Golden Yearbook

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Golden Yearbook

Golden Yearbook Stories from graduates of the 1930s to the 1960s Foreword from the Vice-Chancellor and Principal ��5 Message from the Chancellor ��7 — Timeline of significant events at the University of Sydney�� 8 — The 1930s The Great Depression �� 13 Graduates of the 1930s �� 14 — The 1940s Australia at war �� 21 Graduates of the 1940s ��22 — The 1950s Populate or perish �� 47 Graduates of the 1950s ��48 — The 1960s Activism and protest ��155 Graduates of the 1960s ��156 — What will tomorrow bring? �� 247 The University of Sydney today ��248 — Index ��250 Glossary �� 252

Produced by Marketing and Communications, the University of Sydney, December 2016. Disclaimer: The content of this publication includes edited versions of original contributions by University of Sydney alumni and relevant associated content produced by the University. The views and opinions expressed are those of the alumni contributors and do not necessarily reflect the University’s official policy or position.

While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, reliability and completeness of information, the University of Sydney does not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this publication. 16/5382.1

ABN 15 211 513 464 CRICOS 00026A ISBN 978-1-74210-392-1

Foreword from the Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Michael Spence

Welcome to this special volume recounting The indelible imprint of a solid education, the memories of our alumni. As the title the lifelong friendships developed during Golden Yearbook suggests, the stories in university years, and the importance of this book have been shared by members family have all been key factors in lives of the University of Sydney community well lived. This is the very stuff of life, who graduated at least 50 years ago. both then and now. Many anecdotes are, however, even older than that. While it is important to look to the past, it is vital to remain anchored in the In order to know who we are, it is present and focused on the future. At the important to look from whence we came. University of Sydney, we honour our past Our past challenges and triumphs are the and our current place within the social, experiences that shape and define us. Our political and cultural landscape of our histories are always unique, and as varied city and nation while looking forward with and fascinating as the individuals to whom hope to the future we imagine, and to they belong. our rightful place as a leader in research and education. The stories in the following pages span generations, countries and faculties. I thank and congratulate every contributor Arts and economics alumni have shared to this book. I hope you enjoy reading the stories alongside medical and engineering anecdotes of the remarkable graduates graduates. Stories from home sit with who have helped to make the University those from abroad. Stories from alumni of Sydney extraordinary. of the 1930s come together with stories from alumni 30 years on.

In the intervening years, lifetimes have been spent on research, running businesses, teaching, heading organisations, saving others and otherwise changing the world. But there are several threads that run through this book — common human themes with which we can all identify.

Dr Michael Spence (BA ’85 LLB ’87) Vice-Chancellor and Principal The University of Sydney

Cover image: Interior of MacLaurin Hall with examinations in progress, 1964, University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_1087 Left: Aerial view of the University from above Derwent Street, Glebe, 1930, Sydney Morning Herald image, University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_2647

Message from the Chancellor Belinda Hutchinson AM

Staying connected is vital on both Mrs Ann Sutherland (BA ’79) and a personal and a professional level. Ms Miranda Adams (BA ’14 MMedPrac ‘15), It reminds us that we are part of all of whom gave generously of their something greater than ourselves. time and expertise.

The people and places that made us While the stories in this book come from remain with us for life, and I am proud alumni of myriad different backgrounds that the University of Sydney holds such and perspectives, it is clear that friends, a special place in the hearts of our family and the value of connection are alumni. It’s the reason so many want to essential to them all. give back to the University community through sharing their stories, volunteering As the oldest university in Australia, the or mentoring, by supporting events on University of Sydney has a proud heritage, campus and in so many other ways. and one that is often passed on through the generations. It is a lovely thing to see This book is the product of many hours of the families of alumni receive their own work, much of it provided by volunteers, degrees. This is something I have enjoyed all of whom are alumni of the University on a personal level when I watched as my of Sydney. These dedicated people own children graduated in the Great Hall. wrote, edited and interviewed our alumni contributors across weeks and months. As members of the University of Sydney And now we have this important and community, our connection is far more than permanent record of the history of our a framed testamur. It is visceral – something University community. we carry with us throughout our lives, and we can all identify with the stories Special thanks are due to Mr Angelos in this book. Fanos (LLM ’13), Mrs Janet Flint (BA ’56) (page 70), Ms Joanne Golack (BEc ’84 I hope you enjoy reading this wonderful LLB ’86), Ms Joan Grant (BSc ’64 DipEd collection of memories, reaching deep ’66), Mr Peter Lazar AM (BA ’54) (page 96), into our collective soul.

Belinda Hutchinson AM (BEc ’76) Chancellor The University of Sydney

Left: Fisher Library foyer and circulation desk, 1966, University of Sydney Archives G3_224_0097

7 Timeline of significant events at the University of Sydney

Origins (1850–81)1852 1856 1859 1874 1880 1881

First degrees University of are conferred Sydney Union (USU) established – the The University first in Australia opens its doors with a focus on the classics, sciences The Great John Henry Challis The University becomes and mathematics, as Hall opens bequests the one of the first universities well as the “modern” equivalent of in the world to admit subjects of French, $32 million to female students German and the University political thought

1932 1938 1947 1951 1960s to today1965 1972 1976

The Sydney The PhD is introduced Charles Perkins (BA ’66) USU and Sydney Harbour Bridge, despite opposition leads the Freedom Ride University designed by from some faculties bus tour of western Women’s Union engineering and coastal NSW to join forces graduate John fight for the rights of Bradfield (BE Aboriginal people 1889 ME 1896 DSc Boden Chair of Human (Engineering) Nutrition established 1924), is opened First PhDs Honi Soit sends a are awarded reporter to Vietnam

The New England University College is founded as part of the University of Sydney

8 Turn of the century1906 (1904–19) 1919 Modernity (1920s–50s) 1928 1929

Nigel Barker becomes Faculties increase The University of Sydney War the University’s first from four to 10 Memorial Carillon is dedicated on athlete to compete in Anzac Day to commemorate the the 1906 Intercalated 197 undergraduates, graduates Games held in Athens, and staff who died in the First winning bronze in World War both the 100m and Pioneering obstetrician 400m sprint and gynaecologist Dame Constance D’Arcy (MB Students’ Representative ChM 1904) becomes the Council (SRC) is formed first woman elected to the University Senate First edition of Honi Soit, the weekly student newspaper, goes to print

1981 1987 2008 2012 2014 2015

Sydney is the INSPIRED – the campaign to support The Australian largest recipient the University of Sydney, launches Institute for of national Nanoscale Science research grants We launch our and Technology opens Wingara Mura – Bunga Barrabugu (“Thinking path to A national system of higher make tomorrow”) strategy to The Charles education is introduced, encourage Aboriginal and Torres Perkins Centre, welcoming the former Sydney Strait Islander participation in a cross-disciplinary Institute of Education, the higher education research and education Institute of Nursing Studies, hub, opens with the the Cumberland College aim of developing of Health Sciences, Sydney life-changing solutions Conservatorium of Music and to global health Sydney College of the Arts problems including as faculties of the University obesity, diabetes, of Sydney cardiovascular disease and related conditions

The 193Os

The Great Depression

The world fell on hard times during In September 1931, the first full-length, the 1930s with the Great Depression Australian-made “talkie” films were produced and, in 1932, The Sentimental Bloke was released. causing widespread unemployment, In July of the same year, the Australian Broadcasting poverty and hardship. Australia was not Commission (ABC) was established. In the sporting immune: immigrants who had arrived arena, Phar Lap, winner of the 1930 Melbourne Cup in the 1920s, attracted by Australia’s and national treasure, died in the United States on 5 April 1932. promise of employment, good wages and opportunities, faced economic distress, In NSW, Labor premier Jack Lang decided to unemployment and poverty by the 1930s. withhold interest payments on British loans in open defiance of the federal government. This led to his sacking by then Prime Minister Joseph The White Australia Policy was in force, and Lyons, but not before Lang opened the iconic the non-European population declined, with Sydney Harbour Bridge in March 1932, designed by no support for passages and a restriction on engineer and University of Sydney alumnus, John wives and children entering Australia. Bradfield (BE 1889 ME 1896 DSc (Engineering) 1924). A University of Sydney float representing education, Racism surfaced under the guise of protecting along with a marching party of students, followed Australian jobs and business. Anti-foreigner the official opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. riots broke out on the Kalgoorlie goldfields in 1934, followed by strikes demanding preferential In September 1930, Challis Professor of Philosophy employment for Australian-born workers. However, John Anderson became president of the Society of young British men were encouraged to migrate Free Thought at the University. In July 1931, he gave to work as “farm boys”. In addition, orphans from the inaugural address defending free thought in poor and neglected backgrounds in the UK were politics, attracting the attention of the media and resettled in Australia. politicians – and the University Senate.

Men from southern Europe took unskilled labouring Sources: 1. australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian- jobs in isolated rural areas. This continued throughout story/changing-face-of-modern-australia-1900s-to-1940s the Depression and helped develop Australia’s rural Accessed 08.09.16. 2. Sydney: the Making of a Public University, J Horne and G Sherington, Melbourne University industries and transport systems, roads and railways. Publishing Limited, 2012. 3. www.myplace.edu.au/decades_ Skilled Italian stonemasons, mosaic and terrazzo timeline/1930 Accessed 08.09.16. workers contributed greatly to the construction of Australian cities and public buildings. Cafés owned by Greek settlers became common in hundreds of country towns and cities throughout Australia.

Southern Europeans brought a love of music, and folk tunes had a big influence the development of a unique sound in Australian music. Scottish dancing and pipe bands were popular in the 1930s, as was the Previous page: The Quadrangle and music of Australian composer Percy Grainger and the MacLaurin Hall, 1935, University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_2717 jazz of drummer Billy Hyde. Home entertainment was often a sing-along around the piano or pianola. Left: Sydney Teachers’ College, Section 208, 1938, University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_2812_1

13 Graduates of the 1930s

14 Eleanor McSwan OAM BA ’39 DipEd ’40

Eleanor’s passion for history is evident. Graduating In Maclean, Eleanor met and married local farmer with a Bachelor of Arts in History (Honours) and Colin McSwan, with whom she had three children. a Diploma of Education, Eleanor began teaching Now 97, Eleanor most enjoys spending time with at Maclean District Rural School in 1940 and her family, which includes nine grandchildren and later taught at Portland before returning to 15 great-grandchildren. Maclean, in NSW’s Northern Rivers district. “I would have liked to study anthropology and Inspired by Professor H S Roberts, she taught worked in South Africa,” she says. “But just getting history at Maclean High School from 1954 until to university was a fulfilment of my ambitions. her retirement in 1974. My time doing research for the Historical Society Eleanor also completed a Graduate Diploma in was incredibly fascinating and rewarding.” Local and Applied History at the University of New Her fondest memory of the University: Eleanor England. Undertaking research with the Maclean became a member of the Scripture Union, District Historical Society, she was awarded Citizen attending meetings and camps. of the Year for Maclean Shire in 1986.

Eleanor has written books on local history for the Maclean District Historical Society, where she was a foundation member, and helped to establish the Maclean District Museum. In 1995, she was honoured to receive an OAM for Services to Local History.

Above right: Eleanor McSwan and friends on graduation day 1939 Above left: A recent photo of Eleanor Left: Students in the Carnegie Collection Room at Sydney Teachers’ College, 1937, University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_2265_1

15 Dr Allan Stewart graduating from the University of Sydney in 1936

Dr Allan Stewart BDS ’36

With an older brother already in dental practice, dentistry seemed a natural choice for Allan.

Allan is married with six children, 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. In his early 90s, Allan graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New England, a six-year course that he completed in four-and-a-half years. In 2012, he graduated with a Master of Clinical Science from Southern Cross University.

“I was named the World’s Oldest Graduate in the 2006 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records,” he says.

Allan recommends moving ahead with purpose in a sometimes rapidly changing world. He hopes for peace on Earth, freedom, and alleviation of poverty.

Allan has great respect for the family unit and is passionate about sport, in particular, cricket. In London, he played first grade cricket for Australia House.

Today he enjoys visits to and from family, gardening and playing bridge with his local club.

Alan’s fondest memory of the University: the students versus profession inaugural match. Allan was a member of the student rugby team that won the competition. He was also awarded a scholarship to Northwestern University in the United States in 1938.

16 Dr Lloyd Whitten FACVSC BVSc ’38

Lloyd graduated with honours in From 1965 to 1967 Lloyd was seconded to veterinary science, and for the next two the Food and Agriculture Organization years worked for the Council for Scientific to help establish a sheep and goat disease and Industrial Research (CSIR). laboratory at Pendik, Turkey. During this period he helped train parasitologists In 1941, he joined the Wallaceville Animal from several Middle Eastern countries, Research Station in New Zealand where, organised by the Near East Animal Health except for two 2-year terms overseas, he Institute, with the cooperation of Iran, worked until retirement. Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt. At the CSIR, Lloyd demonstrated a Lloyd is a Foundation Fellow of the previously unknown photosensitivity Australian College of Veterinary reaction to phenothiazine among cattle, Scientists and served as its president and identified the mechanism and the in 1973. He has been closely associated metabolite concerned. Later, he showed with the New Zealand Veterinary Journal that lameness in sheep, associated with since its inception and was the honorary dipping in non-arsenical dips, was caused editor from 1969. by soil organisms that affected the soft tissues of the hoof. As a result, the Lloyd has published more than 70 papers, condition was eliminated. and as leader of the Parasitology Section at Wallaceville he was instrumental From 1955 to 1957, Lloyd was a member in creating strong teams engaged in of the staff of the Institute of Parasitology, research into animal parasites of major at McGill University in Canada. His work economic importance. during this period, which included studies on the parasites of reindeer and hydatid disease in groups of eskimos and Indians, earned him a PhD.

Top left: Archie Sinclair, John Keogh and L K Whitten, 1998 Top right: L K Whitten, front row, third from right

The 194Os

Australia at war

A decade defined by the Second World With victory over the Pacific in August 1945, the War, the 1940s was a time of social, political war was at an end. About 550,000 Australian men and women (one in 12 of a population of some and economic change for Australia. 7 million) served overseas; 39,000 died, including The federal government was united 8000 who were Japanese prisoners of war. on a declaration of war and mobilised troops to fight in Europe and North Housing shortages, strikes and government attempts to nationalise private banks while continuing Africa. Australia became a war economy, rationing defined post-war Australia, along with the with rationing commencing in 1942. resettlement of European refugees through the assisted immigration program. In November 1941, HMAS Sydney and all 645 hands were lost, sunk by the German raider Construction of Australia’s most sophisticated HSK Kormoran and in December, Japan engineering feat, the Snowy Mountains launched its Pacific offensive, resulting in Hydro-electric Scheme, began in October 1949, Australia declaring war on Japan. In May and employing thousands of European immigrants – and June 1942, the war was brought home to some engineering graduates from the University of Australians when three Japanese midget submarines Sydney. About 170,000 of 1 million displaced people were discovered in Sydney Harbour. Australia were accepted into Australia to begin a new life. looked to the United States for security upon the threat of Japanese invasion when towns along The 40-hour work week was introduced in 1948 the northern coast of Australia, including Darwin, and, in the same year, the first Holden motor car were bombed, resulting in more than 200 deaths. rolled off the assembly line.

The federal government imposed censorship and At the University of Sydney, there was an influx of rationing, which continued into 1948, and directed service men and women back from the war, eager all major resources to the war effort. As a result, to recommence their lives and resume studies. women entered the workforce to replace enlisted During the inter-war years, enrolment in the men. Between 1941 and 1945 about 27,000 women professional faculties constituted more than half entered the defence and civilian workforces to the number of students at the University, most replace men who were fighting at the frontline. within medicine. The student population doubled in the decade of the 40s, with the majority of students From 1942 universities were engaged as institutions receiving financial and scholarship assistance in the in the war effort. Between mid-1940 and early post-war years. After 1945, pressure for change in 1943, about 35 known members of University teaching and the curriculum emerged as a result of staff joined the military or worked in government increased student enrolments. departments related to war work, some of which Sources: 1. australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian- was research related to intelligence. University story/changing-face-of-modern-australia-1900s-to-1940s research was seen to have practical application Accessed 08.09.16. 2. Sydney: the Making of a Public in the defence of Australia. University, J Horne and G Sherington, Melbourne University Publishing Limited, 2012. 3. www.myplace.edu.au/decades_ timeline/1930 Accessed 08.09.16.

Previous page: School of Architecture, 1948, University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_2790 Left: Student editorial staff of Honi Soit, 1949, University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_0024

21 Graduates of the 1940s

22 Beverley Jean Anderson Ashton BA ’46 BSc ’49

Some of Beverley’s Jean’s first job after graduating Although blind in one eye, Jean career highlights include was as a chemical/drug analyst still likes to read and play bridge two-and-a-half years as a for the Australian Jockey Club as well as maintain contact with librarian at the British Film (AJC), helping to set up its her friends, including friends Institute in London and two Queensland laboratory. from university. years as a librarian for the first “It was rare to find horses that Her fondest memories of the Royal Commission into the tested positive,” Jean says. University: Professor Lyons, a building industry. “But while my boss was overseas chemistry lecturer who made a Beverley’s mother had a I discovered two positives in great impression, and the widely positive influence on her life one week and I think that was respected principal of Women’s and Beverley is proud of her a record at the time.” College, Betty Archdale, who marriage and children. She made it possible for Jean to Jean went to England on behalf of is interested in archaeology stay in college by helping her the organisation to establish the and palaeontology, passionate find a scholarship. “I loved the English Jockey Club in London. about her church and enjoys Chemistry Department,” Jean On returning to Australia, she visiting her two children and says. “It had high expectations, married and worked as a librarian four grandchildren, seeing but I was very happy there.” in Mosman Library before films, reading, gardening, moving with her husband to studying Spanish and knitting East Gippsland, Victoria. toys for children of her friends and relations. When her children were 10 and 12, Jean undertook a course that Beverley is happiest when enabled her to teach part time. attending Mass and singing She subsequently taught in every in the church choir. She school in Gippsland. loves a beautiful day and accomplishing a difficult task. Jean enjoyed teaching English as a second language and has taught Her motto for life comes from literature; however, she enjoyed Shakespeare: “This above all her time at the AJC most, from its to thine own self be true, and start in a borrowed laboratory to thou canst not then be false to seeing the new lab built in 1956. any man.”

