cup in Canada was another huge “I remember one former editor women’s team, and participated in milestone where ratings were at record meticulously making a very convincing the fi rst ever women’s international levels, making TV advertisers and ‘On Dit Lane’ sign which we secretly tournament in 1988 in China. sponsors very happy. Fox in the US more mounted on the building, and the Moya urges those seeking to follow in than doubled its expected revenues. authorities failed to notice or remove it. her footsteps to be prepared to work hard. She is also working tirelessly to get When it eventually fell off, the University “It’s a lot like playing football. If you more women into decision-making roles replaced it with an offi cial sign!” she says. put in the work in training, you will be as board members or head coaches. “We were totally absorbed in creating ready and able to take your opportunities “Three women were added to the the best paper possible every week. in a game. And you never know where FIFA executive committee in 2013, Aside from playing football, I spent those opportunities will come from.” after 108 years!” says Moya. pretty much every waking moment In her campaign speech while running “Women coaches still meet great there in 1986, and learned all kinds for the FIFA Executive Committee, Moya hurdles, although when backed, they of things that I would never have told the FIFA Congress: “I love working are enormously successful. Most of learned in a lecture theatre.” for football”. the major football world tournaments Moya says that her experiences It’s this passion that is driving her this century have been won by at university were formative. goal to commercialise women’s football female coaches.” “It not only gave me a recognised “so that every little girl in the world can honours degree in law, but a priceless dream of being a footballer”. second education at the student newspaper – learning how to question Above: Moya playing for the Matildas, 1991 and probe, the experience of writing Left: Moya Dodd in the public sphere, and a fabulous network of smart, engaged peers who went on to do interesting things in their Find out about the Adelaide professional and public lives,” she says. University Soccer Club (AUSC) at www.adelaideunisoccerclub.com

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 17 The award recognises outstanding alumni who James McWha have graduated from the University of Adelaide Award within the past 15 years and are making a signifi cant contribution as emerging leaders. Neuroscientist Professor Mark Hutchinson It is named in honour of former University Vice- and fi nancial expert Christopher Koch are Chancellor and President, Professor James McWha AO in recognition of his signifi cant the 2015 winners of the James McWha contribution to the alumni relations program. Award of Excellence.

“After a year I realised the law wasn’t Forging a career in fi nance for me,” he says. “But I loved economics and this infl uenced my further study. I ended up skewing my law degree t wasn’t long before Christopher Koch Working three or four days straight more towards the corporate law side Idiscovered that the world of fi nance can without seeing a bed was not unusual. and it proved quite a good mix.” be an exhilarating if not scary place. “This was an extraordinarily busy Christopher graduated with a Bachelor The 2015 James McWha Award time with a lot of recapitalisation of of Economics in 2004 and a Bachelor recipient joined Macquarie Bank as a Australian companies that needed to of Laws with Honours in 2007. While graduate in 2007 – the same year that be re-equitised,” he says. he was at Macquarie Bank, Christopher the global fi nancial crisis hit and world Macquarie was also severely impacted also completed his masters in fi nance markets went into meltdown. as the crisis deepened with many of at INSEAD graduate business school’s It was a manic period during which Christopher’s colleagues either sacked or campuses in France and Singapore. Christopher was involved in $35 billion opting out. “In the end I think I was one Christopher later joined the of transactions around the world, of the very few left in my cohort,” he says. Swiss-based UBS Investment Bank in working in equity capital markets Christopher came through the ordeal Melbourne focusing on mergers and and equity syndication. with his enthusiasm for economics acquisitions in the technology area. This was one of the busiest periods intact – if not strengthened – and has During his four years at UBS he worked for capital markets in Australian history gone on to become an emerging leader his way up to the position of director and he squeezed a lifetime of banking in Australian fi nance. before joining Freelancer Limited as experience into less than four years. However, it’s a career that nearly Deputy Chief Financial Offi cer in 2015. didn’t happen – when he enrolled at Freelancer is the world’s largest the University of Adelaide he intended freelancing and crowdsourcing to become a lawyer. He studied marketplace, connecting more than economics alongside his law degree 16 million employers and freelancers and found that far more interesting. around the globe. “It’s a business founded by Australia’s leading technology entrepreneur Matt ... I loved Barrie,” says Christopher. “I’ve taken on the role that is focused on the economics and fi nance function as well as mergers, this infl uenced my acquisitions and public markets.” But after overlooking a life in law and further study. I ended making a name for himself in the world up skewing my law of fi nance, Christopher admits a career change is not out of the question. degree more towards While studying at Adelaide he also the corporate law pursued his passion for politics, working in the offi ce of former Minister for side and it proved Foreign Affairs, Alexander Downer AC. quite a good mix. “I always had an interest in politics but at that period in my life I felt I needed to do something substantial outside of politics before considering it,” says Christopher. “That’s still a possibility – you can’t rule these things in or out – it’s a matter of waiting for the right opportunity.”

