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The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine Summer 2017 Building Inspiration The University of Adelaide Alumni Magazine www.adelaide.edu.au/lumen Chatting with the Vice-Chancellor Lumen caught up with Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Warren Bebbington, for a quick chat about his university days, music and steering the University of Adelaide. What do you remember from your What do you see as the main challenges own days as a student, particularly facing the University of Adelaide? extracurricular activities? The main challenge is to preserve a high- I became a university student in 1970 at quality traditional university experience at the height of the Vietnam War and the a time when university funding is under protest movement in universities. I was attack. Government funding is at an all-time interested in student politics and was low and fi gures show that Australia is at elected to the Student Representative rock-bottom amongst OECD nations in its Council quite early on, so this was my public contribution to education. main extracurricular activity. The funding of universities in this country is But they were very different times; my in dire straits. There is an easy way out of sister was arrested for breaking into the this – you can have vast classes and save council chamber. There was warfare money on staff. But we are committed to between what was perceived as them and a vision of small-group teaching. We’re us – the administration and students. The committed to preserving a university, which administration was seen, rightly or wrongly, requires funds. There needs to be a change The Lumen masthead is derived as defenders of causes like Vietnam and of sentiment in the public at large. from the University of Adelaide the students didn’t approve. motto “Sub Cruce Lumen” – the light (of learning) under What are your greatest achievements so the (Southern) Cross. You won the University of Melbourne Award far as Vice-Chancellor? for Excellence in Teaching (Humanities) in The Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Studying at the University of 2005. Do you miss teaching? building. When I started, the government Adelaide means being part of Through the Elder Conservatorium of Music, had decided to move the hospital away from a rich tradition of excellence in I still manage to do some teaching but I the University. We didn’t have a site there education and research, with would like to do more. Teaching students and there was really no solution proposed. world-class academics and a is the most rewarding thing I do in a week, Acquiring a site next to the hospital, vibrant student life. because the students appreciate it and are securing the $60 million grant from the so responsive and it’s great to be out of Commonwealth – which is the largest ever Seek Light. meetings and back in front of a group of to a University in the State – and getting The light of new knowledge. eager learners. that building completed on budget and on time is a joy for me. Tell me more about your background in music. My mother played the piano at home and she and my grandfather sang so there was always classical music in the house. From the age of six I was in the church choir and it so happened the choir was conducted by a young chemist called Robin Batterham, who later went on to become Chief Scientist of Australia. He was an extraordinarily good role model for me in terms of combining academic and scientifi c pursuits with music. Contributors: Renée Capps, Connie Dutton, David Ellis, Contents Summer 2017 Ian Williams, James Litt Design: Chris Tonkin Editorial Enquiries: External Relations The University of Adelaide SA 5005 Email [email protected] www.adelaide.edu.au/alumni www.adelaide.edu.au/lumen Telephone: +61 8 8313 5800 4 10 14 Facsimile: +61 8 8313 5808 Circulation: 36,000 in print, 23,971 online subscriptions The University of Adelaide, SA 5005 Australia, CRICOS Provider Number 00123M Copyright © 2016 The University of Adelaide ISSN 1320 0747 Registered by Australia Post No 56500/00097 16 20 24 Views expressed by contributors in Lumen are not necessarily endorsed by the University of Adelaide. No responsibility is accepted by the University, editor or printer for the accuracy of information 2 The art of diplomacy in a confl ict zone 20 Rachel returns for dream arts role contained in either the text or advertisements. High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Lehmann, Rachel Healy returns to Adelaide as the Material may be reproduced without permission shares his life as a diplomat. Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival 2017. from Lumen with acknowledgment of its origin. Front cover image: Alumni Council update Taplin travel fund supports 3 22 Masterplan concept of From Chair of the Alumni Council, Dr Tim Indigenous education North Terrace Campus. Cooper, AM, Managing Director and Supporting Indigenous students and staff to Chief Brewer, Coopers Brewery. peruse international education experiences. 