Her fondest memories of her time at the University: the friendships, the lectures – especially psychology and Italian – the Commemoration Day parades and the films shown on campus, which were always hilarious.

Left: Professor Cotton’s centrifuge in the Anderson Stuart Building, 1940, University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_2397_2

23 Dr Alan Barcan AM Dr Peter Benson BA ’46 DipEd ’47 MA ’54 MEd ’58 BDS ’47 MDS ’73 DipClinDent(Sedation/Pain) ’93

A co-editor of Honi Soit in 1946 with fellow When Peter’s family was in dire straits during the student Jack Redrup, Alan’s interest in politics Second World War, he received a Commonwealth stretches back to his days at Sydney when he Scholarship to attend university. The war caused a was in the Labor Club. A notable figure in the shortage of doctors and dentists in Australia, so but National Union of Australian University Students for that scholarship, university would have been out in the 1940s, Alan recalls the opportunities he of the question for Peter. His father’s oft-repeated had to travel to other Australian universities for axiom “It’s better to be lucky than rich” has great debates on student issues. This brought him in relevance for Peter. contact with like-minded and equally passionate Peter owned, managed and worked in the country’s students, including Donald Horne, who would largest dental practice, in which he employed more become a social critic, public intellectual and than 100 dentists. Enjoying postgraduate studies, author of The Lucky Country. he obtained an MDS and a Diploma in Clinical An author of, and contributor to, 11 books, Alan Dentistry, both from Sydney. His thesis on hypnosis gained his PhD from the Australian National is housed in Fisher Library’s rare books section. University and was a lecturer from 1949 to 1987, Peter has been recognised through Fellowships in including serving as an associate professor at the the Royal Australian College of Dental Surgeons University of Newcastle. and of the International College of Dentists.

Now living in Newcastle, Alan is the father of Through his life’s work with hypnosis, Peter realises four children from his first marriage and he has the great influence of the mind on the body. He says two stepchildren with his second wife. He says a first degree is “only the beginning”, and advises family gatherings bring him great joy and he feels graduates to start these studies while still young. fortunate that his blended family comes together He thinks the University must teach tolerance for all, from as far afield as Perth. the importance of ethics and decreasing religious influence as necessities for a well-functioning His fondest memory of the University: sitting in community. He hopes the world will pay urgent the sunshine in the Quadrangle, talking about the attention to the environmental crisis. world’s problems. Peter feels richly rewarded by a happy family life and good health. He is concerned for the welfare of others, enjoys travel and his membership of Probus (a club for retired and semi-retired business people and professionals) and the Ingleburn Garden Club, of which his father was a founding member.

24 Margaret Burkitt BSc ’48

Raising six children and being able to support them all through tertiary education has been a proud accomplishment for Margaret. She is particularly delighted that one of her grandchildren was awarded the University of Sydney Medal in Pharmacology in 2012. Howard Neville Margaret feels indebted to her parents for paying for her Carey Davies tertiary education, particularly BSc ’49 DipEd ’50 BSc ’49 when many parents weren’t willing to support their daughters to study.

If Margaret had chosen another degree it would have been law At Sydney, Howard was an Neville worked with the because, she says, it would have active member of the Sydney forestry commissioner in been interesting and useful. University Rover Scout Crew. the NSW Government and She advises today’s students to During his career he was became chief manager of “be ambitious”. involved with school science forestry planning. curricula and resources at both He married young and has three Margaret hopes the University state and national levels. He children, eight grandchildren will increase its research in was on the Harry Messel School and four great-grandchildren. medical fields to find cures for Science Book writing team While he considers music to cancer and other incurable and also devised in-service be the best alternative degree conditions as well as the study activities for school teachers for him, he would also consider of climate change and how to and school principals. deal with it. a Bachelor of Arts as he Howard unfortunately has enjoys writing. Her fondest memory of found that recuperating from His advice is to never give up, the University: the social his “optimistic attempts as “the downs in life will pass”. life – people seemed equal at playing golf” is now and accepting of others. quite time consuming, and Neville also enjoys singing, his previous hobbies of spending time with family camping and bushwalking and going to church. have had to give way to less His fondest memory of the strenuous activities. University: friends and Howard’s children, grandchildren academics, in particular Top: Chemistry Department buildings, and great-grandchild are his Professor Erich Kaspi. known as “The main source of happiness. Tramsheds”, Manning He particularly values waking up Road, 1949, University of Sydney Archives, each morning to greet his wife. G3_224_2109

25 Dr Marie Josephine Delaney (née Crowe) BSc ’49

Completing her undergraduate Residing in regional NSW for science degree at Sydney, Marie part of her life, Marie decided continued on to study medicine to donate her homestead to the and surgery at the University, community to be used by a charity becoming the first female junior very close to heart, Pathfinders resident at St Vincent’s Hospital Australia, assisting teenagers in upon graduation. need to gain confidence through learning and applying important Completing further study agricultural skills. overseas, Marie considered specialising in obstetrics before Now 95, Marie resides in the completing a Doctorate of Child eastern suburbs of Sydney. Health instead. This led her to a A mother of four, she continues long and rewarding and career to support Pathfinders and other in paediatrics. worthy causes.

One of Marie’s greatest passions was helping to educate children and teenagers about the dangers of smoking and the importance of maintaining proper physical and emotional health.

26 Eryl Dow BSc ’48

Upon graduating, Eryl commenced work as an industrial chemist for Australian Paper Manufacturers in 1948. There she met her husband, also a Sydney graduate, who was undertaking practical chemical engineering work experience.

Eryl was put in charge of a laboratory of about 15 men, and was sent to Melbourne twice a year for meetings which, she says, “was good for a woman in those days”.

She then took the role of medico-legal chemist at the Coroner’s Court of New South Wales. “In one case, I found arsenic – a policeman had neglected to mention a bottle of weed killer found by the body. It resulted in the body being dug back up and they wanted me to work on it.”

Eryl says she “wouldn’t have minded doing medicine” and, given her time again, she would also like to study art or languages.

Eryl loves to see her daughter and granddaughter, who both live in Wales, and her son who is a pathologist and has three children. Both are graduates (one in medicine from Monash University; one in science from the University of Melbourne). Eryl enjoys reading, armchair yoga, games, a good meal and a nice glass of wine. She is also still friends with a gentleman who started work with her on the same day in 1948.

27 Hilma Ellis (née Gladys Hilma Vaughan) BSc ’45 DipEd ’46

Hilma completed two years of agriculture before Helen Dufty realising that her future lay in teaching science. BSc ’48 DipEd ’49 “I had a Teachers’ College scholarship, with a bond to teach for five years,” she says. “I met my future husband, Clem Ellis, there – he also had a scholarship. Neither of us, and most of our fellow students, would have gone to university without scholarships.”

Their first year at university was an anxious time. Being the first person in her extended family to “In 1942 Japan was waging war in the Pacific,” go to university, Helen says that the ambition to Hilma says. “Students were required to help in the do something was important. As a woman going war effort and I rolled countless bandages, while into science, Helen strived to be different from Clem became an air-raid warden. On the night the pack. the Japanese submarines entered Sydney Harbour Upon graduating, however, she found it hard, as and sank the Navy training ship Kuttabul, he rode a woman, to get a job in science. After applying his bike in from North Strathfield to his post at for many jobs and receiving polite replies saying the University.” they wanted a man, Helen decided to undertake a Hilma and Clem kept company through their four Diploma of Education. years at University, became engaged, and married Helen taught high school science for 40 years in 1947. “Our happy married life lasted 68 years in Australia, Pakistan and the United States. until Clem died aged 91 in 2015,” says Hilma. Her science degree from Sydney allowed her to Clem taught science at Maitland, was deputy work overseas due to the biology and physiology principal at Wyong and Maitland and principal subjects she had taken as part of her degree. at Karabar and Queanbeyan, all in regional NSW.

“I loved all my subjects,” Helen says. “I did “I taught science for five years at Maitland Girls’ genetics in its first year as a brand new subject at High School, left to bring up five children and Sydney. They didn’t know very much; we didn’t returned as a casual until retiring in 1983,” Hilma know the chemical nature of DNA, for instance – a says. Hilma and Clem’s children all graduated lot has been discovered since I was at university.” from the University of Newcastle; two became teachers, the others an engineer and architect, At 88, Helen likes to spend time with her family accountant and biometrician. and is writing a life history about herself and her husband. She hopes to make a book for her family Hilma taught physics, geology, chemistry and close friends. and biology for 60 years. She has volunteered on various committees and was a National Her fondest memory of the University: Helen took Trust guide. medical subjects as part of her science degree as well as zoology for three years and physiology for Hilda encourages the University to promote two years, which she found most interesting. sustainable energy, gender equality and equality among people of different ethnicities and religions.

28 Patricia Elliston Alwynne BA ’49 DipEd ’50 Fairweather BSc ’48

Patricia worked in the Faculty of Engineering Alwynne persisted in her decision to attend doing radio research during the Second World university against the wishes of her father, and War, and was already well acquainted with was triumphant in gaining a scholarship. the University when she commenced as an She achieved high distinctions in both botany undergraduate on a Teachers’ College scholarship. and geology in her first year. She says the entire Patricia studied at the University under what she Department of Geology comprised fantastic describes as “unusual circumstances” – books mentors who nurtured and took a great interest in were scarce, space was scarce, and the prevailing their students. mood among the ex-servicemen and women was Although she would have liked to complete one of impatience. Patricia’s friends were all an honours year, this was not an option on ex‑service and they had a common goal: to get her scholarship. their qualifications as quickly as possible and to get on with their lives, which had been disrupted Today Alwynne volunteers at the National by the war. Herbarium of Victoria and the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. She is proud of her three Upon graduation, Patricia began teaching, and children and spends her time catching up with taught English for more than 25 years in high family and friends, watching her grandchildren and schools throughout Tasmania. She reads widely, great-grandchildren grow, spending time in her studied anthropology by correspondence for a garden and getting out into the bush. year, and still thinks fondly of her time at Sydney. Her fondest memory of the University: the kind “One of the things I loved most was walking interest of the lecturers and the friendships with through the Vice-Chancellor’s garden into the other students. Alwynne also met her future Quad, especially when the camellias were out,” husband, who took the same geology class, and Patricia says. “I knew about the University, my who became a mining engineer. mother had taken me up there and told me about it, so it wasn’t strange to me – I loved every minute of it.”

Her fondest memory of the University: leaving campus with her friends one day when she bumped into British actors Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, who had just been visiting the University.

29 Leslie Free BSc ’46 BE(Mech&Elec) ’48

Leslie was most proud of three Leslie was part of the of his many achievements: Australian telecommunications Stan Gibbs his involvement in bringing industry from the start of TV BA ’49 DipEd ’50 television to Australia; his role broadcasting in 1956 through in launching a communications to the introduction of colour satellite; and his contribution TV in 1975, and finally to to the debate around the the development of satellite introduction of digital communications, HDTV technology in Australia. and pay TV in the 80s. He was instrumental in enabling Stan was a boarder at St After a childhood affected by broadcasting of the moon Andrew’s College and recalls the Great Depression, and later landing in 1969. the experience of culture shock graduating from Sydney with a as a shy boy from the country major in Communications, Leslie After “retirement”, Leslie was coming to cultural mixing pot. started work in the new industry appointed research associate of broadcast television, and then adjunct professor at “Teachers’ College was a little was soon transferred by music Queensland University of different. A lot more like school, recording giant EMI to England. Technology , where the digital there was a women’s quad, and age awaited him. He was elected a men’s quad. I got caught in the By the mid-50s, Leslie had moved as a Fellow by the Society of women’s quad by ‘Rigormortis’ back to Australia with his small Motion Picture and Television Braithewait’,” says Stan of his family, where he became assistant Engineers in 1994, and later student days. chief engineer at TCN9 in Sydney promoted to Life Fellow. and by the 60s, chief engineer of Stan taught at schools in GTV9 in Melbourne, followed by All was not work – Leslie was Cootamundra and Crookwell head of research and development also a champion bridge player near Goulburn, then became a for Consolidated Press Holdings, and loved cricket and horse lecturer in teaching and drama. where he remained until his racing, becoming part-owner Stan loves to read the retirement in 1990. of many horses. His greatest University’s SAM magazine passion in later years has been and hear about the new and to “see my horse first past the exciting research being winning post”. undertaken.

“I think [the University] does a pretty good job at the moment. I hope they keep up their standards, so many people go to uni now.”

30 Vernon Pamela Emeritus Gilbert Heydon Professor BSc ’49 MateriaMedica(Pharmacol) ’49 John Hickie AO MBBS ’48 MMedHum ’07

Vernon studied science at Prevented from studying A number of mentors have had a Sydney, was involved in sports science as she had hoped, huge influence on John’s career, and social occasions, and Pamela studied pharmacy, including the physicians at St a member of the Students’ revelling in first-year chemistry Vincent’s Hospital who impressed Representative Council for and botany, which took her him with the way they regarded a year. After graduating he closer to her real dream of being their patients and offered an moved to Canada, where he a geologist like her father. excellent model to follow as gained a Master of Education a doctor. Having accompanied renowned from Toronto University, geologist and explorer Sir John is proud of receiving the followed by a stint at Bristol Edgeworth David on geological highest marks in his final exam University in England, where expeditions, Pamela’s father and for his time as president of he was awarded a PhD in was very encouraging of her the Cardiac Society of Australia educational administration. scientific ambitions; however, and New Zealand, and president Vernon became a school teacher, others couldn’t be persuaded. of the Royal Australasian College rising to principal, in Canada After many trials to secure of Physicians. where he still resides with a place, Pamela found being John has been happily his wife, Eleanor. He prides admitted to science simply married for 64 years and has himself on being one of a small beyond the realm of possibility 19 grandchildren. group of high school principals for a woman in the 1940s. who changed the structure of If he were to provide some advice More than 65 years later, the Ontario secondary school to his 20-year-old self, it would Pamela has pursued her diploma requirements. be to engage in all aspects of passion, despite obstacles, university life and not to restrict Now retired, Vernon spends six having spent four to five months himself to medicine. months of each year with his of each year exploring outback wife at their summer cottage. Australia with her late husband. His fondest memory of the He swims, lazes around, University: playing wet ball on Today she can be found gardens, attends summer the roof of the obstetrics hospital. cataloguing the film and theatre and socialises with a John’s first year at the University field diaries she made great group of friends. He says was marked by the outbreak of the during their trips as well as that, at 88, his greatest passion Second World War. indulging in her other hobbies, is to “stay alive”. including watching science documentaries, embroidery and spending time with family and friends.

31 Helen Joan Kelly Horton OAM BA ’42 DipEd ’59 BA ’47

Helen credits her time at Sydney with teaching Joan planned her Latin honours year in 1942; her the skills of research and collating that she shortly after, Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, her Latin would use time and again throughout her life as a professor was called up for special duties, and the writer on her native Queensland’s flora and fauna. rest of the male contingent of the Faculty of Arts left for war. This left Joan and one other female student Helen was the editor of the Queensland in the Latin honours class, so they decided to take Naturalists’ Club (QNC) News for 29 years, has their pass degrees and find jobs. published books, and was part of establishing the Queensland Writers’ Centre. In 2011, she Joan taught French, Latin and music in private received the Queensland Natural History Award schools for 15 years before returning to university from the QNC for her service to natural history to get her DipEd in 1957. She won the Peter Board in Queensland. prize for best results among graduation students and continued teaching in state high schools until A beloved mother of four children, Helen, now her retirement as a deputy principal in 1980. 90, is still contributing to botanical knowledge in Queensland as a member of the editorial During university, Joan joined the newly formed committee of Brisbane Botanics, and as a guide at Voluntary Aid Detachment, taking classes the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. and exams in home nursing and first aid, and volunteering at hospitals in the holidays. Joan spent Her fondest memory of the University: English one vacation at Sydney Hospital, two summer lecturer Mr Maxwell’s “deep actor’s voice” vacations at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and bringing life to the old English ballads and one at the camp where the University Regiment writings of Chaucer. was stationed.

“After I joined the Voluntary Aid Detachment, we would spend late afternoons practising marching around the Quadrangle, directed by an officer of the University Regiment,” she says.

After retirement, Joan travelled extensively, first with her husband, Hugh Derricks, who passed away in 1997, then with various friends or alone. She remarried four years ago.

Her fondest memory of the University: knitting socks and scarves for soldiers or victims in the UK during the Second World War. There was some competition for the back rows in lectures, because enterprising knitters could continue unnoticed.

32 The Hon. Dennis Mahoney AO, QC BA ’45 LLB ’48 LLD ’02

Completing a law degree following his arts Peter Philip Kidd studies, Dennis gained first-class honours in law BSc ’49 DipEd ’50 before commencing his legal career.

Appointed a Queen’s Counsel (QC) in the early 1960s, Dennis went on to become a Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1972 and a Justice of the Court of Appeal in 1974. Assuming the position of President of the Court of Appeal in 1996 and Acting Chief Justice the very same year, Peter has had a long and exciting career in Dennis’ many achievements in the legal field have teaching mathematics, including at a boarding earned him an honorary Doctorate of Laws. school in India, and as principal at Katoomba High School in the NSW Blue Mountains. Greatly influenced at university by renowned Professor of Jurisprudence and International One of his proudest moments was having a Law, Professor Julius Stone, Dennis has twice student he had taught receive the University funded the Dennis Leslie Mahoney Prize in Legal Medal in Mathematics. He still enjoys Theory, awarded by the University of Sydney’s mathematics, and does the HSC mathematics Julius Stone Institute of Jurisprudence. The papers every year. He also teaches maths to his prize, awarded to a superior piece of scholarship nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. advancing the sociological and justice-oriented When he’s not doing maths, Peter plays bowls and approach to jurisprudence, was offered for a third is a state bowls coach. time in 2016.