18 Lumen | Summer 2016 story by Ian Williams For more information visit www.adelaide.edu.au/alumni/recognised

within the human body. Finding a cure for chronic pain Headquartered at the University of Adelaide, it brings together scientists from Macquarie and RMIT universities hronic pain is a debilitating condition Mark undertook postdoctoral as well as research partners in Europe, Cthat brings misery to the lives of training at the world-renowned Centre the US and China. millions of people around the world. for Neuroscience at the University of About 50 scientists and PhD It’s the fourth most common health Colorado before returning to Adelaide students are directly involved complaint and has the single biggest to run his own laboratory – the with the centre in Adelaide. impact on society. Yet the medical Neuroimmunopharmacology Lab in “We’re pushing the boundaries of science community knows surprisingly the School of Medical Sciences. science and trying to create new windows little about the causes and treatment His ultimate goal is to develop into the human body,” says Mark. regimes are fi ckle at best. a diagnostic blood test to identify “The frustration we’ve had in the past That could be about to change with people with an over-sensitive immune as scientists is that we haven’t had the breakthrough research by the reaction to pain and to fi nd treatments tools to examine cells how we would like, University of Adelaide’s Professor to prevent and cure the condition. or to measure certain chemicals, proteins Mark Hutchinson. An award-winning Happily, giant strides are being and molecular signals. The centre is all neuroscientist, Mark has been working on made and it is a key area of study about trying to create these new tools.” a radical new approach linking chronic for the recently established Australian Mark is hoping this hugely expanded pain with glia, the immune cells which Research Council Centre of Excellence research capability will help him in his support the brain’s nervous system. for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, which quest to identify the molecular signatures This is a major departure from the Mark heads up as Director. of what pain actually looks like. common belief that nerves control all The centre, bringing together the support This will be a major step towards pain. The discovery helps explain why of a multi-talented transdisciplinary delivering a chronic pain blood test traditional drugs such as morphine and research team of physicists, chemists, and that elusive cure. codeine are often ineffective with biologists, mathematicians and Mark’s research demonstrating they engineers means anything is possible. can make the condition worse. Indeed, it’s not only chronic pain being “All existing pain-relief treatments investigated by Mark and the team, but target the nerves or wiring of the pain also molecular processes surrounding system but in chronic pain the treatment fertility and heart disease. is hit and miss and there are a range of With $38 million in funding spread side effects,” says Mark. “The research over seven years, the centre is I’ve been doing indicates that the focused on driving new approaches immune system is to blame.” to understand cellular processes The 2015 James McWha Award recipient has been carefully building his case since graduating from the University of Adelaide with honours in science in 1999 followed by a PhD in 2004.

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 19 Our youngest donor’s birthday wish

For his fourth birthday, Eli Wolkenberg told his friends not to bring gifts to his party. Instead he asked for donations to save an Australian endangered species – the brush-tailed rock wallaby.

20 Lumen | Summer 2016 story by Genevieve Sanchez

nimal lover and aspiring builder- Aastronaut-zookeeper, Eli was so happy with the response from his friends that he asked for donations again for his fi fth birthday this year. In total he raised $150. “Many of his classmates donated money and one child and his sister did odd jobs around the house to earn pocket money for their donation,” says Eli’s mother, Karen Winter. Karen says that Eli happily spends hours watching David Attenborough documentaries and likes to borrow non-fi ction and fi ction books from the library about animals. “He has many questions about endangered animals and the threats they face, how these are prevented and what we can do to prevent further risk to animals – both in Australia and overseas,” she says. Dr David Taggart, affi liate Conservation Research Fellow at the University of Adelaide and founding member of the Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby (BTRW) Recovery Program team, says that in his experience, most Australians know very little about their own wildlife but they can easily name many non-Australian mammal species. “This is a big problem for conservationists in Australia as we must comprehend before we can conserve,” he says. “The brush-tailed rock wallaby is an animal most Australians would never reintroduction of captive-bred animals Above: Eli Wolkenberg with his certifi cate from have heard about – the fact that Eli and back into the Grampians National Park. the University Left: The Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby his family have is amazing.” He says that the generous gesture The BTRW was once abundant by Eli and his family speaks volumes throughout the mountainous country from about their values and appreciation of about our wildlife and who are prepared western Victoria up the Great Dividing our unique Australian environment and to do their bit to help turn things around.” Range and into southern Queensland. the wildlife it supports. The University sent Eli a certifi cate of Numbers declined dramatically from “Eli’s gesture touched his many appreciation and photos of the BTRW 1850-1920 when pelt-hunting for the fur friends and their parents and has helped which Eli has put up on display at his trade in Europe saw hundreds of thousands improve the profi le of the endangered school in Melbourne. of animals shot. The establishment of brush-tailed rock wallaby within their He was told by David that his donations foxes and cats in Australia have community,” he says. would be used to purchase a camera for continued their steep decline. “It can be so easy in this fi eld to feel documenting the wallabies and to support The BTRW is now so few in number dejected as the problems we face are so the captive breeding program at the Waite that it has become Victoria’s most overwhelming. It gives me and others in animal facility. At Waite young wallabies endangered species with less than 80 my fi eld great hope when we cross paths are reared ready for release to the wild remaining. Fewer than 1,500 individuals with someone like Eli and his family, that or sent to other breeding facilities. survive nationally and the species has there are good people out there who care been nick-named the shadow, after the main character in a 1940s children’s book, entitled Shadow the Rock Wallaby. If you would like to support the BTRW, just like Eli, please contact the David and his team have been actively University on +61 8 8313 5800 or email [email protected] involved in monitoring wild BTRW populations along the Snowy River in eastern Victoria, To fi nd out more about the Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby Recovery Program, in captive breeding, and through the email [email protected]