4 University fi res into space 24 A legacy fi ghting the war with CubeSat on superbugs Engineering students and staff will be How a generous bequest from Berth Sudholz watching their work blast off into space. is helping one researcher fi ght superbugs. 6 Celebrating high achievers 26 Romance on campus Andrea Boyd, Helena Wu and In the year of their Golden Jubilee, fi ve WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Phiala Shanahan. couples from the class of 1966 share their readers are warned that this publication may story of meeting at the University. contain images of deceased persons. Making strides in bushfi re recovery Distinguished Alumni Awards As part of the University’s commitment 9 29 to sustainable practices we encourage How the Equine Health and Performance Recognising our great achievers. you to receive Lumen online. Centre at Rosewory Campus dealt with crisis during the Pinery fi res. To receive Lumen in your inbox rather than your letterbox, send an email to [email protected] 10 Microscopy labs focus 30 21-year milestone for Adelaide on the miniscule Nursing School Claire Holman’s research is targeting Looking back at the last 21 years facebook.com/uaalumni female epilepsy. of nursing at the University. @EngagewithUoA 12 Pushing the boundaries of creativity 31 Meet our oldest volunteer Fiona Kerr share what exactly a Neural and Nettie is keeping the tradition of University of Adelaide Systems Complexity Specialist does. volunteering alive. flickr.com/adelaidealumni 14 The butterfl y effect 32 Dean of Law’s Fund A change of degree had a life altering impact Reaches a Milestone on opera star, Joanna McWaters. Supporting fi nancially d isadvantaged law students. 16 Masterplan to transform the University The 20-year plan will begin with a new entrance building on North Terrace. Th e University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 1 2725-1 story by Ian Williams The art of diplomacy in a confl ict zone Paul Lehmann had little aul, 46, is Australia’s High in Australian Government departments notion where he might end Commissioner in Nigeria where before spending 10 years with the PAustralia’s economic and diplomatic former overseas aid agency AusAID. up when he embarked on a interests are always top of mind as he He then worked in Kabul for two-and-a- travels around the region. half years, leading Australia’s development double degree in architectural “My studies at the University of Adelaide assistance program in Afghanistan before studies and law at the stirred my curiosity for world affairs and returning to manage consular operations gave me the skill set and confi dence at the headquarters of the Department of University of Adelaide. to follow paths to destinations beyond Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra. my fi eld of experience,” he says. The challenges of working in a “For me it was a case of pursuing my confl ict-affected country gave Paul emerging professional interests with a sound grounding for the job of vigour, while at the same time not feeling High Commissioner. compelled to completely design my “Unfortunately violent insurgency, whole career on the fi rst day. confl ict and insecurity are all too frequent “I always leave a little room for realities for many communities across luck, trusted advice and embracing Africa,” he says. the unknown.” “One of the things that motivates Below: Paul Lehmann at Independence Day After graduating in 1993, the Waikerie- me every day in this environment is celebrations in Niger. born diplomat fi lled a number of positions the opportunity to travel to places to 2 Lumen | Summer 2017 Alumni Council update build relationships with people from Each year, the University of Adelaide recognises and widely diverse cultural, ethnic, linguistic celebrates the noteworthy achievements of its alumni and religious backgrounds – and to through the Distinguished Alumni Awards, James McWha do so in such a way that Australia’s interests are enhanced. Award of Excellence, and Alumni Fellow awards. “I am there to make a good impression, while at the same time being ready to warmly congratulate each of the Thank you to all our alumni for your hold a fi rm position if necessary – I need 2016 winners. The contribution continued support and for your desire a friendly smile as well as a steely eye.” I of these distinguished alumni as to stay in touch with the University of While Paul’s main focus is Nigeria he leaders within their professions and the Adelaide. I welcome your participation also oversees Australia’s relationships community is inspiring. and contribution, and encourage you to with the neighbouring countries of If you know graduates of the provide any insights or feedback to the Benin, Cameroon, Gabon, Niger and University making a difference, I strongly Alumni Council at [email protected] The Gambia.