Peter says he has no regrets and would do Now 92, Dennis lives in the eastern suburbs everything again exactly as before. of Sydney and is enjoying what he terms his “fruitful survival”. His fondest memory of the University: the weekly Evangelical Union meetings, lasting friendships His fondest memory of the University: student he made and vacation house parties. activities at the Law School.

33 Dr Eleanor Audrey Mallinson (née Mathers Richardson) BA ’49 DipEd ’50 MBBS ’47

During university Eleanor A classicist, Audrey came to Audrey is committed to accessible was influenced by Professor Sydney to study Latin and education, and volunteered Shellshear, who controlled the Ancient Greek. One of her Greek for several years dictating dissecting room, and Professor professors, a “thespian on the university textbooks for the Hayes, whose teachings came side”, encouraged Audrey and Royal Blind Society. She believes to the rescue when Eleanor her classmates to perform the universities should continue to helped to deliver a baby in pieces they studied in front of make education, such as the one the frank breech position live audiences in the Sydney she gained, available to a wider in a small country town. University Dramatic Society’s audience, and to less privileged Fortunately mother, baby Cellar Theatre so they could students in particular. and Eleanor survived. “get a real feeling for the Her fondest memory of the theatrical elements of the work”. Eleanor vividly recalls a visit by University: being part of a group penicillin pioneer Sir Howard “I loved all the people I met while of students who travelled to Florey to the University in I studied at the University, from Newport on Sydney’s northern 1946, who gave a lecture about the professors who taught me in beaches every semester for the early days of penicillin to Latin and Ancient Greek, to my reading week. the students in the clinical peers who kept me engaged and years of medicine, dentistry and interested in all my studies,” veterinary science that ended Audrey says. with a standing ovation. After graduation, she wrote for The Dean of Medicine, Harold the Jack Davies shows on 2GB Dew, coped extremely well with then took time off to raise a wartime shortages and always family. Once her children went to found time to help his students. school, Audrey did too, teaching Latin in the local high school, Eleanor’s fondest memories of eventually moving into the role of the University: the year Frank Assistant Director of Personnel in Fowler (a student in Eleanor’s the Department of Education. year) was elected the first student senator; taking the final practical chemistry exam in the first week, aiming to pass and also save the short supply of chemicals.

Top right: Students marching in the Student Voluntary Training Corps, 1940, University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_0931

Bottom right: Air raid precaution trenches being dug by Sydney Teachers College students, 1940, University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_2380

Dr Robert Munro Dr Bruce Noake FRCS (ED) MBBS ’48 MBBS ’48 MD ’72

As a medical student, Robert’s In 1974, Robert married Spending his career as a surgeon, greatest influence was Professor Corinne Adams and both now Bruce recalls the support and JL Shellshear, who taught live in an aged care facility. mentorship of Dr Vernon Barling, anatomy. After graduating in With limited mobility, Robert honorary surgeon at Royal Prince 1948, Robert spent two years as now occupies himself with Alfred Hospital, who helped to a resident at St George Hospital, reading books by Jeffrey nurture his and many other young Kogarah, in Sydney’s south, Archer, Agatha Christie and surgeons’ careers as they started before going to England in 1953 Bryce Courtenay, and is simply out in medicine. Now retired, to study surgery. happy to be alive. his medical career only pales in comparison to his greatest He obtained fellowship to the Robert believes in helping achievement – marrying his wife Royal College of Surgeons others as much as possible in England in 1956. Edinburgh in 1955 and was a and hopes one day wars will surgical registrar for two years. be a thing of the past that Believing in the value of hard On returning to Australia he young people only read about work, Bruce’s advice to his spent four years practising in books. 20-year-old self would be: surgery in Lidcombe, in Sydney’s “If you work hard, you can Robert enjoyed mathematics west. In 1962 he joined the achieve whatever you wish.” at school and if he were to Anatomy Department of the do another degree it would Now aged 90, Bruce’s favourite University as a senior lecturer, be mathematics. activities include gardening, later becoming an associate playing bridge, completing professor and, through research He also believes the University crosswords, doing jigsaw that he counts as his greatest can make the world a better puzzles and reading. He is most career achievement, obtained place by continuing its tradition happy in the company of family his MD in 1972. of teaching and research. He and friends. advises young people to think carefully about what to do with His fondest memory of the their lives, particularly in terms University: being part of the of work, to strive towards that University Athletics Club, which end wholeheartedly, and not let was one of the premier athletics anyone change their mind. clubs during that period, and earning five University Blues. His fondest memory of the University: working in the old medical school.

36 Gerry Nutter Peter Reuben BA ’49 MateriaMedica(Pharmacol) ’49

Gerry graduated from Sydney gave lectures. He developed a Peter takes pride in having with first-class honours in Latin, great love for archaeology and graduated as a pharmacist. thanks to the support of two the skills he learnt through These days, Peter’s great family, important teachers, Professor this subject were instrumental travel and good company make Smith, who taught Latin and to his work overseas – and him happy. He enjoys spending English Literature, and Professor in approaching new people. time with family and playing Trendall, who taught Greek. These days Gerry likes to go lawn bowls. swimming and enjoys being Gerry worked as a guardian around the beach. “Study hard and listen to advice,” of the Nicholson Museum on says Peter. campus. During this time, he “It is important to have a was asked about his future and good understanding and He hopes that in future there given the application form for the ability to accept and live with is more understanding of Department of Foreign Affairs people from different cultural international students, and less and Trade. This was the first backgrounds – this would also tension and more tolerance in the step in his decision to attend help Australia develop into a world in general. the diplomatic school. peace-loving and prosperous His fondest memory of the country,” Gerry says. Gerry’s career as a diplomat University: new friendships, was one of his proudest His fondest memories of responsibility, new knowledge accomplishments. He started in the University: “I loved the and learning a new profession. Germany and travelled to Japan, University buildings. Most India, London and Italy. His of my classes were in the education at the University was Quadrangle and I enjoyed instrumental to his achievements having lunch on the lawn and and helped him cope with the the general atmosphere there.” demands and dynamics of the job. Sadly, Gerry passed away before this Above: Manning House, 1953, yearbook went to print. We extend While Gerry was guardian of University of Sydney Archives, our condolences to Gerry’s family G3_224_0178 the Nicholson Museum, he also and acknowledge his legacy.

37 Beryl Ricardo Dr Donald Richards (née Gray) BE(Mech&Elec) ’47 BA ’49

A lover of history, Beryl taught at Singleton High Donald’s studies at the University were School, north-west of Sydney, from 1950 to 1987. interrupted when he joined the Air Force for In addition to teaching, she has also undertaken four years during the Second World War. Upon a great deal of historical work for her community, returning to university, married with kids, he producing a short history of the high school in continued his studies full time until he graduated. 1990 as well as writing the centennial and 150th The greatest influence on his life during anniversary edition histories of her church. university were his friends Harold Porter, Johnny A project particularly close to her heart was a Parker and Barry White, along with G Faunce compilation of her history with her husband Allman from the Conservatorium of Music. Bruce, with whom she shares a family that now Donald later pursued his interest in music and has about 50 members. Beryl also enjoys keeping gained a PhD in Music from the University of in touch with friends and has travelled to a number New South Wales, 50 years after his engineering of the historical sites about which she teaches. degree. Prior to his PhD, Donald also gained a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Now 89, Beryl still drives to places of interest to New England. her, as well as singing in the local choir, a lifelong hobby that she also enjoyed while at university. In retirement, Donald spends a lot of time with his family, which includes four children, six Her fondest memory of the University: Singing grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. with the Teachers’ College, playing hockey and His passion, however, is Mozart and music. tennis, and refereeing hockey games.

38 Margaret Miller Robinson (née Whitwell) BSc ’49

Margaret’s Scottish mother can contribute to the “huge job was determined to educate her of making this planet habitable Enid Sefton daughter and, along with the and peaceful”. To this end, BA ’49 DipSocStud ’50 devoted teachers at St George Margaret would like to see the Girls’ High School, prepared University continue to produce Margaret for tertiary studies graduates qualified to attack and helped her gain a scholarship the challenges facing the world: to the University of Sydney. climate change, world poverty and inequality. Margaret completed a Bachelor Enid met her husband at the of Science and worked as a Margaret’s love of music and University and followed him back clinical dietitian; industrial theatre sees her indulge in to Victoria when they finished bacteriologist; secondary concerts and performances. their degrees. science teacher and finally, as She also spends time gardening, a lecturer and senior lecturer reading, attending book “We had to spend about two years at the University of Canberra. group and supporting the apart due to a financial situation “I am proud that my initial University of the Third Age keeping me in Sydney. But the qualifications allowed me to (U3A) in Canberra, where there moment that was sorted I went contribute to society over a is a “very active and vibrant straight to Melbourne and we number of years,” she says. chapter”. “In the past, I have worked together at his veterinary offered courses and participated practice for the next 60 years.” In 1979 Margaret studied at the in many covering history, University of California, Berkley, Enid loved her degree and learned politics and languages.” graduating with a Master of how to be a learner, as well as Public Health, which enabled Her fondest memory of the how to have a profound and her to develop further courses University: singing in the deep connection with the world at Canberra. After retirement, University reviews, joining around her. she indulged her interest in the Sydney University Musical Her advice for today’s students languages and graduated with Society and the choir led by is: don’t try and fix other people’s a BA in French language and Dr Faunce Allman, and Bach problems, let them fix them literature from the University of Cantatas sung from the gallery for themselves. New England. of the Great Hall. Margaret studied singing at the Sydney Her fondest memory of the She hopes that her grandchildren Conservatorium of Music along University: meeting and falling will be able to obtain the best with studying science. in love with her husband. education possible and that they

39 Walter John Stamm BE(Mech&Elec) ’48

Pavlova, champagne, success with a new product, cricket and tennis feature heavily in the life of Ian Stevenson Walter Stamm. Born in Bowral in the NSW BSc ’49 BE(Mech&Elec) ’51 southern highlands in 1926, Walter is a dux of Moss Vale Public School, where legendary cricketer Sir Donald Bradman was a former pupil. “The Don set the standard of behaviour to which we should all aspire,” says Walter.

Growing up on a stud sheep property, Walter Ian was 21 when he returned to Sydney after a worked with his father on all manner of farm three-year posting with the RAAF throughout equipment and, at a young age, stripped down the Australia and the East Indies. He enrolled in family car – a ’27 Chevy. When his father asked mechanical and electrical engineering and, as a what he was doing, he replied, “I’m fitting the serviceman, attended university free of charge. new rings you purchased”. Walter reassembled the engine and it worked perfectly on the first After completing his degree, Ian went to work attempt. “When I volunteered to work on my for a manufacturing company called Standard mother’s sewing machine, however, I was told very Telephones and Cables (STC), which made valves firmly to keep my hands off it.” for radio transmitters.

Experiments on farm machinery led him to The American-owned company supplied the radio formalise his engineering knowledge at Sydney valves for the first computer built in Australia – at and he praises his professors for their knowledge the University of Sydney. However, the valves had and capability to impart it. a short life and failed regularly, and Ian was sent in every few days to supervise the failures. Walter believes that engineering is “the best basic training” and advises students to focus on In 1952, transistors were invented and STC went product design, manufacture and accounting. into their manufacturing. For six months Ian He is grateful to Sir Walter Scott, who founded learned about the physics involved in making Australia’s first management consultancy firm, for transistors at the CSIRO. In 1954 he went with his his advice to study accountancy. As for marketing, partner Meg to Somerset in England to work in Walter says: “If you can’t sell it, don’t make it.” transistor manufacturing.

Walter’s first job as a cadet engineer in Orange, “I’m glad I chose engineering,” he says. “I had a NSW, provided experience of “a wide range passion for maths and physics, and I have enjoyed of production processes. This proved quite a the career path it gave me. There were lots of jobs challenge for a new and immature young engineer, coming out of university,” he says. but I certainly learnt a great deal very quickly”. Being passionate about his own career, Ian’s Walter was sent to Westinghouse in the United advice is to take up a broad career that provides States to study the manufacture of motors and plenty of opportunities. appliances. There he met his wife, Helen, and Until a few years ago, Ian played golf regularly she returned to Australia with him. His greatest and still plays bowls. He also plays snooker passions are his family and his workshop, where he and has an interest in climate change and still makes new appliances and repairs old ones. environmental trends.

His fondest memory of the University: the extracurricular activities.

40 Malcolm Stewart AM BSc ’49

Malcolm was part of the original group that Malcolm received a Medal of the Order of Australia set up the University of Sydney Bushwalkers in for founding the Ménière’s Research Fund in 1998. 1946. He was also a member of the Junior Science His wife, who lives with Ménière’s, a disorder of the Association, which enabled students in the inner ear, founded the Ménière’s Support Group faculty to meet. NSW in 1994.

“Once I had settled into the academic side of things, Malcolm offers this advice to today’s students: it let me explore the University socially,” Malcolm “Move beyond academics, get involved in the says. “I realised that University was more than just activities that are happening in and around the academia, more than just learning from books and University. Also travel. Other than the learning tutors; it was learning and developing with, and experiences offered by university life, travel has through, your peers.” afforded me the most varied learning experiences.”

Upon graduation, Malcolm moved into the surface Malcolm’s view is that the University can make coating industry, and went on to lead one of the the world a better place by continuing to do what largest acrylics companies in Australia. He became it does best: leading Australia as the first and a well-known technical salesman in the surface best, and encouraging students to get involved in coatings industry, a fellow of the Royal Australian extracurricular activities. Chemical Institute and national president of the His fondest memory of the University: “Rag days”, Surface Coatings Association. when many students would dress in full academic Outside of work, Malcolm loved and continues to regalia, ride into the city, and run amok through love surfing and swimming and, of course, going Martin Place. for bushwalks.

41 Dr Neville Webb AM BA ’49 DipEd ’50 MEd ’79

Neville was only nine when he attended an In 1982, Neville became dean of undergraduate evening presentation of Shakespeare’s The Twelfth studies at what became the Sydney Institute Night in the Great Hall and “fell in love with the of Education – serving as president in 1987, University”. Taking the Leaving Certificate at 15, and working to negotiate its incorporation into he won a scholarship, which set him on a career the University. in languages and education. Appointed Esquire Bedell by the Senate, Neville Arriving on campus in 1946, he found a “brave recalls his first experience as mace-bearer at new world” containing both women and “a large graduations: “My feet barely touched the ground contingent of mature, ex-service students”. By 18, as I felt part of a tradition of seven centuries.” Neville had earned his BA, won an intervarsity As president of convocation, he was a delegate to blazer for baseball and happily embarked on his the Australian University Alumni Council, later teaching career. An introduction to university becoming president, speaking and writing on behalf theatre led him to the University’s Summer School of generations of alumni. In 2005, Neville was of Drama in 1959 and the lead role in a production awarded an AM for service to Higher Education and opposite the beautiful actress who became his wife. Alumni Affairs.

Elected to represent the Faculty of Arts on the Upon retirement Neville was asked to donate University’s Standing Committee of Convocation, one of his own paintings to the University. His Neville served for nearly 30 years. As lecturer in artwork still hangs in the Old Teachers’ College French at Sydney Teachers’ College, he undertook Building today. higher degrees at the University of New England Neville is still interested in acting, literature, before returning to Sydney to complete a Master of physics, philosophy and psychology. He and his Education. He was awarded the Ewing Scholarship wife were delighted to witness their elder daughter to pursue PhD studies at the University of Oregon. Caroline’s graduation at Sydney, with first-class honours in English. An Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle, she is continuing in Neville’s footsteps.

42 Emeritus Professor Neville Wills BSc ’41 BEc ’47 MSc ’48

Neville has had a lifelong interest in Australia’s manufacturing industry. Appointed first chief Dr Ivan Wilson economist of BHP, he also established the BSc ’49 MSc ’50 first graduate school of business in Australia, the forerunner of the Australian Graduate School of Management at the University of New South Wales (now known as the Australian School of Business).

Neville’s professional life has been shaped by Ivan counts Professor LeFevre and many some notable people, including professor John companion students as inspiring him during his Andrews, senior lecturer in the Department studies. Ivan has never stopped learning regardless of Geography, FR Bland, Professor of Public of whether within a formal institution or otherwise. Administration, Sir Ian McLennan KBE, former He advises students to be patient and to keep chair of BHP, and Sir Philip Baxter, former moving forward. vice-chancellor of UNSW. Ivan’s greatest accomplishment is having a part in One of Neville’s proudest accomplishments is helping men and women move away from abuse of finding his life partner and carer, Ian Fenwick. any kind and towards more worthwhile living. Neville is passionate about learning and in his spare time he likes to read (especially history), “I have far less anxiety and sense of being driven listen to classical music and keep abreast of than at any earlier stage,” he says. “My wife and current affairs. three sons and many colleagues bring me joy.”

Neville hopes the future will have greater He credits his parents with his ability to be economic equality, and tolerance and acceptance thankful, especially in hard times. of minorities. “I hope for peaceful settlement of His fondest memory of the University: the many international disputes and for a more humane, students who became worthy members of their tolerant and civilised Australia – a scientifically professions, regardless of whether these professions aware Australia that accepts the realities of would count them as successes. climate change.”

His fondest memories of the University: the Department of Geography, the organ music in the Great Hall, and, “just being there”.