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 21 story by Ian Williams

Injury fails to slow Suhail

Professional cricketer, Kollywood movie star and now one of India’s leading sports presenters and commentators – Suhail Chandhok has packed a fair bit in since graduating from the University of Adelaide seven years ago.

nd it was his time spent in 100s for the AUCC versus Melbourne Back in India Suhail used his skills and A Adelaide that Suhail credits with and Sydney universities. experience from university to establish giving him the confi dence and His skills with both bat and ball – he’s his own sports PR and marketing fi rm, life skills to follow his dreams. a left-handed batsman and right-handed Adrenna Communications, and took his “When you arrive in a completely new off-spinner – also saw him promoted cricket to an even higher level. environment, where you know nobody to South Australian A-Grade cricket Cricketing scouts had spotted his and you’re completely on your own, you where he found himself playing against talent and he was soon drafted by the fi nd ways to discover yourself,” he told Test players such as Shaun Tait, Jason Indian Premier League’s Bangalore Royal Lumen from his new home of Mumbai. Gillespie and Darren Lehmann. Challengers to join their camp for the “The University and Australia gave me Suhail worked for two years as a senior Champions League T20 in 2009. that confi dence and within three months of coach at the South Australian Cricket But Suhail’s promising cricketing career arriving I felt I had something special that Association aiding the development of fell apart. Consecutive knee injuries could have a major impact on my life.” young cricketing talent. He was also put him in hospital and after multiple Although not on his original list of appointed head coach of the Sturt District operations he resigned himself to never preferred options, Suhail came to Adelaide Cricket Club women’s side with players playing professional cricket again. because it offered him the opportunity to going on to win the ICC Cricket World “I’ve always been an eternal optimist study while following his passion for cricket. Cup in Australian colours in 2013. but after being hit by injury so soon after He enrolled in commerce, studying “It was my dream to play at the joining the Bangalore squad and after a double major in marketing and Adelaide Oval so it was pretty special to so much hard work, I was devastated,” management, and signed up to the have my name on the scoreboard where says Suhail. Adelaide University Cricket Club (AUCC) – I knew the likes of Don Bradman also “I’d always wanted to play professional and he made an impact in both. had his name. To play a day-night game sport and when it was taken away from Suhail came away with an award for the there was amazing and to score back-to me so very quickly, it took a long time to best marketing project in 2008 and also a back centuries for AUCC is something sink in. I couldn’t bear to watch cricket prestigious Half Blue Award for Sporting I’ll never forget.” for eight months seeing all my mates Excellence after scoring back-to-back playing when I couldn’t.”

22 Lumen | Summer 2016 It was while recuperating after surgery that Suhail’s next big break came out of nowhere. Th e University and Australia He always had an interest in drama and gave me that confi dence and within produced a series of short fi lms, which ended up on YouTube. His acting talent was three months of arriving I felt I had seen by South Indian fi lm star Ajith Kumar something special that could have a and Suhail found himself cast in the Tamil movie Veeram, which became a major hit in major impact on my life. early 2014. “Working alongside some of the biggest names in Indian cinema was crazy and hard to take in initially,” says Suhail. “The fan base was all very surreal but I’ve learnt that you have to take your chances and go with the fl ow. It was a phenomenal experience and perhaps a tick on my bucket list as well.” While featuring in a top-rating movie was fun – and Suhail says he’s not averse to acting again in the future – his real passion is still sport. That passion for sport and the camera came together in another small twist of fate when he was spotted and signed up by one of Asia’s largest sports networks, Star Sports. “I come from three generations of sport – with my brother Karun, one of India’s only Formula 1 racing drivers – so that’s really where my heart is,” says Suhail. “I love sport so being able to work on events like the new Pro Kabaddi League or the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup is my dream job.” Despite his successes Suhail hasn’t forgotten about Adelaide and intends to come back one day. “Adelaide was the ideal place for me and it’s my second home. I love the city, the people and everything about it. It’s not a big city but it’s got this charm about it that I really enjoy.”

Left: Suhail with Test legend Sachin Tendulkar Below: Suhail after his graduation Far right: Suhail at the Adelaide Oval

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 23 story by Renée Capps and Genevieve Sanchez A long history of neurosurgical support

The NeuroSurgical Research Foundation (NRF) was founded in 1963 by Dr Trevor Dinning to promote research and improve the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

ince its inception, the foundation The development of this multidisciplinary the $800,000 Abbie Simpson Shas broadened its areas of research team and its ability to attract neurosurgical Clinical Fellowship to support clinical to include various conditions such trainees to Adelaide is a proud achievement neurosurgical research. He was also as brain tumours, stroke, concussion, for Dr Brian North, who has been involved in fundraising for equipment at spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, president of the foundation since 2004. University of Adelaide, Flinders University subarachnoid haemorrhage and sudden “We are combining practical and and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, infant death syndrome (SIDS). scientifi c skills for neurosurgeon-scientists. and formalising the neurosurgical training The NRF shares a strong relationship It is a big ask for someone trained in the program in 2009. with the University of Adelaide, gifting practical skills of operating on the brain to After 11 years, Brian stepped down donations amounting to more than $5.3 also have highly developed scientifi c skills as president this year. His successor million to fund important neurosurgical in the laboratory. Combining the two is is Professor Robert Vink, an Adjunct research and equipment. It brings together quite an achievement,” said Brian. Professor at the University of Adelaide and clinicians, engineers and scientists to After graduating with a medical degree Pro Vice-Chancellor of Health Sciences support a multidisciplinary approach to from the University, Brian undertook at the University of South Australia. Bob improve diagnosis and treatment. neurosurgical training in Adelaide under says the foundation has identifi ed a gap This unique combination of expertise Dr Trevor Dinning and Professor Donald in research into paediatrics and will fund has led to signifi cant advances in Simpson, and was a trainee when the research at the University in this area. knowledge, such as the discovery by NRF was founded in 1963. He completed “One of the defi ciencies in neuro- team pathologist Dr Peter Blumbergs research training in Glasgow before surgical research in Adelaide concerns that mild blows to the head can damage returning to Adelaide in 1973 where he paediatrics and we would like to build that the brain. This breakthrough resulted in worked at Royal Adelaide Hospital and up so the foundation will be making a gift a world-wide groundswell of interest in the University. that focuses on paediatric neurosurgical brain damage in sporting injuries such as Brian has been the driving force research this year.” Australian Rules Football. behind securing many of the donations The NRF Paediatric Neurosurgical for the foundation, notably establishing Research Trust Fund will gift $1 million

24 Lumen | Summer 2016 Novel treatment brings hope for stroke suff erers

NRF Director of Neurosurgical Research and South Australian 2015 Young Tall Poppy Science Award winner, Dr Renée Turner, is passionate about science communication. She fell in love with research in her honours year and decided to pursue a PhD and a career in research. Since setting out on that path, Renée has won over $1.6 million in research funding with regular support from the National Health and Medical Research Dr Renée Turner (Photo: Jo-Anna Robinson) Council since 2004. She also has a long-standing affi liation with the Neuro- She says by using relevant pre-clinical Surgical Research Foundation (NRF). models and rigorous pre-clinical research, the likelihood of therapies translating Her research involves developing into effective treatments will be improved. new therapies to treat brain swelling and elevated intracranial pressure “It’s been a long road, I have been within the brain following stroke. New working on unravelling the mechanisms therapies are urgently required to treat of brain swelling and assessing this novel complications of stroke which carry a treatment since 2004,” says Renée. “I’m mortality rate of up to 80 per cent and currently undertaking the fi nal pre-clinical are associated with extremely poor studies, after which clinical assessment outcomes in survivors. will be possible. This treatment will Dr Brian North and Professor Robert Vink begin testing in early 2016.” Photo: Jo-Anna Robinson Frustrated with the poor clinical translation of therapeutic agents developed in the laboratory, Renée has For more information about the developed a new approach to screen NRF visit www.nrf.com.au them prior to clinical assessment. to the University to fund research in paediatrics and aims to promote collaborative paediatric neurosurgical research with other national and NRF equipment 2007 Agilent bioanalyzer ($25,000) international research groups. for the study of brain tissue to support The NRF had the foresight to set donations world-leading research in stroke, up an administrative support fund Funding from the NeuroSurgical Parkinson’s disease and brain swelling. which means that every cent of all Research Foundation has allowed the 2010 Nanozoomer ($160,000) is a donations given to the foundation University to invest in the latest scientifi c high-powered scanner which converts goes straight to research. equipment to support research: microscope slides of tissue into digital “There are a lot of charities that take pictures, making the extraction of data 2006 Stereotaxic digital injector a high percentage for overheads and much easier. Previously tissue sections ($30,000) that allows the automated administration – but we don’t. We had to be counted individually. Funds are and accurate injection of drugs into the now being raised for a larger version of are in the fortunate position of having brain in small volumes. The instrument the machine. suffi cient investments that enable us to can be used in neurosurgical studies 2010 ensure every funding dollar goes into of traumatic brain injury, stroke and Dean Bowman Brain Tumour research,” said Bob. Parkinson’s disease. Research Lab ($50,000) to help fi nd cures and treatments for brain tumours. A promising drug intervention 2007 Nanophotometer ($15,000) The research is focused on preventing developed with seed funding from the which has a wide range of applications, the entry of cancer cells into the brain. foundation is substance P antagonists. including the analysis of gene and protein 2015 It is hoped this will reduce brain swelling changes following acute and chronic A bio-plex magpix multiplex reader ($54,500) and automated bio-plex pro and reduce pressure on the brain that brain injury. It is widely used by students undertaking various neurosurgical wash station to detect and measure occurs when a head injury is sustained. research projects. infl ammation and markers in tissue samples. Clinical trials will begin next year.