The 195Os

The 1950s: populate or perish

The Australian Government committed Australia made international news with the to a vigorous and sustained immigration inaugural visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1954 and the Olympic Games held in Melbourne in 1956. Young program after the Second World War. people were dancing to The Wild One by Johnny The ambitious program aimed to meet O’Keefe and Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley labour shortages, protect Australia from and His Comets. Commuters could catch new external threats and create prosperity. In diesel trains. 1955, Australia recorded its one‑millionth The CSIRO released the myxomatosis virus into “New Australian” and in 1959 the the Murray Valley as part of its ongoing attempts population hit 10 million. to eliminate rabbits. The program was successful, killing 90 percent of the rabbit population. In April 1955, the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories Boom economic conditions enabled the Australian began mass production of the poliomyelitis vaccine, economy to thrive and the new migration with a free mass-vaccination campaign in the program included incentives for non-British following year, reducing new cases of polio to 125, settlers to migrate to Australia. Post-war refugees down from 4735 in the previous three years. from Greece, Italy, Poland, Germany and the Netherlands established substantial communities. In the 1950s nuclear power came to Australia with The overwhelming majority of refugees were government atomic testing beginning in 1953 for Eastern Europeans fleeing persecution from Soviet 10 years, and construction of the Lucas Heights communism. Victor Chang, pioneer of modern nuclear reactor and research centre, 30km heart transplant surgery and Sydney alumnus, south-west of Sydney, which became operational migrated from China, arriving in Australia in 1953. in 1958.

The 1950s saw the birth of the “suburban dream” Universities meanwhile, were seen as institutions – owning a house on a quarter-acre block. It for “public good” and the report of the Murray was an era of full employment, a good standard Committee in 1957 gave government support to of living and family-focused values. Australia “liberal universities” as a necessary measure to became influenced by American culture with confront communism. In 1951, the Commonwealth the introduction of television and pop music. Scholarship Scheme was introduced, enabling a large demographic of new students to The Cold War dominated politics and attend university. anti‑communist fears in Australia led to the split of the Australian Labor Party. Prime Minister Robert Sources: 1. myplace.edu.au/decades_timeline/1950 Accessed Menzies polarised the country with his attempt to 08.09.16. 2. australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian- ban the Communist Party while it played a major story Accessed 08.09.16. 3. Sydney: the Making of a Public , J Horne and G Sherington, Melbourne University role in campaigning for workers’ rights. Compulsory University Publishing Limited, 2012. military service for 18-year-old males was introduced in readiness for another war.

Previous page: Reading room of Fisher Library, now MacLaurin Hall, 1950, University of Sydney Archive, G3_224_1273_1 Left: Scenes from Orientation Week, 1959, University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_0416_2

47 Graduates of the 1950s

48 Gladys Jessie Agius Helen Barker (née Camilleri) BA ’50 MateriaMedica(Pharmacol) ’59

Gladys says the greatest Gladys has returned to the As the only student at the influences on her career were University of Sydney where University from Mudgee High the pharmacy employer to whom she is in her second year of School that year, Helen’s mother she was apprenticed during an arts degree, majoring in made several special dresses for her degree and afterwards to history and ancient history. her to take with her. Helen met a career in retail pharmacy She still finds time to entertain her future husband, a former and the chief pharmacists at friends, enjoys baking for naval officer in the Royal Indian Hallam’s Pharmacies. friends and family, reading Navy, in Fisher Library in 1948, politics and literary fiction, and the library quickly become Gladys is proud of succeeding in and spending time with her a favourite place for them to her profession and owning her own “almost adult” grandchildren. study together. pharmacy, as well as representing She would also like to return her company at Pharmacy Having also completed a master’s to pottery making. Guild meetings. degree in ancient history at Her fondest memory of the Macquarie University, Helen says She spent two years in the University: “The awesome she would also have loved to study Northern Territory before moving feeling of being part of archaeology all on its own. out of retail pharmacy and joining a prominent university AC Nielsen Market Research, A mother of four, Helen still and the immeasurable focusing on the company’s drug lives in Sydney where she enjoys volume of learning it index measurements in spending time with her adult harboured in wonderful retail pharmacies. children, reading, gardening and sandstone buildings.” going to church. A prolific knitter, In 1986, Gladys had a career Helen has contributed more than change to interior design 50 knitted rugs to the Wrap with and ran her own design Love charity, which distributes business until 2007. warm rugs throughout the world to people who need them.

Her fondest memories of the University: playing hockey for the University team and admiring the old buildings on campus. Dr Eleanor Clara Gyarfas, the first PhD conferred at the University of Sydney, 1951, University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_2112

49 Dr Peter Barnard OAM ADM, JP DSc ’54

Dr Bruce Barnes (Geoffrey’s second son) at age two, Peter has a long association with practising his academia, holding a BDS, MDS, DSc, teaching skills on MPH and PhD. his older brother

He taught preventative dentistry and public health dentistry at the University to 204 full-time students from 41 countries. He has supervised more Dr Geoffrey Barnes than 230 postgraduate theses and BSc ’51 MSc ’53 25 of his graduates have become national dental directors in 21 countries. He has presented 138 major papers in 20 countries, published 260 papers and A Wesley College student, Geoffrey was encouraged to 171 major reports to many government continue with research by his honours supervisor, Dr Frank and dental associations. He has also Dwyer, and later, with the support of his PhD supervisor received numerous awards for teaching, Professor AE Alexander (then of UNSW and later of research and service. Sydney), he went on to post-doctoral research with Professor Peter’s father, Colin Barnard, was a VK LaMer at Columbia University, followed by research great influence on his life. He set an with Professor R Sanger at the Swiss Federal Institute of environment of hard work, investigation Technology. Geoffrey gained his PhD from the University and research. Peter first stepped onto the of New South Wales in 1958. stage of the Great Hall in 1936, when his These experiences led to teaching and research at the father received his Doctor of Science. University of Queensland between 1962 and 1974, where Other influences include Noel Martin Geoffrey reached the position of reader. Since 1975, he has who was part of the teaching staff, Dr continued research at UQ as honorary research consultant. Ken Easlick from the University of Geoffrey was an Alexander Memorial lecturer for the Royal Michigan and Dr Erling Johansen from Australian Chemical Institute in 1995 and in 1998, he was the University of Rochester who taught an O’Donnell Schools lecturer for the Royal Australian experimental dental care. Chemical Institute. He was an editorial board member of the Journal of Colloid and Interface Science and on the foundation Peter’s spare time used to be limited due editorial board of Langmuir (American Chemical Society). to working extreme working hours, but Geoffrey’s publications include the book Interfacial Science; now he enjoys Sudoku and jigsaws. He an Introduction with I R Gentle. As a scientist, he believes is passionate about chocolate and happy that agnosticism is preferable to religious intolerance as an when he finishes a project. approach to the supernatural. His fondest memory of the University: The centre of Geoffrey’s life for more than 60 years was residing at Wesley College, which his wife Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Taylor. A student at the Women’s exposed him to different faculties, College and a violin player, Beth caught Geoffrey’s eye and, students, regions, nationalities, sporting some years later, became his wife. After his retirement, facilities and influence from mentors. Geoffrey travelled extensively with Beth until her passing Peter advises today’s students to “get in 2015. Geoffrey’s health no longer allows him to travel and accommodation with others from the family he and Beth created, the friendship of his former different social and ethnic backgrounds”. colleagues, and the activities of social groups including National Seniors and Probus (a club for retired or semi-retired business and professional people) have taken priority.

50 Professor The Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO MBBS ’56 MD ’02

Marie Bashir credits her loving parents’ As a former chancellor of the University steadfast belief in the power of education as of Sydney (2007–12), Marie is well placed a driving force in her own career. Marie’s to remark on how the University can make parents encouraged all of their children the world a better place. to reach their fullest potential through “Since its inception, the University education, and to use what they’ve learned to of Sydney has produced outstanding benefit the world. It was this gentle guidance scholars from across many disciplines, that steered Marie down a path towards whether they’ve achieved fame or not,” medicine at the University of Sydney. Marie says. “The University has always Marie was a resident of the University’s maintained high standards and is a place Women’s College during her studies, and of great humanity. The University will, cites College Principal Helen Elizabeth I believe, continue these standards, “Betty”Archdale as a great influence on her producing graduates who go on to life. Affectionately called “The Admiral” benefit our world.” in light of her service with the Royal Navy Clearly an optimist, Marie is made in the Second World War, Marie says that happy by all the wondrous things she has Ms Archadale instilled a sense of pride and witnessed throughout her lifetime. Her commitment among all the college girls. advice to young Australians is to “do what A memorable chapter of Marie’s student life you can do to help those in need – that’s involves her experiences studying alongside the Australian way”. students from Southeast Asia, who came to Fond memories of the University include: the University as part of the Colombo Plan “Being invited to the medical faculty balls, Scholarship Program. with the boys dressed in black tie and the “We embraced these students during their women in gowns. Most of the graduates time here, and many, on return to their home from my time would remember these countries retained enormous loyalty to the events with fondness.” University of Sydney. It is my hope that this level of international commitment continues into the future.”

A defining moment in Marie’s distinguished career was the establishment of the Rivendell Child, Adolescent and Family Unit in Sydney, which is still active today. With a focus on providing consultative services for young people with emotional and mental health issues, Marie takes pride in how the service has helped in the “regeneration of wonderful young Australians”.

51 Dr David Samuel Bell BSc(Med) ’52 MBBS ’55 DipPsychMed ’59

In first year, David was spurred on by the David has written more than 200 scientific constant refrain that “60 percent must papers and two books – The Assessment fail”. In 1951, passing top of his year in of Traumatic Head Injury in 1992 and anatomy gave him the opportunity to Welcome to the Loony Bin: 55 Years in undertake a Bachelor of Medical Science Psychiatry and the Law in 2015. in Physiology. “Four of us took up the He was a member of the World Health extra year of study,” David says. “We were Organization Panel of Experts on Drug lucky. Professor Peter Bishop had just Dependence, and occupied many editorial returned from overseas and he took us posts. “The frustrations of public service under his wing and taught us the discipline eventually drove me into private practice,” and routines of research.” Peter’s first David says. students went on to different specialties: neurosurgery, surgery, orthopaedics and, For decades David enjoyed harmonious for David, psychiatry. teamwork with the neurological and neurosurgical service at St Vincent’s After the compulsory year of internship, Hospital before retiring in 2016. He is David joined what became the Psychiatric content with the choices he has made Research Unit at Sydney’s Callan Park and his policy of “taking up whatever Mental Hospital, spending seven years opportunity chance opens”. in clinical research. “My first mentor, Professor William H Trethowan, taught me how to write a polished paper, and together we published my first papers on amphetamine addiction,” he says, having stumbled upon the beginnings of what became a worldwide epidemic. “My proudest accomplishment remains buried in obscurity, the thalamic contribution to the formulation of speech.” Right: Badham Building, Science Road, 1950, University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_0139

52 53 Dr John Beston BA ’50 DipEd ’51

John is a self-described “country hick” who did his Leaving Certificate at Parkes High School, won Dr James Biggs AM a Public Exhibition scholarship for the first 100 MBBS ’55 students in the state, and became “the youngest Sydney graduate ever to get honours I in English”. Achieving this at age 19 was the reason John’s lecturer, Guy Howarth, supported an application A high achiever academically and in his career, for a Fulbright Scholarship that took John to James considers having five wonderful children and Harvard for his PhD. “People didn’t get PhDs in eight grandchildren among his best achievements. Australia then,” says John. University gave him a sense of freedom and knowledge in many new subjects, and he went on The Public Exhibition enabled him to choose to pursue a doctorate at the University of Oxford. whatever subjects he wished, and he opted for languages and psychology. “I got scholarships all James established a department of clinical through my studies – a gift from God,” he says. haematology with a strong emphasis on research. “I did absolutely nothing to deserve it, but used At St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, he established it very well.” the first allogeneic bone-marrow transplant program in Australia. He also worked on many John decided to educate himself in French after a grass roots programs in the Pacific region and tough few years in the classroom. “We had 97 in Vietnam over many years. In 1999, James received French I [first year], of whom 33 passed (including an Order of Australia for Contribution to Medical me), then 10 in French II, and six in French III.” Research and Overseas Aid. Perfecting his comprehension of the spoken James has taught many medical students and language through visits to France, John later concerned himself with national and international published extensively in French and in English. issues, but time with his family and friends is his He also taught himself German and Spanish, first priority. James met his first wife in his final suggesting Spanish as the best language to learn. year of medicine. She passed away in 1997, and “It’s easy, elegant, and will get you through James met his second wife, who migrated from the fascinating Central and South American Europe in 2002, at the Centenary Institute, countries. And, should nuclear war eventuate, a world-leading medical research institute. as I think it will, it gives you one of the safest areas in the world to escape it.” Climate change, world peace, poverty, prevention of disease, better global health and education, and He is the author of two books and 150 articles. reduced reliance on fossil fuels are among the big If he were to continue his education today, he issues humanity faces, says James. He would like would study music or psychology. Living in Coffs to see more Sydney graduates debating important Harbour, John likes to listen to classical music, issues such as climate change, care of refugees, write difficult academic articles, garden, look reducing disadvantage, the humane treatment of after his pets and help people “academically or animals and addressing extinction of species. career-wise”. Although in good health, James has set aside his youthful pursuits of cricket, football, surfing and tennis in favour of more sedate interests that include theatre, concerts, walking with his dog, a labrador, and dinner parties with family and friends.

54 Dr Patricia Peter Bishop Birch BScAgr ’57 MBBS ’53

Practising medicine until the “My time at Sydney University “We boys wore coats and age of 76, Patricia spent her and St Paul’s College from 1953 ties to lectures, staged civil early career at Sydney Hospital to 1956 has informed every day disobedience actions for traffic before she and her first husband of my life since,” says Peter, a an lights on Parramatta Road, and travelled to London to continue agriculture graduate. almost all of us served time as their medical careers. Visiting National Service trainees in the Peter recalls SILLIAC, an schools and talking to students army, navy or air force during early giant computer built about health issues, including summer holidays,” says Peter. by the University, had just smoking and sexual health, been installed in the Physics Television was still a rumour, Patricia’s medical interest soon building. Consisting of banks many students were on broadened to psychology, and of thousands of vacuum radio Commonwealth scholarships she spent the last 25 years of her tubes, each emitting different to cover their tuition fees, the career as a counsellor. notes when operating, SILLIAC Olympic Games were staged in Now retired, Patricia still helps was operated by punch cards Melbourne with a minimum of others, teaching English to a (see photos, pages 61, 149). fuss, and wool growing was “an Korean friend and assisting unbelievably profitable industry”. “In their first access to this schoolchildren with reading. modern miracle of science, our His fondest memories of the A mother of four with eight physics students programmed a University: “The friends I made grandchildren, Patricia’s series of punch cards which, when there have stayed friends all my family is an ongoing source of fed into this priceless machine, life. But the real gift of Sydney joy in her life, as is her second caused it to hum Waltzing University was the awareness husband, who she met playing Matilda,” Peter says. SILLIAC of the possibilities bestowed on table tennis. occupied an entire wing of the us all. We were privileged to be building and had less computing there, and we knew it.” Patricia still plays table power than Peter’s iPhone 6. tennis and pursues her love of gardening. She is also involved in a medical art group, through which she attends exhibitions and chats with artists.

55 Dr David Bliss John Alexander BSc ’51 BE(Chem) ’52 MBBS ’66 BA ’92 Brown BE(Civil) ’53

David graduated from degrees in science and Throughout his career, John was team leader engineering, but really recognised the value of on a number of different studies, including study when he started medicine, for which he was mathematical modelling of the hydrology of awarded first-class honours in 1966. Many tutors the Nile Basin; a national water master plan had an influence on David’s life and helped to give for Botswana; and the Red River Delta master him an understanding of the value of knowledge. plan study, Vietnam.

David is passionate about his love for his family, John earned first-class honours in Latin in his his hope for education for all and adequate world Leaving Certificate, undertook an intensive health. The achievements of his family make him French language course in France, and picked up happy, along with his studies and the University’s Indonesian during his many assignments there. influence on his broad attitude and experience of He has a great love of history and biography and has life. A strong advocate for education, David would accumulated a library of more than 3000 books. like to study, read and fly more – and finish his John believes the University should encourage PhD in the field of philosophy, particularly the students in the technical faculties of engineering, thinking of European philosophers. medicine and dentistry to take subjects from the “Never be put off by the challenges that you see Faculty of Arts and says linguistics and history ahead,” David says. “When you analyse them, would have been interesting subjects to study. they are not as threatening as you think and can John’s advice is for people to engage actively in their be overcome with effort. There is much to learn chosen career, but to also develop outside interests, about life at university, apart from the actual marry and have “at least three children!” studies. Enjoy your time as an undergraduate.” He keeps fit through body surfing and going His fondest memories of the University: on mountain treks. John also enjoys reading, graduating from various degrees, especially photography and spending time with his children medicine, his fellowship in the University and grandchildren. football team and participating in the Students’ Representative Council. He would like to see an end to conflict in Africa and the Middle East and hopes that conditions for the deeply impoverished people of India and many African and South American nations greatly improve.

His fondest memories of the University: Being a student at St John’s College; winning an Exhibition scholarship to the University in 1947 is among his proudest accomplishments.

56 Marie June Brown (née Sheldon) BSc ’50

Marie June Sheldon (known as in Kingsgrove in 1963. June June) was born in January 1930 now resides in Queensland Dr Malcolm and attended Earlwood Public and attends the University School and St George Girls High of Sydney Golden Oldies Bulluss RFD ED School (1942-46) before enrolling each year. BDS ’51 at the University of Sydney to Three generations of June’s complete a science degree. June family have attended the graduated in 1950 and went to University of Sydney: her the Royal Newcastle Hospital to father, Mervyn Leslie Gilbert study dietetics, working for the During the Second World War, Sheldon graduated with NSW Department of Health. while serving with the air force honours in agricultural science She travelled between mental in India, Malcolm considered and taught in the Biology hospitals, investigating food dentistry as a profession after Department of the Teachers’ service across New South Wales. he saw a dentist working on the College, becoming deputy footpath in Calcutta. June married in 1953 and principal; and her nephew, resigned in 1955 when her Dr Mark Gilbert Sheldon, After graduating, Malcolm first son was born. In 1959, she graduated in 1988 in medicine. became involved in forensic returned to the University to June’s brothers, Dr Bruce dentistry. He says the proudest study pharmacy. There were Henry Gilbert Sheldon (page moment of his career was when very few mature-age students in 130) and Professor Donald he was awarded Honorary Life those days – especially women. Mervyn Sheldon (page 230) Member of the Australian Society June graduated in 1962 (as Marie are also graduates of Sydney of Forensic Dentistry in 1996. June Steley) and opened Steley’s Medical School. In retirement, Malcolm enjoys Pharmacy and Dietetic Centre being with his family.