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 25 story by Ian Williams

Well-deserved support for highly engaged students

Above (l to r): Abbey-Rose Black, Connor Holdback, Augustus Short scholars are highly engaged students Thu Nguyen and Eiman Usmani (photo: Michael Mullan) who have overcome personal hurdles to attend the “Engineers have to make critical decisions University of Adelaide. Congratulations to our 2015 every day that impact on people’s quality of scholarship recipients, Abbey-Rose Black, Connor life and my passion to study engineering Holdback, Thu Nguyen and Eiman Usmani. comes from my desire to make a difference in the lives of others,” she said. Abbey-Rose Black grew up in the vercoming fi nancial hardship, to Vietnamese parents and is currently coastal town of Port Elliot and relocated Orelocating from the country and studying a Bachelor of Medicine and a to Adelaide to begin her degree in studying with a disability are Bachelor of Surgery. pharmaceutical engineering. some of the challenges faced by our “I applied for the scholarship because She currently travels back to Port Elliot 2015 Augustus Short scholars. I felt that my parents had done more than every fortnight to work to support her Connor Holdback has had his sights set their share of the work, and I really wanted studies. She applied for the scholarship on being an engineer since high school. to grow into my independence and to help with the costs of her relocation He chose mechatronic engineering as he become more self-supportive,” she said. and study expenses, and hopes it will thinks robotics is undergoing the most Growing up in Vietnam, Thu’s parents have a positive impact on her studies. exciting developments in this generation. were not given the same opportunities but Abbey says that receiving the But he was born with cerebral have been very supportive of her pursuit scholarship has meant a great weight palsy which makes attending university of education to realise her full potential. has been lifted off of her shoulders. and working to support himself more Eiman was born in Pakistan and grew “The scholarship will help with my fees of a challenge. up in Dubai before moving to Australia and living costs and means I can focus on “The scholarship means I can support three years ago with her family. my studies as much as possible.” my lifestyle so I don’t have to focus on She always planned to go to university both work and study at the same time. but realised it would be tough fi nancially It’s made university life much more as she is not eligible for assistance To fi nd out more about supporting enjoyable and sustainable.” through HECS and is required to pay students through scholarships at the Two of our winners – Thu Nguyen and her university fees upfront. Her father’s University of Adelaide visit Eiman Usmani – applied for scholarship struggle to fi nd permanent employment www.adelaide.edu.au/give/support/ support to relieve the fi nancial burden since the move to Australia has increased or contact Natalie Gibbs on on their families. the fi nancial strain. 08 8313 1716, Thu is the eldest of four children Eiman is studying engineering with a [email protected] and was born and raised in Australia focus on petroleum, civil and structural.