His fondest memory of the University: “Meeting the girl at a University function whom I married.”

Marie June Brown on graduation day

57 Sue Camden Max Carey Dr John Yok BSc ’52 DipEd ’53 MateriaMedica(Pharmacol) ’51 Hong Chong MBBS ’59

After graduating, Sue moved The greatest influence on Max’s John studied medicine and with her husband Bill and life was Tom Moore, the local undertook his surgical fellowship three-month-old baby to Taree pharmacist. After Max in 1963 in London. He was Victoria, then Vanuatu. Bill, finished his intermediate school the first surgeon to practise having studied linguistics, certificate he asked Tom for a liposuction in Sydney (and worked to translate the New job – which he got – but on the possibly Australia), in 1981. Testament into Bislama, while condition he return to school. John feels proud to have started Sue worked on the phonemic Max worked with Tom for two “from nothing” to become statement (a transcription years before coming to the financially successful and able to of how words sound). When University to study pharmacy, donate to his chosen institution. Vanuatu gained independence attending classes in the morning If he were to study another in 1980, Bislama became the and working in the afternoon. degree, John would do science national language. Max established a successful and research which, he says, Sue considers her proudest pharmacy of his own in Taree “is the way of the future”. accomplishments to be her in 1957. He travelled by ship The greatest influence in John’s children. She keeps busy to England in 1967 where he life during university was his reading, spending time with worked in various pharmacies father, and after university and her family, including nine before travelling around Europe currently it is his wife, Anne. grandchildren and four with his wife, Joyce. John’s family (his wife, children great-grandchildren, and Max has worked on medical and grandchildren) and good teaching English as a facilities in Papua New Guinea, health makes him happy. He is second language. the Solomon Islands and glad to be financially secure and She would have liked to Vanuatu. He was chairman of he enjoys a good round of golf. continue her study of Taree’s Mayo Private Hospital “Have a goal and try your best linguistics and included some from 2004 to 2007, overseeing to get there,” John says. He anthropology. Her faith, a doubling of its capacity. believes in moderation and the friends and “picking pansies Max counts 60 happy years importance of physical and from my balcony garden” of marriage to Joyce as his mental health. In the future he make her happy. proudest achievement, along hopes for better education, ethics, Her fondest memories of with their two children and and tolerance. the University: the Sydney five grandchildren. He is still His fondest memories of the University Musical Society involved in the local community University: the camaraderie with practices, camps and through the Rotary Club, he other students and his time as performances. At these coordinates Taree’s Bowelscan an intern at the now closed King catch-ups they would sing Bach program, he was an alderman George V Memorial Hospital for motets and cantatas and many of Taree Municipal Council for Mothers and Babies in Newtown. carols. Sue also remains friends nine years and served as Deputy with many people she met Mayor for three. Max enjoys through the Evangelical Union. golf, gardening with Joyce and using his computer.

His fondest memory of the University: graduating with the Kodak Prize for Dispensing.

58 Graeme Clark, right, with Rod Saunders, who received the world’s first cochlear implant, 1978

Emeritus Professor Graeme Clark AC MB ’58 MS ’69 PhD (Medicine) ’70 MD ’89

Inventing the bionic ear for adults Graeme believes interdisciplinary “We’ve got to be able to use and children has been Graeme’s studies are very important and science and the humanities greatest life achievement. would like to see a combination to create a more harmonious “Ninety-nine percent of people of medicine, physics, maths world,” he says. “One of my said the cochlear implant and engineering. greatest passions is to understand wouldn’t work,” Graeme says. human consciousness. There has His advice for today’s students “I have the unbelievable joy been lots of progress in genetic is pertinent: “Pursue your ideas of seeing adults, and children engineering, but no one knows and inspirations as quickly in particular, being able to what human consciousness is.” as possible. There was a race hear the world of sound and between Australia, the United His fondest memories of the communicate. It is also wonderful States and Europe to create the University: “The friendships feeling the gratitude of parents first multi-channel cochlear I made and being involved and grandparents.” implant and, though we won, with committees and bodies. Undertaking medicine, a I would like to have achieved I was very interested in the PhD, and a Master of Surgery it earlier.” Student Christian Movement, in order to achieve his work, of which my wife, Margaret, was Graeme is passionate about Graeme has fond memories of co-president.” science and faith and the Sydney, including Professor relationship between these two Peter Bishop, a physiologist areas. He would like to see a responsible for bringing sensory world of equal opportunity for neurophysiology to Australia and everyone, whatever their talents, paving the way for the bionic ear. and believes, with the advent of “There was the excitement supercomputers, that we have the of discovering, learning and opportunity to do this. studying botany, zoology, and medicine, through to the clinical field and learning about people and how to help them.”

59 Dr Neil Conn AO BEc ’58 MEc ’64

The greatest influence on Neil’s (Honoris Causa) of Northern life during and after university Territory University in 2001. Dr Thomas was economist Dr HC (Nugget) Neil was also chancellor of St Coombs, who was governor of John Ambulance for six years, Connelley the Commonwealth Bank at the admitted as a Bailiff Grand MBBS ’52 time Neil worked there as an Cross of the Order of St John undergraduate. in 2012, and served as the first Australian to become Lord Prior Neil says his proudest career of the International Order of and life accomplishments St John. Switching from dentistry are graduating from Sydney to medicine while studying, with first-class honours In retirement, Neil likes to Thomas spent his career as a in economics, followed by spend time with his family, physician, influenced by the a Master of Economics. improve his computer skills work of a number of mentors and and recapture his previous Neil then graduated from Duke colleagues around Australia and golf handicap. If he were to do University in the United States throughout the world. However, another degree, Neil says he with a Doctorate in Economics he still retains his interest in would possibly choose arts/ (Phi Beta Kappa), serving as dentistry, mostly because of the law to give himself different principal administrator in the intricate work involved. perspectives on the world Organisation for Economic and work. While being a doctor often meant Co-operation and Devlopment a limited social life, Thomas and in Paris for two years, as deputy His fondest memories of his wife, Joan, were blessed with a secretary of the NSW Treasury the University: stimulating bustling family of seven children for four years, and chief executive lecturers, undergraduate – four boys and three girls. of the NT Treasury for 13 years. friends, teammates in representative tennis and A devout Catholic, spirituality In 1996 Neil was admitted as an squash teams, and fellow is at the forefront of Thomas’s Officer of the Order of Australia, soldiers in the Sydney life. He also enjoys a wide range serving as administrator of the University Regiment; and of activities in his spare time, Northern Territory for four years, 14 years teaching in the including swimming at the beach, as territory director in 2000, and Faculty of Economics. walking, drinking wine, playing gaining a Doctorate in Economics golf and cooking.

His fondest memories of the University: spending time in the Quadrangle and some of the other wonderful buildings on campus.

60 Marion Corrigan BA ’51

While Marion’s parents were the greatest influence Above: Assembling the framework to hold the SILLIAC in her life, she enjoyed meeting new friends at computer system, 1956, Sydney and learning about some of the great works University of Sydney Archives, of literature and historical narratives. Marion G77_1_2125 raised five sons in Canberra before returning to work to help educate them.

One of the first women graduates to join the Commonwealth Public Service, Marion first worked in the Department of Health in Canberra and, many years later, at the Australian Archives, followed by the Australian War Memorial. She believes in keeping an open mind and continuing to learn. She supports the University’s high standards.

She is happy with her friends and with God, and is at peace with her family, as she would like the world to be at peace. She spends her time with her family and her hobbies of pastel and watercolour painting, playing bridge and walking.

61 Students on the 1947 Commemoration Day float, From left: Ken Glass, Robert Cumming, Alan Hewson, Lou Goldman, Laurie Georgeson, Robert ‘Dutchy’ Holland (later Professor of Physiology at the University of NSW) and George Repin

John Costigan MateriaMedica(Pharmacol) ’52

John was a member of the “On the morning of the “The procession of more than Students’ Representative procession, the floats were lined 100 floats wound its way down Council (SRC). With two fellow up in front of the old medical George Street to Martin Place, students, Bob McTaggart in school. When the police escort and they survived the day engineering and Peter Aumn in arrived to censor the floats, I without being arrested.” medicine, he ran the Centenary almost had a heart attack at some Now 85, John is proud of his Commemoration Day Procession. of the floats, but lo and behold, daughter, Catherine, who Superintendent Allan was sick “It was our goal to have 100 floats, graduated with a Bachelor that day and had been replaced which we subsidised with a grant of Nursing and his son, by Superintendent Salmon. from the SRC,” John says. John, who graduated with a “With trepidation, I broached the Bachelor of Laws. “We had to visit police subject that some floats may be ‘a headquarters, where little ribald’ and was greeted by Superintendent Allan laid down his reply, ‘Don’t worry Johnno, I the law in a ferocious manner and was in the navy for years before informed us we would be arrested joining the police’.” if there were any infringements.

62 Dr Joan Croll AO (née Holiday) MBBS ’52

Joan was a member of the first intake of the Faculty John Crocker of Medicine after the Second World War. She BE(Mech&Elec) ’53 graduated the same year as her brother Richard, along with another brother-and-sister team, Merran and John Nelson, the first brother-sister combinations in the history of the faculty.

Joan commenced her career as a pathologist in the Northern Territory in 1953. She returned to Sydney to teach pathology and by 1978 was As an engineering student, John was influenced appointed foundation director of the Sydney by Professor David Myers and later by Albert Square Diagnostic Breast Clinic. The clinic Gluckman, chief executive of Bernard Smith Pty became a world-renowned teaching centre for both Ltd, his second employer in the heavy engineering Australian and international radiologists. By the sector in Alexandria, NSW. John gained the 1990s, Joan was a Fellow of the Australian Society esteem of his peers, and chief executives and of Breast Physicians and helped establish Australia’s engineers of the clients he worked with in the breast cancer screening program. mineral processing, petroleum, petrochemical and power generation sectors. Joan married a fellow student Frances (Frank) Croll FRACP, a member of the Cardiac Society Now retired, John spends his time on family, of Australia and New Zealand, and they had four hobbies and in involvement in organisations such daughters. It was on camping trips with Frank and as the University of the Third Age (U3A), which their girls to Perth, Darwin, Alice Springs and the specialises in offering educational opportunities tip of Queensland that Joan discovered her great to people who are in retirement). passion for the environment. John feels lucky to be enjoying good health at In the 1970s she was a member of the Battlers the age of 86. He feels the University could help for Kelly’s Bush, a group whose advocacy saved make the world a better place by continuing its significant green space in Sydney’s Hunters pursuit of excellence. His passion is supporting Hill. Joan is a frequent letter writer to the Sydney people in need and he hopes for a world dominated Morning Herald and she led a team to save by democracies that prioritise sustainable and Sydney’s evening ferries. prudent use of Earth’s resources and respect for all living entities. Joan enjoys visits from her two-year-old great-grandson, family dinners, her holiday His fondest memory of the University: Starting house at Myall Lakes, bridge, lunch with friends, university straight from school where the majority and planning makeovers for her garden. of his cohort were mature ex-servicemen. Her fondest memory of the University: playing the University organ, knitting and doing crosswords at the back of the “barn” during lectures while occasionally taking notes.

63 Douglas Cullen BA ’53 DipEd ’54

Gaining a Bachelor of Arts in 1953, Doug continued at Sydney, completing further studies in education before beginning his lifelong career as a high-school language teacher.

Doug had two wonderful children with his wife, enjoying a happy marriage and family life until her passing.

Now 83, Doug has spent the past 16 years enjoying the companionship of Associate Professor fellow Sydney graduate, Betty Smith William Cumming AM (née Redman) (page 134), who he first MBBS ’54 met at the University in 1952. They met again in 1998 after the passing of both their spouses.

Currently residing on the NSW central coast, Doug and Betty have During his years of clinical studies, William was five grandchildren each and like to mentored by John Loewenthal, and during his spend their time reading, walking or postgraduate study by Gordon Kerridge, both of whom watching television when not with family he regards as remarkable men, surgeons and mentors. and friends. This paved the way for his professional achievements, which include the establishment of the first orthopaedic psychomotor skills laboratory and the foundation and progression of Orthopaedic Outreach.

William still consults on a part-time basis and remains involved in the activities of Orthopaedic Outreach, particularly in Indonesia, where he has been more than 70 times. He is passionate about assisting and reducing the number of people around the world with significant physical disabilities.

William enjoys spending time with his wife and family of whom he is very proud, and with friends and colleagues who share his interests. Exercising and reading a book by the fire are also part of his usual routine.

William hopes the University will “progress the stimulation of formative and original thinking, particularly among undergraduates”. He remembers Sydney as a place of study with educational protocol and standards that helped him greatly. He also hopes for a world where “man’s inhumanity to man” diminishes.

64 Dr Arthur Davies Russell Davis BEc ’54 PhD LLB ’50

An ex-serviceman, Arthur studied economics as Enrolling amid the intake of returned serviceman, an evening student under the Commonwealth Russell progressed in his study of law, completed his Reconstruction Training Scheme, completing his degree and practised law throughout his career. studies with second-class honours in 1954. Russell has never regretted studying law, but if he Upon graduation, Arthur moved into local could give one piece of advice to his 20-year-old self government then academia, obtaining a master’s it would be to concentrate on one thing and be single degree in economics from the University of minded, not distracted. London. He was made a senior lecturer in public Today Russell enjoys spending time with his administration at the University of New England wife, children and grandchild as well as listening in regional NSW in 1963, where he obtained to music, playing piano, reading literature and his PhD in 1972, and was an academic visitor to watching rugby and golf. He is happy to be healthy the London School of Economics and Political and he is proud of his children, two of whom Sciences from 1956 to 1987. are medical practitioners, one a professor at the Now 91, Arthur once again resides in Sydney University of Western Australia, and one a district where he enjoys reading, writing and caring court judge. for his wife. Russell would have liked to undertake a degree in Arthur says his biggest passion in life is history, knowledge he believes would have been communicating with others and his hope is that useful when he was writing the two historical the world will be a more peaceful place by 2050. books he has had published: the first titled Bligh in Australia: a history of William Bligh and A Concise His fondest memories of the University: History of Western Australia. stimulating lectures, reading Honi Soit and the evening students’ journal. His fondest memories of the University: the good friends he made and the joys of learning.

65 Patricia Degens Kenneth BA ’52 DipEd ’53 Dobinson BE(Civil) ’51

Patricia’s greatest career Her fondest memories of Having studied management achievements include becoming the University: the Student and law after engineering, a district school counsellor, Christian Movement, “hilarious Ken made many substantial becoming the inaugural president lectures with Malcolm contributions to the greater of the Australia-Japan Society McCallum in History III”, Sydney area during his 20-year of Coffs Harbour and writing being immersed in learning, leadership of the Roads and several books on the history and and making great friends, Traffic Authority (RTA). Among genealogy of NSW and the ACT. particularly with Wendy his achievements is the delivery of Sturgeon, Patricia Thompson the M1, Australia’s first freeway Patricia loves learning and and Muriel Thomson while through the Hawkesbury River encourages learning in others. on a teacher’s scholarship, Valley, as well as the Sydney Given another opportunity, and with Daphne Degotardi Harbour Tunnel and the Sydney Patricia would have loved to while boarding at a hostel Orbital Freeway. study architecture. in Marrickville. Still passionate about the city, She loves to spend time with her Ken says he would like to see family, writing books, socialising greater focus on “lifestyle” and and reading. She is happiest when how we can create a healthy, with her family. She hopes the liveable city as Sydney continues world will become a much more to grow, change and develop. peaceful place. Ken has been married to his soulmate, Audrey, for 66 years and is the father of three girls. He enjoys being active with family and friends, and loves cruising.

His fondest memory of the University: studying engineering and making new friends, especially one whose friendship has lasted for 67 years.

Patricia Thompson, Muriel Thomson, Daphne Degotardi and Wendy Sturgeon, Graduation Day, May 1952

66 Dr William Valerie Donlon Br. Francis Vytas Doniela BA ’53 Donohoe BA ’54 MA ’56 BAgr ’59 BE

Arriving in Australia from Coming to the University of Graduating from Sydney with Lithuania as an indentured Sydney changed Valerie’s entire a degree in Agriculture in migrant after the devastation of outlook on life. She was inspired 1959, Brother Francis obtained the Second World War, William by her lectures and developed a Bachelor of Education studied under Challis Professor a lifelong love of learning after from Melbourne in 1963 of Philosophy John Anderson exposure to the depth and before completing a Master and gained first-class honours in breadth of scholarship by Sydney of Educational Leadership his Bachelor of Arts degree, and academics. At 82 she is learning and Doctorate in Education a Master in Philosophy. Chinese. If she could go back to from Notre Dame in Western University, she’d study Latin and Australia. A Christian Brother He followed this with a PhD Greek, and would love to try her for more than 63 years, he spent cum laude from Freiburg hand at classical archaeology. his working life as a science and University in Germany before mathematics teacher. going on to teach at university. Valerie went into a career in Following Lithuania’s secession children’s entertainment, for a Today, Brother Francis lives from the former Soviet Union, time as a producer of Play School, in country Western Australia William became a Member which she says was “an absolute where he enjoys reading books of the Reconstituted Senate joy”. She produced several records on Australian history, especially of the University of Kaunas, and cassettes that became gold and on the First World War; cooking where he lectured in philosophy platinum sellers. As a producer on and farm work; and meeting up and aesthetics. the radio program Kindergarten, with family and friends. she beat out TV to win the Hoso Having witnessed the He is also passionate about olive Bunka Japanese Prize for Best geopolitics of post-war Europe growing, working with a small Children’s Program. and the “mutual brutality” it grove to produce homemade involved, William hopes for a Valerie enjoys studying and pickled olives and olive oil. better world, but at the same reading for pleasure. “There are Brother Francis hopes that time he remains a realist. He is so many wonderful writers,” she wealth will be distributed passionate about knowledge, says. “What idiot said ‘the novel evenly in the future, with increased understanding and is dead’?” sufficient food, water and creativity, and retains his medicine for all, and he believes She is happiest when seeing interest in philosophy. He that the University can assist by her grandchildren, staying in enjoys reading, writing and continuing to engage in research touch with faraway friends and research into philately. and offering a wide range family, and reminiscing about her of scholarships. His fondest memory of the University days. “Remembering University: philosophy lectures friends I was lucky enough to His fondest memories of the at Sydney caused William to meet at uni who are no longer University: the friendliness of reflect on his experiences in here, although tinged with the staff and students, being pre-war Lithuania and the sadness, provides many, many one of three Christian Brothers Soviet/Stalinist occupation, happy memories,” she says. studying a three-year course, the administration of (West) “What a lucky life I’ve had.” and trips to northern and Germany by the French, the southern NSW. Her fondest memory of the Americans and British, and University: sitting in Manning their various lifestyles. House, drinking cups of coffee and chatting with fellow students.

67 Mary Dr Kenneth Dr Barrie Eggins Doughty AM Doust OAM MBBS ’50 DipTropMed&Hyg ’57 DipSocStud ’53 MBBS ’52

Mary was a social worker for the Planning initially to study Barrie says his greatest Medical Benevolent Association geology, Kenneth’s parents influence was his father, who was of NSW from 1964 to 2007, encouraged him to do medicine “a constant source of support winning the Melba trophy in instead. He worked with and encouragement”. 1956. She was made a Member medical personnel to rescue Today Barrie enjoys reading and of the Order of Australia in June casualties in South Vietnam “getting the right answer”, and 1997 and has been a member in 1967 and ’68, before going his greatest passion is learning. of the Order of Australia into public service and living in He believes the University can Association since 1998. Canberra for 10 years. Kenneth help the world by “inculcating moved into general practice in From 2001 to 2003 she was ethics and producing honest the 1980s and retired at age 55. chairman for NSW and is now graduates” and he hopes its document archivist. Mary Looking back, Kenneth would the world will become more was also a board member of have liked to stay longer as peaceful and thoughtful. the Epilepsy Association of a reserve medical officer. “I Barrie’s greatest accomplishments NSW from 1994 to 2000. would have travelled the world include getting married and She has hosted the Retired and there were also study having children who all became Social Workers’ Group at her opportunities,” he says. good people. He is also proud home twice a year for the past Kenneth enjoys fixing old of developing a philosophical 35 years. cars and collects King George view of human behaviour and he Mary has four children and stamps. He is happiest when would study philosophy if he had seven grandchildren. Family, sitting outside looking at the the opportunity to undertake along with music, reading trees, listening to the magpies another degree. and her Catholic faith, are and just being calm and at He advises today’s students to Mary’s passions. peace with the world. work consistently throughout “I like to sing at St Patrick’s The University holds a special the year. church hall every Sunday,” she place for Kenneth: it’s where he His fondest memory of the says. “I like to read every day. met his wife. University: teaching him to I am still involved with my old “I saw her playing hockey on become fair and thoughtful. school, orchestral concerts, the physics lawns,” he says. opera discussion groups and the “We would sit there and drink Order of Australia Association. a bottle of Coca-Cola. She was My husband was involved in an from the Teachers’ College.” accident 38 years ago, so life has been interesting and outside His fondest memory of the interests help my sanity.” University: driving his Austin Mini down the steps of the Her fondest memories of the Union building after someone University: the social work had parked it up there as course, the undergraduate a prank. classes and music camps, new friends, leisure time in Manning House and studying in Fisher Library.

68 Dr Robert Everson Dr Ruth Annette Fink BSc ’50 BA ’54 MA ’56

With a philosophy of “always surprise yourself Ruth’s parents, Dr Lotte Fink and Dr Siegfried and don’t rule out any possibilities”, Robert, Fink, were of great inspiration to her. Jewish while head of Biological Sciences at Queensland refugees from Germany, they relocated their family University of Technology (QUT), changed to Australia in 1939. With her awareness of the the name of the biological science division importance of lineage, Ruth undertook research in to environmental science and prepared an Aboriginal community, first in Brewarrina then the department to move in the direction of in the Murchison District of Western Australia. She environmental science. As a result, QUT became also taught anthropology students in both Australia the first institution in Queensland to offer and Papua New Guinea. environmental science courses. Ruth hopes the University will continue to maintain In later years, as associate dean of the Faculty of its academic standards and “not turn into a degree Science, Robert launched a cooperative program factory. Our generation reaped the benefits of with industry, the first of its kind in Queensland. Commonwealth funding of university study and the Colombo Plan allowed Southeast Asian students to Robert’s passions are philosophy and education. study alongside Australian students,” she says. She On moving to Brisbane he was part of a small believes this meant her time at universitywas much group that established a new independent more than just “a necessary step to be completed primary school. before entering the workforce”. “Universities have always made the world a better Being married to a Tongan historian since 1966, place,” he says. “It’s one group of better places in Ruth has come to understand the importance the world. We need to be informed and to learn to of history, and she would study history if given think properly.” another opportunity. She would also like to see a Robert enjoys music and quiet reflection, seeing solution to climate change and global warming, and scientific achievements, and reading anything on hopes that the impending crisis can be averted. cosmology, philosophy and bioengineering. Her fondest memories of the University: He met his wife, a social worker, at the University Professor AP Elkin, Professor William O’Neil of Melbourne, and he has two sons, one daughter and Dr Ian Hogbin for their mentorship, and the and 10 grandchildren. close interaction with lecturers and professors who inspired and engaged her in intellectual pursuits His fondest memories of the University: an and a search for knowledge. excursion to the Warrumbungle mountains and field excursions to Broken Hill; “notorious sherry parties” where students and staff would mix on informal terms.

69 Dr Frank Fisher Janet Flint MBBS ’55 BA ’56

Frank made lifelong friends in Janet fondly recalls her time at the She also recalls coffee in the his first year of medicine at the University, including being a part evening with some of the senior University – the seven of them of the Sydney University Musical students, including former caught up for lunch at least once Society, going to intervarsity Chancellor of the University a week over the decades. While camps in Frankston, Victoria, and and former Governor of NSW there are now only three left, Tallebudgera Creek, Queensland, Marie Bashir, and Judith including Frank, he still meets and meeting other students. Robinson-Valéry, a distinguised up with them. French scholar who became a As a first-year student, Janet world expert on French poet and Frank loved medicine and learned to dance the can can philosopher Paul Valéry. still does, and would not with Lillian Roxon. Lillian have undertaken a different was a member of the Students’ Janet became a librarian, degree. His interests have Representative Council and establishing the library at broadened over the years, part of ‘The Push’ (a left-wing professional services firm Price however, and he has more time intellectual subculture), who went Waterhouse Coopers (now for current affairs, and US and on to become a music journalist PwC). She pursued a Diploma Chinese politics. and write Lillian Roxon’s Rock of Education and a Diploma of Encyclopedia, a cult classic. “I Children’s Literature and was The advice he gives is “simply remember with sadness the librarian at Trinity Grammar keep doing what you’re doing”. announcement of her early death School for 18 years. After Long retired as a specialist in the 70s in New York where she receiving a Fulbright scholarship intensive-care doctor, Frank was a journalist,” Janet says. “She in 1989, she went to the United is still busy. With four adult had quite an impact on us.” States, looking at school children and 10 grandchildren, libraries throughout the US. Janet was part of a protest group Frank has been married for 55 In 1994 she became secretary on Parramatta Road requesting years and is “immensely proud’ of the Fulbright NSW Alumni that a footbridge be built so that of his family. Spending time Association, a post she held for students could cross in safety. with family and friends makes 17 years. him happy. Janet resided in the Women’s One of Janet’s proudest moments College with the widely respected His fondest memories of the was being awarded honorary Betty “The Admiral” Archdale University: Frank had a terrific lifetime membership of the as principal, and vice-principal sporting career, playing rugby Fulbright Alumni Association in Phyllis Nicol, an inspiring physics with St Andrew’s College 2009 by Mrs Harriet Fulbright, tutor. She dined each night in and becoming captain of the widow of Senator J William academic dress on allocated seats ski team. Fulbright, who established at a table with mixed faculty the exchange program that members and year groups, “so bears his name. you learned what the architects, science, veterinary science, agriculture and medical students were studying”.

70 Dr George Franki Dr Lester Fuller BDS ’53 MBBS ’53

After serving in the navy during which was published in 2003 A local GP, Dr King, not only the Second World War, George and sold 6000 copies. He has inspired Lester to study medicine returned to the service after also written about the history but also supported him during completing a degree in dentistry of dentistry in NSW for the his years at the University. Lester at Sydney in 1953, working for Australian Dental Association’s came from a family of limited the Royal Australian Army NSW Branch. means and Dr King helped with Dental Corps between 1953 and his study expenses, for which A father of two daughters 1965. With postings in Japan Lester remains forever grateful. and a son, George’s wife, and Korea under his belt, George Therese, passed away in 2014, Lester has also gained great decided on a career change in but not before they shared 56 satisfaction from being trusted 1965, undertaking a Diploma in wonderful years of marriage. and liked in the communities Librarianship at the University of where he practised. His aim was NSW, where he headed up their These days, George enjoys always general practice and biomedical library from 1970 spending time with his children, he worked initially in a until his retirement in 1985. exercising with old friends and country practice then in an volunteering. He has a strong A keen historian, George has outer-suburban practice. interest in current affairs, written a number of books and reading the Sydney Morning Lester’s wife and family have booklets about soldiers from Herald every day. been a joy to him. Today he enjoys Sydney’s lower north shore who reading and musing on diverse died in the First World War, His fondest memory of the topics, is an active member of and co-authored Mad Harry: University: friendships. his Probus club (for retired and Australia’s Most Decorated Soldier semi-retired business people and about war hero Harry Murray, professionals) and plays lawn bowls. He sailed for many years and was involved in yacht clubs. Walking makes him happy, along with being independent and encouraging ageing people to be more active.

His advice to students? “Focus on the degree at hand.”

His fondest memories of the University: the comrades of his clinical group during senior years and the immense relief of having his name read out in the Quadrangle when he graduated.

71 Professor Katherine Dr Clifford Kwan-Gett Georgouras OAM BSc ’55 BE(Mech&Elec) ’57 MBBS ’64 MBBS ’55 DipDermaMed ’63

As the only Australia-born child of a Greek Clifford graduated with a Bachelor of Science in migrant family, Katherine was proud to graduate 1955 and a Bachelor of Engineering in 1957 before in medicine and to realise a lifelong dream. She embarking on medical studies. It was freshman was the first woman of Greek background to week in 1954 however, that holds the fondest achieve a higher qualification in medicine, namely memories for him: seeing his future wife Joo Een dermatology, and the first Greek-Australian Tan on campus for the first time. Not only did Joo woman to be elected to the University Senate, of Een become his wife, she was also fundamental to which she was a member for almost 15 years. the completion of Clifford’s medical studies and early career. After their marriage in Singapore Gaining an academic appointment at the in 1961, Joo Een worked as a librarian to support University of NSW, Katherine became the Clifford during his last two years at medical school first woman professor of dermatology in and was instrumental in his being accepted for Australia. She was also a founding member of entry to the United States following rejection of his the Chancellor’s Committee. In 2014 she was visa application, as the ‘Chinese quota’ was filled, awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for even though Clifford was born in Emmaville, NSW. Services to Dermatology. In the US, Clifford was engaged in a number “I believe research in medicine such as stem of research and surgical appointments at the cell and genetic research can cure, or at University of Utah. For many years, he worked least ameliorate, many diseases that plague on developing an artificial heart, producing the humanity today,” she says. prototype “Total Artificial Heart” that became the Despite officially retiring 15 years ago, first permanently implanted heart by Dr William Katherine still runs a clinic at the Anglican DeVries in 1979. Clifford counts this, as well as Retirement Villages at Castle Hill, having done becoming a cardiac, thoracic and vascular surgeon, so for 41 years. She is a keen gardener, gaining among his proudest achievements. satisfaction from seeing her roses bloom. She Along with Bill Lew, Warwick Harvey-Smith and also loves writing poetry and listening to Michael Marsh, Clifford was a founding member of classical music. the Sydney University Graduates Union of North Her greatest joy, however, is her family and America (SUGUNA). He and Joo Een have raised she loves spending time with her children a son and daughter who are wonderful, talented and grandchildren. “Lunch at home with all the and giving. family is a wonderful experience,” Katherine Clifford would like to see a world more tolerant says. “Children and grandchildren give me of differences in others, where greater value is the greatest joy – a loving cuddle from a placed on knowledge, integrity and appreciation grandchild is paradise!” of music and the arts. Her fondest memories of the University: Katherine sang the Bach Cantatas under eminent organist and choirmaster G Faunce Allman with the Sydney University Musical Society, joined the Debating Society and competed successfully in inter-faculty debates (but was always beaten by the law students, she says).

72 Professor Emerita Faith Gibson (née Alleyne) BA ’51 DipSocStud ’52 DipEd ’53

Upon her graduation, Faith University of Ulster, where commenced work as a social Norman was the foundation worker in the NSW Child Welfare Professor of Economics and Department before going to work ultimately Pro-Vice-Chancellor, as a research assistant in the with Faith becoming Professor Department of Social Studies at Emerita of Social Work. the University. After the passing of her husband Encouraged by her mentor, in 2014, Faith returned to Sydney former head of department to be closer to her children and Norma Parker, to pursue grandchildren, one of whom postgraduate studies abroad, is currently studying at the Faith was awarded a Fulbright University in the Faculty of Arts scholarship in 1958, beginning and Social Sciences. a Master of Social Work at the Her fondest memory of the University of Chicago. University: living at the Women’s It was at the University of College greatly enriched Faith’s Chicago that Faith met her life and her years as a student husband of more than 50 years, determined her direction in life. Norman Gibson, an economics academic from Northern Ireland. Settling in his home country, both Faith and Norman took up academic positions at the

73 Dr Keith Godfrey AM DBS ’50 MDS ’52

Keith entered the Faculty of At the end of the 1950s, the Dentistry immediately after Department of Preventive the end of the Second World Dentistry was established at the War in a period that required University, headed by Professor some large adjustments. He Noel Martin. During this time, witnessed the changeover Keith replaced Dr Benson as from vulcanite to acrylic the first full-time lecturer dentures, impression plaster in orthodontics. and impression compounds The Department of Preventive and pastes to alginates. Dentistry covered pure “Then, it was ‘stand-up dentistry’; preventive dentistry, dental ‘extension for prevention’ public health, children’s was the rule; chlorophyll dentistry (paedodontics), toothpaste was a panacea; and, periodontics and orthodontics. by today’s standards, infection With Noel’s encouragement, control in dental practice was Keith accepted invitations in woefully inadequate.” international academic and consultancy activities well Keith’s career was assisted by a beyond orthodontics. ‘hobby’ that began at the Dental Hospital. He and a colleague “The combination of these operated a recycling start-up, outside activities came with stripping the hospital’s spent widely distributed friendships, periapical X-ray films to recover particularly in Asia, [and these the lead foil backings and used are] most rewarding up to the them to cast large sinkers for present day.” rock fishing. His fondest memory of the Through his professional mentor, University: the way the Dr Norman Benson, Keith University and faculty helped became involved in a dental prepare Keith to follow his life’s hospital program for children path. “I would do it all again, but with disability. “I had a unique try to do it better,” he says. experience throughout the 1950s, witnessing great innovations in general anaesthesia practices and opening up of cleft-palate care.”

74 Dr Douglas Golding BA ’54

After university, Douglas Douglas pursued his education at Alexander Mitchell, who taught was appointed the inaugural the University of Hawaii with a him “to love the language, not lecturer in journalism at Deakin PhD in Media Studies in 1980 and merely to use it”. University in Victoria in 1968, at the University of Queensland This inspired Douglas’s passion followed by the University of with a Master of Theology in to win the evening student prize Technology, Sydney, in 1975. 2007. His dual interests melded in English and he went on to in his personal life, with Douglas He was part of the ‘battle of contribute to the Australian preparing adult education lessons Queen Street’ over the ‘Anglican Government’s iconic Style Book in religion and history, as well as Press’, and spoke about it, and his for Editors, Authors and Printers. sermons for his parish. experience of Sydney in the 1950s Douglas fondly remembers his and 60s, as part of the Festival He loves social interaction and 18th birthday while at University, of Sydney. discussion-of-life issues with doing what he loves most, friends and students. exchanging ideas with fellow Douglas’s career was directed students and fellow journalists. by two passions: the media and His fondest memories of the theology. He taught journalism University: As an evening in many institutions as well as student, Douglas was inspired working as a minister. by his first English Professor,

1. Graduation, April 1954. Douglas with his father, mother and fiancée. Douglas’s father was in charge of the laboratories in the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine 2. Receiving a community service award, 2015, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull 3. Douglas meeting one of his World Vision-sponsored children, Bethlehem, 2012

75 Dr Veronica Phillip Goldwyn Goldrick BA ’59 DipEd ’60 MA ’69 (née Medak) MBBS ’57

Veronica had 23 years in solo After surviving a labour camp Phillip hopes 2050 will be a world general practice; years filled in Ukraine during the Second without terrorism and one with with joy, sorrow, love and World War, Phillip’s greatest more justice and opportunities friendship; all of which sprang achievement was to come to for lower income groups. “By from her setting up rooms and Sydney, successfully pass all then I hope refugees will be hanging out her name plate. exams for a degree in economics, successfully integrated in their and complete a master’s degree countries of destination.” Influenced by great physicians in political science. such as Ken Noah, Ken Hughes Phillip is passionate about and Sir Lorrimer Dodds, “Attending the University gave good music, a good book and Veronica is also grateful for me the opportunity to earn a stimulating conversation. the guidance, support and living and it broadened and He enjoys walking, socialising encouragement she received stimulated my knowledge,” and reading; in particular, from her husband, Dr Robert Phillip says. biographies and books on Goldrick, who she met history and politics. Given another opportunity, when she was a student and Phillip would complete a degree His fondest memory of the Robert a junior resident at through which he could help University: meeting people Sydney Hospital. people. “I’ve used the knowledge from different backgrounds. If Veronica were to undertake I acquired in economics to “I met one of my good friends, further study she is sure it get into the stockmarket, was Victor Argy, who later became would be medicine again as she successful, and have helped others a professor of economics at would love to “relearn all that by establishing scholarships at Macquarie University.” the years have changed”. different institutions,” he says.