26 Lumen | Summer 2016 story by Genevieve Sanchez

Workplace giving makes a diff erence for disadvantaged students

By making donations to the staff workplace giving program through her salary each fortnight, University of Adelaide soil biologist Petra Marschner is helping bright students fulfi l their dream of studying at university.

etra started at the University in “As a teacher and supervisor, I can P2001 as a lecturer, and her role help students to learn but I can’t help To fi nd out more about staff involves research, supervising them fi nancially. I know that many of workplace giving and other ways to give postgraduate students and administration. them struggle with their studies back to the University of Adelaide visit: “I enjoy coming to work every morning because they have to work to support www.ua.edu.au/staff-giving because my work is so varied – every day themselves,” says Petra. is a bit different,” says Petra. “By donating part of my salary to the “I love discussing experimental Augustus Short Scholarships I can help designs and results with my students a small number of disadvantaged – every experiment answers some students to concentrate on questions, but also opens up new studying which makes me happy questions to be followed up.” because I know it will open up While she enjoys the challenge of new avenues in their life solving scientifi c problems, Petra also and make them more fi nds great satisfaction in interacting confi dent to succeed.” with her students and watching them become scientists who think critically and constructively. Petra says that she was fortunate to have received a good education and knows how important this is for young people – not only to learn but also to become more confi dent and independent. “Unfortunately, many bright young When I learned that people will not develop to their full through staff workplace potential because they can’t afford a good education,” she says. giving I could directly Petra supports various charities help bright students fulfi l that provide education to young children who would otherwise struggle to attend their dream of studying school or would not excel because of at the University of their circumstances. Adelaide, I knew that “When I learned that through staff workplace giving I could directly help this was an area I bright students fulfi l their dream of wanted to support. studying at the University of Adelaide, I knew that this was an area I wanted to support.” Petra has requested that her donations be directed towards the Augustus Short Scholarships which support students who might face fi nancial barriers preventing them from accessing a university education.

Photo by Jo-Anna Robinson Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 27 story by Genevieve Sanchez Th e golden age of curiosity

As one of the faces of iconic television program, The Curiosity Show, Professor Rob Morrison OAM spent 18 years alongside fellow alumnus, Dr Deane Hutton inspiring children to experiment with science using household objects such as matchsticks, rubber bands and mousetraps.

Rob Morrison on The Curiosity Show

s a scientist, writer, and media Apersonality, Rob has contributed enormously to the promotion and understanding of science in Australia. In addition to The Curiosity Show, he appeared on the New Inventors, Nexus, Science Magazine, and Radio National’s Ockham’s Razor. For ten years he was the science and environment specialist for Channel Ten News and he has written thirty four books on science and natural history as well as co-authoring thirteen more. He is recognised nationally and internationally as an outstanding science communicator and has been described as a national treasure and a well-loved ambassador for science. He is a freelance science communicator and broadcaster, and Professorial Fellow at Flinders University where he has lectured for 25 years. Rob recently returned to the University of Adelaide for his Golden Jubilee reunion, celebrating 50 years since he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1965 (he also graduated with Honours in 1966 and a PhD in 1971). He and 116 of his fellow Class of ’65 graduates re-enacted their graduation ceremony in full academic dress at the October event.

28 Lumen | Summer 2016 Th e class of 1965 looks back fondly

While recalling their uni days, the Class of ‘65 talked fondly of their In his keynote address Rob looked back memories of lunch on the lawns, eating chips and cheese toasties fondly on his uni days not so much for the in the Refectory, glamorous faculty balls and madcap Prosh antics. time spent in the laboratory but the many They were also inspired by brilliant, pace-setting lecturers who extracurricular activities he engaged in. made long-lasting impacts on their diverse and signifi cant careers. “I was the student for whom the terms ‘mediocre’ and ‘should try harder’ might have been invented, but in my defence I Th e grandeur and tradition have to say that my university days were of our graduation ceremony anything but idle,” he said. was most memorable and In between classes Rob found time for of my judo, jazz, intervarsity trips, writing for On Dit remains the pinnacle and performing in Theatre Guild Productions University education. and Footlights Revues. The Revuers still get Dr Brian Duffy, MBBS, D(Obst) RCOG, on stage with their satirical shows at the FFARCS, FFARACS, FRCA, FANZCA Adelaide Fringe: “a bunch of creaky, grumpy thespians refusing to let go of the sheer enjoyment of University life.” “I didn’t realise then that those extra- curricular experiences would prove at least as infl uential in my later careers as my academic efforts,” said Rob. “All of us can look back on careers for Brian Duffy which this university fi tted us very well indeed; at his graduation we have reasons to be grateful and today with his mother Mary Sheila Duffy offers us a chance to recognise that.” Brian Duffy (far left) with fellow Class of 1965 MBBS graduates