Veronica has a great passion Phillip advises “festina lente”, for music, regularly playing Latin for “make haste slowly”. with both chamber groups “Don’t rush, and consider the and orchestras. She also loves consequences of your actions – reading (“history mainly”), make sure you don’t adversely friends, her dog, and her family, affect other humans.” including three daughters and eight grandchildren.

Her advice to her younger self is simply do what you love and never abandon your desires and hopes.

Her fondest memory of the University: the people she met.

76 Ronald Goodwin OAM Dr Raymond Gordon MateriaMedica(Pharmacol) ’55 BVSc ’54

The great influences on Ronald’s life during Enrolled in engineering, Raymond received a University were his boss, Mr Philip, his registered telegram just prior to attending the University, assistants in Glebe, and his fellow students, advising that he was accepted as a trainee in particularly Bernie Doohan. After university, it veterinary science with the NSW Department of was his parents who assisted him to acquire his Agriculture. While he knew nothing of the faculty, first pharmacy. choosing the course, he says, was the best decision he ever made. Ronald is proud of graduating in pharmacy in 1955, graduating as a Fellow of the Australian Raymond established his own veterinary practice College of Pharmacy Practice in 1992, and being (with his wife as business manager), the NSW awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2005. practitioners’ branch of the Australasian Veterinary Association and the North Shore Veterinary Ronald now enjoys social activities, riding his Practitioners Group. bike and globe-trotting with his partner, as well as spending time with his eight children and Raymond and his wife raised four children. He 17 grandchildren. He hopes the University will played tennis and studied French, and would have continue to produce graduates who are “imbued loved to learn German and Italian. Now retired, with tolerance and compassion”. Raymond keeps active through his association with the Australian Veterinary Association, the His fondest memories of the University: botany University of Sydney and two Probus clubs, which excursions to Cronulla and the national parks, keep him physically active. being amused by lecturer Dot Large and impressed by the knowledge of Sid Wright. Ronald also Staying active and having a partner to share life enjoyed visiting the Union or Manning House, with is most important to Raymond. and his social life with university friends during “I have lost one wife and one partner, and have the holidays. just married my partner of six years,” he says. “It’s essential to have someone with whom to share your life and thoughts.”

77 Dr Owen Graham MBBS ’57

When Owen was a student, times were tough. Most students left school at 15, very few would complete high school, and even fewer went on to further study, which was often in short courses such as teaching or finance.

“My doing medicine was so rare because I did not come from money and it was a six-year degree,” Owen says.

Owen would have liked to specialise, but this option was not on offer within Australia at the Dr James Grainger time, and he did not have the funds to go overseas. BDS ’57 MDS ’72 Over the course of time however, Owen has had many opportunities as a GP to develop his skills.

“Medicine is not just about the money, it is a way to help the world.”

Owen thinks the University should focus on helping less privileged students through Dr Neils Jorgensen from Loma Linda University, providing lunches, subsidised rent and other California, was one of the greatest influences on financial assistance, but acknowledges that it is James’s life. Dr Jorgensen pioneered intravenous doing “a phenomenal job keeping up with the techniques to relieve pain, accompanied by exponentially changing world and staying on compassion and empathy. Freedom from pain and top of digital advances”. anxiety became one of James’s greatest passions, which he pursued in his own practice. Although retired, Owen enjoys keeping up to date with medical journals. After almost a decade working in the UK and developing techniques to relieve pain and His fondest memory of the University: Owen feels control anxiety, James became President of the “very lucky” to have been able to study medicine – International Federation of Dental Anaesthesiology the Commonwealth scholarships had just begun, Societies and was bestowed with two awards – the allowing him to follow his passion. Horace Wells Award and the Yasuya Kubota Award. He was the only Australian so recognised.

James is also proud that his three children are all graduates.

His fondest memories of the University: close relationships with fellow students that allowed the interchange of ideas; playing hockey for the Second XI team; doing national service with other university students; and joining the Sydney University Regiment.

78 Dr William Robin Gregor Greenhalgh MateriaMedica(Pharmacol) ’56 BScAgr ’55 MAgr ’63

Influenced by Dr FT Bowman, “This photograph [below] was “I was apprenticed to a a lecturer in horticulture, taken in 1953 in the middle term, pharmacist in the city, a William won a Fulbright in our first year of pharmacy,” wonderful man who had been Scholarship to study at Cornell Robin says. “The men are at school with my father; he University from 1964 to 1967, demonstrators in chemistry and was a great boss and taught me where he gained his PhD. they challenged us, or perhaps a lot,” Robin says. “I ended up vice versa, to a basketball match. working at Royal Prince Alfred A career highlight was Hospital and, ironically, several becoming the Foundation “Being part-time students, we times was a demonstrator National Chairman of the had very little opportunity to to medical students in their Australian Society for really get to know our fellow pharmacy practicals.” Horticultural Science. students or to take part in uni social life, which was my William encourages today’s great regret. students to study agriculture, and to keep in touch with “I had really wanted to do fellow graduates within their medicine and was awarded profession. He would like to a University Exhibition see Australia become one of scholarship, but my family the food bowls of the Pacific could not afford for me to be a region by 2050. full-time student.

William enjoys gardening and horticulture as well as golf and writing history. Having a project to complete keeps him active and motivated. Below: Robin Firth (Gregor) with other students including Kathi His fondest memory of the Shanahan (Roche), Jeanette University: classmates of the Beekman, Barbara Aldrich (Jackson), Robin Firth (Gregor) years 1951-54. and Sue Davies (Atwill)

79 Valerie Grogan AM (née Jenkyn) BA ’56

Valerie commenced her career as a teacher, She was also an executive member of the later becoming a judge’s associate of the NSW Charity Awareness Committee from NSW Supreme Court. After marrying 1992 to 1993; a member of the Advertising Peter, Valerie devoted her time to Standards Council from 1986 to 1994; charities, and her work was acknowledged a member of the Australian Institute of by an Order of St John in 1990, a Member Company Directors since 1995; a member of the Order of Australia in 2000, and a of the Sydney Opera House Appeal Fund Centenary Medal in 2003. Ladies’ Committee from 1960; parish councillor, St Swithun’s Anglican Church, Valerie’s major volunteer work was with Pymble, from 1980 to 1981; and council St John Ambulance and she became member of Pymble Ladies’ College from vice-president of St John Ambulance 1977 to 1994. Australia, NSW in 2004, holding, among other positions, president of St John First Valerie was founder and president of the Aid Services, national chair of Community Australian Section Tibetan Friendship Care, chairman of State Council and Group from 1968 to 1993 and has been Executive Committee, and president of Vice-President of the Australian Tibetan NSW District St John Ambulance Brigade. Society since 1975, meeting with the Dalai Lama on several occasions. Valerie has been a member of the International Commission of Jurists, Valerie spends time archiving her Australian section, since 1991; the lifetime collection of documents and Australian representative for the Friends enjoys time with her daughter Mandy and of St George’s and Descendants of the two grandsons. Knights of the Garter, Windsor Castle, Her fondest memory of the University: from 1989 to 2014; president of the residing at the Women’s College under Australian Committee of Vrindavan widely respected principal Betty Archdale, Research Institute, India; a council who was the greatest influence on her member of the Dermatology Research life during university, along with Peter Foundation, University of Sydney, from Grogan, who later became her husband. 1989 to 2007; and trustee of the Australian Refugee Foundation from 1999 to 2008.

80 Robyn Gupta (née Williams) BA ’56 DipEd ’57

A teacher intermittently from 1957 until her retirement at Margaret Gutman OAM age 60, Robyn was nearing BA ’50 the end of a four-year working holiday in the UK when she met her husband-to-be, Ram Gupta, a lecturer in Hindi at the University of London.

Remaining in England, the After graduating with an arts “I feel very privileged to couple married in 1965 and, degree, Margaret found work be involved, because it’s an in 1968, established the in radio and media, an area in educational approach to combat Vrindavan Research Institute, which she has stayed involved bigotry, racism, intolerance, which carries out Ram’s throughout her professional and bullying; helping people to passion for preserving texts life. Margaret worked for the understand that evil rises very and manuscripts from his United Nations on scholarship, quickly sometimes, and one has native home in India that may after which she stayed in New to be alert to defend lifestyles, otherwise have been lost. York, meeting her husband like the one we have in Australia,” Giving birth to sons Ravi and there. On returning to Australia, Margaret says. “We have to be Kamlesh, Robyn returned to she became involved in public alert to dangers that can threaten teaching once her boys started relations and community work. democratic society.” school, undertaking a Diploma “My interests tend to be Her fondest memories of the in Teaching English as a Foreign international interests, in University: her history professor’s Language, and teaching adults ‘causes’, in trying to make things wisdom, encouragement and who had limited English. From better and happier, for a variety world view, and her love of there, Robyn began a difficult of people and communities,” history. “I was always interested but rewarding job teaching Margaret says. in international affairs, English to patients from abroad particularly modern history, and at London’s Royal National She believes support is needed to he helped me to clarify many of Orthopaedic Hospital School. make it easier for people with an my views and attitudes.” artistic or philosophical bent to Robyn still resides in the UK find their paths. with Ravi, now a lawyer, and Kamlesh, a psychotherapist, Margaret is a volunteer guide and volunteers in support of the at the Sydney Jewish Museum, bereaved at St Luke’s Hospice, where she has been a member of London. She describes herself the board for six years. as a “keen theatre fan” and although she has reservations about her singing voice, is a member of the Harrow Choral Society.

Her fondest memory of the University: singing with the University choir and the Madrigal Group.

81 Dr Patrick Harvey Dr Allan Healy MBBS ’55 BA ’53

With a successful medical career, Patrick was Allan, who admits to being hard to influence, influenced by “two wonderful mentors”, the first had useful interaction at Sydney with Dr Ian being Dr Alan McGuinness FRACP, a physician Hogbin and Dr Edward Vere-Hodge. But, he says, and “teacher supreme” at Sydney Hospital, where university was largely a “long, hard solo slog”. Patrick was registrar for two years, holding the Though he won an Exhibition scholarship to Sydney position of fellow gastroenterologist. at age 16, for which he is eternally grateful, he had to work to support himself throughout his studies, “He and Dr Edward Hirst, senior pathologist taking seven years to complete his degree as and histopathologist during my five years of a result. postgraduate training at Sydney Hospital, made a great impression on me,” Patrick Following graduation, Allan went to London for says. “Both these men were top of their postgraduate study, which he also pursued on a specialties, both highly knowledgeable, part-time basis. Allan is proud to have achieved very hard-working, inspirational teachers “real learning” and to overcome what he describes and wonderful all-round men.” as “the parochialism of a confined upbringing”. He undertook research around the world, Patrick became a consulting physician to Sydney developing, and passing on, a universal perspective. Hospital and later to Westmead Hospital until his retirement, when he was appointed In 1955, Allan joined the British Army Service in Consultant Emeritus. Kenya during the Mau Mau push for independence. He found this a life-changing experience and Today he enjoys being active and constructive, pioneered mixed-race discussion groups, helping keeping happy company, listening to classical to enable Kenya’s independence. On returning to music and jazz, eating fine food, drinking fine Australia, Allan joined the Australian National wines and maintaining contact “with those of my University where he researched and wrote a thesis friends who are still alive”. Patrick still attends critquing Australian policies, which was subject to concerts and plays, but now finds surfing and wide criticism, and his thesis subsequently became travel outside his physical ability. unavailable. However, he feels exonerated by a Yet the spirit of youth remains with Patrick mission to Papua New Guinea, led by Hugh Foot as he recalls a stunt that he and another (former British statesman), which agreed with first-year conducted – climbing the slate roof Allan’s position, recommending immediate and of the Nicholson Museum one dark night radical policy changes. to plant a chamber pot decorated with blue Allan left his research fellowship at the ANU and ribbons atop the building’s spire. Patrick took an Up-Country Extra Mural Tutorship in blames “youthful enthusiasm”. Sierra Leone. On returning to Australia he joined His fondest memories of the University: the University of NSW, where he was asked to successfully completing a six-year medical lead a movement for Wollongong College to gain degree, and life as a resident of St Paul’s College, university status. where Patrick was elected senior student in Despite the vicissitudes of his personal life, Allan 1953. He is equally fond of his membership believes in telling the unvarnished truth, supported (1951-55) of Sydney University’s First XV, the by argument, regardless of personal repercussions. premiership-winning rugby union team. Patrick was awarded a University Blue for rugby; chosen in the Australian Universities combined first XV, and played one game as a Waratah.

82 Dr John Kevan Healy FRACP MBBS ’57

John won the McMahon Tennent Returning to Australia, John John’s greatest passion is solving prize for Biochemistry in his continued research at Princess medical research problems and he third year and the HJ Ritchie Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. spends considerable time reading Memorial Prize for Clinical His work was published in medical journals and literature, Medicine in his final year, before physiology and clinical journals participating in church activities, going on to “survive” two years in the United States, the UK, travelling and photography. as registrar in the Renal Unit of Europe and Australia. In His fondest memories of the Sydney Hospital, with the “only 2014, at the age of 80, John University: a psychiatry lecturer artificial kidney for the whole of published a review in US journal who described a patient with NSW, we achieved an improved Hypertension, following on a “deluded belief” that he was survival rate of 63 percent from from some of his earlier renal followed everywhere by a wallaby. acute renal failure”. John was investigations, which led to After a psychiatric explanation of encouraged to pursue research an explosion of knowledge of this, the patient was brought into by Chev Kidson, who also had a renal processes. the lecture room, followed by a distinguished research career. John encouraged many young live wallaby! In his second year, In the 1960s, John completed doctors to consider research as a John came second at bike riding in research in renal physiology at career, one of whom went on to the research lab, producing “one the Renal Unit in Georgetown become a professor, prominent horsepower”. He also enjoyed University, Washington DC, in research in the Walter and afternoon surfing in Manly with supported by the postgraduate Eliza Hall Institute of Medical classmates Geoff Harrington committee of Sydney Research in Melbourne. and Jim Field, both of whom are Medical School. now deceased.

83 84 Vince Helby Dr Alan Hewson AM BA ’51 MBBS ’52

Vince came from a poor, Completing his medical residency Alan commenced a PhD in Depression-affected family and at the Royal Newcastle Hospital, history at the age of 85. Now in university felt like a “hopeless Alan went on to postgraduate his 90th year, he has completed dream”. Fast-forward to 1980, study in the United Kingdom, his thesis and is enjoying the and Vince was appointed where he studied obstetrics achievements of his family. chairman of the NSW Housing at the University of Oxford. His fondest memory of the Commission 30 years after Upon returning to Australia, University: “The camaraderie completing his degree in Alan became the first fully that developed among the 700 economics, with his major in trained obstetrician in the Hunter of us in that first year after economics “clinching the deal” Valley and has since made many the Second World War, half in an era when only a few public contributions to health in the of whom were ex-servicemen, servants had degrees. Hunter region. He was involved in some still in jungle greens in Vince remembers that if he the development of the university first year, and getting malaria hadn’t saved enough for lunch medical school in Newcastle and attacks when they forgot their and a tram fare to Petersham, the Hunter Postgraduate Medical Atebrin [medication].” his wife, after evening lectures, Institute, as well as the renowned would wheel their firstborn in John Hunter Teaching Hospital. the pram along Stanmore Road A father of three, Alan is now to meet him at Newtown. remarried after losing his first His three children are now wife to illness. Living by the retired or about to retire. He motto “fortune favours the brave” is proud that they all enjoyed and ever seeking new challenges, success in their chosen fields. His chief pleasure is seeing his grandchildren graduate, knowing that for them and their parents there never was any thought other than of a university education, and never any impediment. He has the same expectation for his great-grandchildren.

His fondest memories of the University: the Refectory (in the Holme Building); the crowded lecture theatres – standing room only for latecomers to the Wallace theatre; the friendships.