View photos from the 2015 Golden Jubilee and fi nd out more about reunions at Sandra and Maie, organic chemistry department 1964 (second row, www.adelaide.edu.au/alumni/get-involved/reunions/ It was a time of freedom, of third and fourth from right) spreading my wings. I remember the Science Association, the uni balls, the geology excursions, Prosh Night and sitting in A class act the refectory drinking coff ee and eating toasted cheese At the Golden Jubilee luncheon, sandwiches. Rob Morrison encouraged his fellow Maie-Anne Barrow (nee Talmet), class of ‘65 graduates to consider BSc 1964, BSc (Hons) 1965 supporting the 1965 Class Gift so that they can have a direct impact on the I captained the University A future of research. netball team for three years and we Established by the Class of 1961 won the intervarsity three times, at their Golden Jubilee reunion, the Class Gift supports excellence in thrashing all opposition. research by providing a supplementary Sandra Reynolds (nee Worthley) BSc, BSc (Hons), MSc scholarship for an outstanding postgraduate candidate. Thanks to the class of 1964 who donated a total of nearly $30,000, Craig Jones (MSc 2007) was given the opportunity to conduct world-fi rst research in data

science and visual computing. Sandra Reynolds featured as ‘Sportsgirl of the week’ There’s still time to support in On Dit, 1967 the Class of 1965 Class Gift by donating securely online at donate Still great friends: Maie-Anne Barrow and Sandra www.alumni.adelaide.edu.au/ Reynolds at the 2015 Golden Jubilee reunion

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 29 story by Genevieve Sanchez

Th e spirit of giving lives on

Above: Gerard Corsane (middle) with members of the It’s more than 130 years since Sir Walter Watson Hughes Bequest Society. From left: Peter Routley (Chairperson), Marilyn Seidel (Deputy Chairperson), Hughes generously donated funds to help establish the Merry Wickes, Aileen Connon AM, Gerard Corsane, University of Adelaide – and his three times great-nephew Brian Ward, Peggy Barker, Adrienne Lovelock is delighted in how we are honouring his memory. career as a teacher, it was a privilege to try to help young people in different countries erard Corsane visited the The establishment of the Hughes to make the best use of their talents. University of Adelaide recently Bequest Society in 2008 was a major step Society members have shown G enormous gratitude to the University on a quest to fi nd out more about in strengthening the relationship between his family’s history. the University and its benefactors. for the education that helped to shape He discovered that his famous relative One bequestor who is aware of the their careers. This is not only refl ected has been honoured not only with a statue impact his gift will have is Peter Routley, who in gifts they leave in their wills, but many but also a society bearing his name. is retiring as Chair of the Hughes Bequest also give generously in their lifetime, The public spirit and benevolence that Society Committee after seven years in the supporting areas such as the Barr Smith Walter embodied lives on in the Hughes role. Peter graduated from the University Library, Elder Hall, the Augustus Short Bequest Society which is made up of with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1959 and Scholarships and many areas of research. bequestors who share his vision by a Diploma in Primary Education in 1960. Their donations also go towards remembering the University in their wills. “A bequestor’s legacy has the power scholarships, fellowships and chairs “I feel family pride in the legacy that he to transform the lives of future generations which have enabled the University to left to education,” says Gerard, a senior of students or it may contribute to new attract and retain exceptionally talented lecturer in Heritage and Museum Studies fi elds of research,” says Peter. students and staff. and the former Dean of International “Even now, memories of my student days The spirit of the University’s ‘founding Business Development and Student still give me pleasure. In my subsequent father’ truly lives on. Recruitment at Newcastle University in the UK. “As a university academic myself, I am proud of the role he played in Making a bequest supporting the founding of the University of Adelaide. When making bequest intentions known to the University you will be invited to join “I am also truly grateful that this role the Hughes Bequest Society. This gives you the opportunity to meet like-minded has been honoured with the statue, benefactors and see some of the outstanding work being done at the University. sponsored by his nephews John James For more information about leaving a bequest to the University visit Duncan and Walter Hughes Duncan, www.adelaide.edu.au/give/how/bequests/ or contact Sue Fox which was erected in 1906, along with on +61 8 8313 3234 or email [email protected] the fact that the Hughes Bequest Society has been named after him.”

30 Lumen | Summer 2016 Alumni on the move story by Genevieve Sanchez Th e beverage boss

aster of Gastronomy graduate “Putting all three of my degrees MMichael Meagher knows more together, with the gastronomy program about wine than most people as the capstone, really sharpened my in the world. He’s one of only 232 intuition and insight into culture, societal people to have achieved the title infl uence and market trends, while of Master Sommelier since the Court of making me keenly aware of the true the Master Sommeliers was established universal nature that is the celebration in 1977 to promote excellence in hotel of good food and good wine.” and restaurant beverage services. As Chairman Emeritus of the Boston To earn the coveted title, Michael Sommelier Society, Michael now passed a gruelling diploma exam mentors others who are working after nine years of preparation. The towards the Master Sommelier title. fi nal invitation-only exam sees many He is also the regional sales manager candidates fail, sometimes several for Jackson Family Wines where he times over. Michael attempted the exam educates sales representatives in six times before achieving success. Boston, New York and Washington DC. He says it is an honour to be included “I know that every bottle of wine I among such an elite group of wine experts. sell has the potential to be a part of “Having met and worked with a someone’s celebration and through large number of masters in the US my education and experience, I hope during my studies, I stand in awe of I can help other people become better their accomplishments and talents and ambassadors of great wineries, great wonder how it is that I could possibly vineyards, great winemakers, which in be mentioned in the same sentence.” turn will foster better consumers and Michael studied sociology as an wine culture,” he says. undergraduate at Harvard University “Wine is the ultimate social beverage but soon realised his interests lay with and I’m just happy to be working the culinary arts. He went on to work as towards bringing more people together a chef and gained qualifi cations from over a glass or two!” the Culinary Institute of America and the University of Adelaide’s Le Cordon Bleu Masters of Gastronomy program. Find out more about food studies at the University of Adelaide: He says that Adelaide’s vibrant culture www.arts.adelaide.edu.au/history/food-values/ of food and wine was the perfect place for him to further his skills.

More alumni achievements What’s new with you? Dr Helen Caldicott (MBBS 1962) has been recognised for her dedication to promoting peace and freedom with If you have recently celebrated a promotion or an Inaugural Australian Peacewomen award in Canberra. career achievement, a change of job or won a major prize, we want to hear about it! Share your good news with your fellow alumni by emailing us. Please Professor Mike McLaughlin (PhD Ag Sc 1988) has been include your name, degree and graduation year. elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. Send it to [email protected] or call +61 8 8313 5800 Fleur Tuthill (M Clin Nursing 2013) has won the Graduate View more alumni achievements at Nurse of the Year award at Coffs Harbour Hospital. Fleur was www.adelaide.edu.au/alumni/about/on-the-move a part of the fi rst cohort to graduate from the masters program.

Associate Professor Hubertus Jersmann (PhD 2001) has been awarded the 50th Anniversary Medal of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand.

Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 31 University news New appointment – Does philanthropy matter Union 120 years Pro Vice-Chancellor in South Australia? (Research Strategy) An exciting panel of experts including Philip Coffey, Deputy CEO at Westpac, Patricia Bishop, doctor and philanthropist and Bob Cowan, Cowan Grant Trust, was assembled to discuss this important question at a lecture in September. Watch a recording of the lecture here www.ua.edu.au/philanthropy

Talking with Aussies 20 year celebration

In June, Professor Julie Owens took up the position of Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Strategy). Julie was previously the The Adelaide University Union’s 120 Associate Dean (Research) in the Faculty year celebrations continue to provide of Health Sciences, Head of the School a platform for alumni to reconnect with of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, the union and participate in a range and Theme Leader, Early Origins of Health of activities. Highlights included the and Disease, in the Robinson Research exhibition 120 Years of Adelaide Institute, at the University of Adelaide. She University Union Art Collecting and the is internationally renowned in the research At the Cloisters event. areas of pregnancy, regulation of placental and foetal growth and the developmental In September ‘Talking with Aussies’ Celebrations culminated on Monday origins of health and disease. celebrated 20 years of their volunteer 23 November with the Union 120 event program. The program is designed to in the Cloisters courtyard. The event Dental partnership help international students improve featured displays of historical images and documents and tours of the Union with Health SA their conversational English. Students are linked with volunteers from the local House precinct. The University of Adelaide and SA Health community who come from a range of For further details email: [email protected] have entered into a 30-year agreement ages, backgrounds, retirees, and working on dental training paving the way for professionals. For further information visit improved community dental services for www.international.adelaide.edu.au/ the South Australian community. life/connecting The new SA Health managed 89 Chair Adelaide Dental Hospital set to open in July 2017 within the University’s $230 million medical and health sciences building. The agreement includes: Annual meeting of the University community > A 10 chair Riverland Oral Health Clinic in Berri funded by a $6 million The University Council convenes Following the meeting, a light Commonwealth Government grant the annual meeting of the University lunch will be provided in the foyer. > Student clinical placements delivering community which comprises the staff, All welcome. services to the community over 48 students and graduates of the University Time: Monday 15 February 2016, weeks of the year (pursuant to section 18 of the University 12.00-1.00pm of Adelaide Act 1971). This is your > Two new scholarships to assist rural Location: The Braggs Lecture opportunity to ask questions about your students to undertake dentistry and Theatre, ground fl oor, University and to hear from the Vice- encourage future service in rural areas Braggs Building Chancellor and the Chancellor. > An option to increase capacity by making the dental chairs available either after hours or on weekends in the future

32 Lumen | Summer 2016 FREE COMMUNITY EVENT

Carols on Campus at the University of Adelaide A celebration of Christmas Thursday 17 December 2015 at 7pm Bonython Hall, North Terrace campus

We invite you to bring a book or a toy for the gifting tree, in support of The Smith Family. www.adelaide.edu.au/carols