Left: Sir William Slim, Governor General, 1953-60, during his visit to the University, 1953; University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_0401_4

85 Greg Hodgson Dr Jann Hunt MateriaMedica(Pharmacol) ’52 MBBS ’58

Greg always wanted to be a Jann completed her Bachelor Professor pharmacist – and with his dual of Medicine and Bachelor of interests in chemistry and the Surgery and, at 81, she still Paul Hockings world of business, pharmacy loves her field and considers BA ’57 combined these two areas. Greg herself lucky to have received became a pharmacist and is a life her education from a great member of the Pharmacy Guild, university such as Sydney. a fellow of the Pharmaceutical She says that despite the hard Society of Australia, and chair of work and stress involved Paul’s greatest influence on his Pharmacy Cricket for Australia. in the course, the great career was David Mandelbaum, Greg and his fellow students companionship she enjoyed his PhD adviser at Berkeley. had only restricted social lives at with her peers made up for it. During his career, Paul has the University, being under the Her medical career included written and edited two dozen supervision of the pharmacist who the role of superintendent of books. If he were to undertake employed them. Orange Base Hospital from further study, he would choose However, he was undeterred and 1979 to 1993. There, she comparative literature. advises today’s students to “set was heavily involved with Paul still writes books your sights on the goal you wish to fundraising for a dedicated and edits an international achieve, and do everything within palliative care unit. anthropological journal. your power and your ability to Her greatest influence was her Paul believes the University achieve it”. husband, Stuart Barrington should promote biology, Greg enjoys cricket and music, in Porges. She is dedicated to her medicine and environmental particular soprano Greta Bradman, family and passionate about studies. He enjoys walking in granddaughter of Don Bradman. the environment. She advises the woods. “She has a beautiful voice,” Greg young people to “keep going – His fondest memory of the says. “I first heard her at the funeral it’s worth it”. Music is another University: “The Sydney service for her grandfather in the course she would have chosen University Art Group, founded Adelaide Cathedral. She sang and she believes the University by Don Levy, Ruth Hansman, from the Andrew Lloyd-Webber should continue with its great Robert Hughes [who became requiem, Pie Jesu.” research and try to understand a distinguished art critic and the needs of each student as a Greg’s wish is for good health, to wrote the seminal history of unique person. live in a safe environment, listen modern art, The Shock of the to good music and watch cricket. Jann would like to see the New (1981) and a renowned He is most happy when his wife world as a much more peaceful history of Australia, The Fatal looks at him and smiles. “She’s got place than it is at present. She Shore (1986)], myself, and one a lovely smile,” he says. “She’s still a loves a good laugh, gardening, or two others around 1954.” beautiful girl.” and spending time with her friends and family. She is also His fondest memories of the still involved with several University: Sydney Wright, community committees. head of the School of Pharmacy, who was very helpful. Another lecturer, Dot Large, once spent a whole lecture talking about the absorbency of cotton wool.

86 Dr Ray Hyslop OAM RFD MBBS ’57 DipGynaeObste ’61

Ray built a successful obstetrics practice, helped develop a successful and efficient maternity unit at Liverpool Hospital and ran a medical team at 2nd Division Headquarters. At Sydney, his studies were helped by several professors including Bruce Mayes and Sir Harold Dew. As a resident, Ray was mentored by Dr George Cummins.

Ray is proud of his four wonderful children, two of whom are also Sydney alumni: his younger daughter Colonel John graduated in biochemistry with a Bachelor of Science and a PhD, and his eldest son with a Hutcheson Bachelor of Arts. BE(Civil) ’51 Ray now looks after his garden, attends Probus, Musica Viva events and opera, listens to interesting speakers at his club, goes boating on Lake Macquarie (near Newcastle, NSW), and enjoys family meals and watching his Professor Miller and Brigadier W Wearne grandchildren play sports. (POW, Malaya) were John’s greatest life influences. His fondest memories of the University: the Commemoration Days of 1951 and 1952; travelling John says being awarded the Military Cross through the city on the back of a truck representing for “minefield reconnaissance under enemy medicine; and carrying a lot of animal bones around small arms fire” has been his greatest inner city streets crowded with office people on career achievement. their lunch break. However, he hopes for a world that is free from military and commercial conflict. John would have liked to have studied law and these days he helps people in need, particularly ex-servicemen.

John enjoys photography, summarising military history and renovating property as well as spending time with his wife and family.

87 Emeritus Professor Mr Kenneth Johnson AM Laksiri Jayasuriya AM BE(Civil) ’50 BA ’57

Becoming a professor of social policy, Australian Kenneth came to Sydney as one of a group of multiculturalism and ethnic affairs at the ex-servicemen who enrolled in 1946 following University of Western Australia (UWA), Laksiri’s the conclusion of the Second World War. He was time at Sydney was fruitful: he achieved first- fresh from a couple of years serving in the Royal class honours in psychology and was awarded Australian Air Force (RAAF) and noticed a a University Gold Medal. Completing his PhD particular drive among his fellow veterans, who at the University of London in 1960, Laksiri did very well both at the University and in their became Dean of Social Sciences at the University subsequent careers. of Ceylon in Sri Lanka before taking up his post The same is certainly true of Kenneth. He started at UWA. work with the Irrigation Commission, where he Now an Emeritus Professor and Senior Honorary had held a cadetship prior to joining the Royal Research Fellow, Laksiri was made a Member of Australian Air Force, before going on to a career the Order of Australia in 1985 for his service to as a lecturer and later as an engineer, designing community relations. He was awarded honorary dams, tunnels and power stations for the Snowy degrees from both the University of Colombo Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme. He spent much in Sri Lanka and UWA, and has been involved of his career at the River Murray Commission, in many government bodies and committees, where he became executive engineer and oversaw a particularly around the area of multiculturalism. period of growth for the commission.

Still residing in Perth, Laksiri enjoys engaging “I retired in 1990 when I was 65, but I continued with family and reading. with the commission for another 18 years in a part-time role – until they realised how old I was!” His fondest memory of the University: the formation of the Australian-Asian Association. His contributions to the commission earned him a Member of the Order of Australia and Kenneth’s passion for engineering in retirement is as strong as ever. He receives newsletters from the American Association of Civil Engineers and gets a weekly update from his former colleagues at the River Murray Commission, where he still puts in his “two bob’s worth” from time to time.

His fondest memory of the University: the friendships he formed with his fellow ex-servicemen, with whom he felt a real sense of community.

88 Dr Owen Johnston Dr Ronald Keir BVSc ’50 BDS ’50

Surprising his father with his Owen now resides on the Dr John McIntyre, the Principal desire to become a veterinarian, Sunshine Coast, and believes of St Andrew’s College, Owen says that even when he was that the University has Dr A Lawes and Ron’s father, studying at the University he “a responsibility to educate have all had a great influence on never actually wanted – or indeed as many people as possible, to his life. After graduating, Ron expected – to become a practising engage them in the wider world, practised dentistry in the same vet. Instead, he had his sights and to assist them to make practice for 46 years. set on working for the Pasture a difference”. Ron is most proud of his Protection Board, which he did His fondest memory of the involvement in getting the water upon graduating, noting that University: “Although I enjoyed in the Hunter Valley fluoridated. paradoxically, “after spending my time at the University, Today his greatest passions are many years learning how to I must say the feeling of his wife and his garden. If he save animals, my first project graduating after many years were to choose another degree, was to help thin the numbers of of study was the highlight!” Ron would study medicine, as he rabbits in the pastures”. They enjoys being involved with, and did this by introducing the helping, people. myxomatosis virus into rabbit colonies, dramatically reducing Ron’s one piece of advice to his their numbers. 20-year-old self would be “work hard and help others”. Coming from a small country town, university was a big change His fondest memory of for Owen. “One distinct memory the University: his time at I have from the University comes St Andrew’s College and the not from my eyes or ears, but my friends he made at the University. nose. I remember walking into the Veterinary Sciences building and almost being knocked off my feet by the smell of the formalin that the faculty used to preserve animals.”

89 Mr and Mrs Alan Kennedy Patricia Kennedy BA ’50

Patricia’s greatest influence was the encouragement of her family which, although poor, made it possible for her to study at Sydney after the Second World War. After gaining her Bachelor of Arts at Sydney, Patricia went to Canberra and gained a Master of Arts before spending two years in Alan Kennedy OAM New York. BScAgr ’50 Appreciating the value of learning and access to knowledge, Patricia enjoyed a career as a high school teacher and encourages students to give their all towards their studies. Nonetheless, she believes young people should also Agricultural Science was a Alan enjoys trips within reach out to their friends, as life is small faculty in Alan’s day, Australia and overseas, not just about university. with students (including swims nearly every day, plays Patricia believes in high ex‑servicemen), lecturers and golf, tends his garden and standards, along with reaching staff “like a family”. Holidays does voluntary work for the out to people and being loving were spent doing agricultural St Vincent de Paul Society. He to as many people as she can. work, including picking fruit, still remembers his father’s She is happy to be able to stay in carting wheat, growing tomatoes advice: “the older you become, regular contact with four people and cutting burrs. the wiser your parents become”. in particular. She reads theology, Alan worked for CSIRO in His fondest memories of the particularly the life and times of soil conservation, a job he University: Alan spent a year Jesus, and keeps in touch with a enjoyed greatly. He was also in studying genetics and cross- religious sister. partnership with his brother in breeding fruit flies. Teamed up Her fondest memories of the farming and grazing. He was with a female lab partner, one University: study and lectures, awarded an Order of Australia of Alan’s abiding memories was being a student and enjoying Medal in 2004, and is proud of his walking in late one day, only the companionship of the good wife for also receiving one in 2011 to have his lab partner yell: friends she made at Sydney. before she passed away in 2015. “Come on Alan, are you ready to mate?” He also remembers Alan derives happiness from his classmate Margaret Campbell, children and grandchildren, and as being “the best hockey player their wives and husbands. His for Agricultural Science in social life revolves around them, inter-varsity competitions”. his friends and his dog.

90 Robert H Robert Dr Donald Kerrigan (Bob) King Kinsey AM BScAgr ’59 LLB ’50 BSc ’55

Robert made lifelong friends at The first lawyer to give a strata Donald is thrilled to have spent the University and he reflects title to vacant land, Bob was his working life in the field of fondly on the times he shared a part-time student and well marine science, completing with his classmates. remembers juggling work a PhD in oceanography from with study. He recalls all of his the University of Hawaii as a After graduating, Robert went professors, who he admired for mature-age student. Donald on to enjoy a long and successful their knowledge and skills in the was honoured as a Member career as a consultant and field. In particular he recalls his of the Order of Australia considers his experience as an conversations with Margaret (AM) in 1993 for his service expert witness in the field of Hay, the secretary of Law, who to reef ecology and to the law to be one of his proudest he thought was lovely. conservation and management career achievements. Reflecting of marine environments, he his keen interest in this field, Bob is still passionate about was instrumental in helping to Robert says that if he were to the law. “I think it’s important set up the ASEAN Australia undertake another degree, he that the University encourage Cooperative Agreement would choose law. its students to be different and in Marine Science and the to think outside the box so Today, Robert is semi-retired Cooperative Research Centre for they can contribute to society and still accepts challenging the Sustainable Development of in ways that have never been professional projects. Clients the Great Barrier Reef. done before,” he says. who enjoy great success each Now retired, Donald is a and every year in response to his Bob spends much of his time passionate advocate of the professional advice make him researching family histories. He University of the Third Age happy, and his greatest passion enjoys sports and classical music (U3A) movement, working as in life is being a successful, and was a volunteer for Marine a tutor in marine science. The in-demand consultant. Rescue NSW for 16 years. He movement encourages retired also cares for his companion, and semi-retired people to take who is legally blind. up studies in a field of their His fondest memory of the choosing for the pleasure of University: everything learning something new. that happened! Married to fellow Sydney graduate Barbara (née Costello) for more than 55 years, Donald lives on Magnetic Island in Queensland, where he enjoys taking on DIY projects, fishing, snorkelling, and building model aircraft.

His fondest memories of the University: “I just loved the whole atmosphere of the University and was fascinated by the newly evolving science of biochemistry.”

91 Jocelyn Kirby Rodney Knock MateriaMedica(Pharmacol) ’52 BA ’54

Outside university, it was She hopes for a peaceful world Rodney undertook an arts degree, Jocelyn’s family, as well as the by 2050 and that the University which included French, history many pharmacists for whom she will assist this goal by educating and music. Having a “ruthless worked, who greatly influenced young adults in professions that professor”, he was relieved to pass her life. Jocelyn worked as a will still exist in 30 years’ time. all his first-year French exams, pharmacist for 50 years – full as failure in one would have Family and music are her two time before she was married and meant failure in all of them. He greatest passions. Jocelyn still part time afterwards. Pharmacy remembers his excellent professor works voluntarily, undertaking enabled her to experience the best of history, John Ward, who was data entry and editing work. of both worlds. later tragically killed with his She also enjoys time with her wife in a railway accident. Music has also been a large part family and friends. She played of Jocelyn’s life, including playing golf until an injury cut short Rodney studied music under the piano and the organ. her leisure activity and she now Professor Donald Peart, the spends time on her computer, foundation professor of music Jocelyn says given a second exploring and learning. at Sydney, played violin and was choice, she may have studied in the Pro Musica Orchestra medicine, finance or psychology. “When my family and friends when they performed Benjamin “Always be adventurous,” are OK, I am happy,” she says. Britten’s St Nicholas in the Great she says. “Be of service to Her fondest memory of the Hall during a thunderstorm. others, within and outside of University: Dr Sydney Wright, Rodney recalls the lightning the profession.” senior lecturer in pharmacy. lighting up the stained glass windows and the crashes of thunder momentarily drowning out the roar of the rain.

Along with one year of Latin and three years of English, Rodney’s time at Sydney prepared him for a career in teaching. He taught at Sydney Grammar School, where he stayed until his retirement.

92 Norman Lamerton Dr Joyce Law BEc ’57 MBBS ’52

Norman met his future wife, Wendy, at university Joyce’s father arrived in Australia in 1921 from a and remembers meeting an old school friend small alpine village in the Dolomites. He spoke on graduation day, John Thornett, who later three languages, was passionate about education captained the Australian rugby team. The and instilled that passion in his children. “Without greatest influence on his life during his time his vision, I would not have gone to university,” at University was his parents and, afterwards, Joyce says. the staff of the United Nations International Joyce started at Sydney in 1945 as a wide-eyed Labour Organization. 17 year old from the country, overwhelmed by the Norman is proud of working overseas, first in vastness of the campus and the number of people. Peshawar, Pakistan then in Jakarta, Indonesia She lived at Sancta Sophia College where she met lecturing in finance in Singapore and working in other young women studying across all faculties. financial management in Geneva, where one of “We pushed boundaries and thought we were very his children was born. He also worked in financial clever, but the nuns prevailed and I am very grateful management in Australia and New Zealand. to them,” Joyce says.

In his spare time, Norman likes to garden, Joyce worked in private medical practice with her swim and play golf with his friends and his son. husband, in hospitals and government roles, until He enjoys reading, sport and exercise. she turned 80. She is proud that her three children are educated and that their children are now His fondest memories of the University: the at university. character and charm of the buildings, making new friends and meeting an old friend, John Joyce loves history, literature and theatre, Hunt. As first years, Norman and John were and shares her father’s passion for languages. runners up in the tennis competition. “A medical degree opened a world of health science, but an arts degree can open up the world,” Joyce says. She believes that society’s best chance of overcoming hatred and ignorance is through education and communication.

Joyce continues the activities she loves, commencing each day with sudoku and crosswords. She plays bridge, subscribes to theatre and ballet, and five years ago, she took up French. She enjoys walking, gardening and getting together with her family and their partners, her grandchildren and now great-grandson.

“So many things make me happy,” she says. “I know I have been blessed.”

Her fondest memories of the University: the amazing and diverse people Joyce met, many of whom became lifelong friends, clever young men and women studying medicine and brilliant professors who were passionate about it.

93 Trevor Lawton BEc ’59 DipEd ’60

Coming from the bush, and having With an unwavering interest in history, experienced the related educational Trevor considers uncovering the constraints, Trevor was proud to gain experiences of Australian soldiers during entry into the University of Sydney. the First World War to be his greatest However, successive family tragedies, passion, retiring at only 51 years of age to including the passing of his mother and his contribute more to recorded knowledge in father’s heart attack, marred his first year. this area. Breaking up with his girlfriend at the same Still residing in Canberra, Trevor time, Trevor’s luck soon turned around and Lynne have travelled extensively as he befriended the girl who would later throughout Western Europe as well as become his wife of more than 50 years, within Australia, with Lynne completing a Lynne. She played a pivotal role in helping 795km trek at the age of 77. him through a difficult period. Having spent many years playing cricket, A father of three sons, Trevor spent his squash and tennis, Trevor is no longer able career in the senior public service in to be as physically active as he once was, Canberra, holding a variety of research but enjoys spending time with his family roles with a strong emphasis on education and having a glass of white wine. and welfare. He served on the National Library Advisory Committee before it was disbanded and was on the front steps of Parliament House during the Dismissal of then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in 1975.

Right: The Duke of Edinburgh’s visit, 1954, University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_0241_3

Peter Lazar AM BA ’54

Peter’s Viennese family escaped Sydney’s Table Tennis Club and Foundation, Peter helped the Holocaust in 1938. Two hours co-editing student newspaper persuade the state government after his father was jailed, the Honi Soit in 1950, the University’s to fluoridate Sydney’s tap water. postman brought the family’s centenary year. On Australia Day 2007, he was visas for Australia. Given 48 “The experience I gained through awarded Member of the Order hours to leave Austria, taking university activities has been of Australia for his services to only what they could carry, invaluable in my career,” says dental health, communication Peter arrived at Double Bay Peter. “I gave up law and took and aged care. Public School in 1939, aged five years to complete arts, but eight, unable to speak English. An Honorary Fellow of the university gave me a great start He attended North Sydney International College of Dentists, to a career in communication.” High School, topped the state in he continues to advise the Faculty geography, won an Exhibition Today Peter is Chairman of Dentistry and is a Director scholarship to the University and of Australasia’s largest PR of Dental Health Australia. enrolled in arts/law. consultancy, which specialises Peter serves on the Chancellor’s in health education and provides Committee, on the Council Peter listened to the advice of strategic communication services of the Friends of the Sydney Professor George Mackaness “to to corporate, government and International Piano Competition enjoy as many extra-curricular not-for-profit organisations. and is the author of three books. activities as possible, but to avoid the political and religious clubs”, Peter is one of Australia’s Peter married twice and now His time at Sydney included earliest television performers, enjoys watching his large directing Orientation Week, presenting a University Revue family making a success of life. writing, performing, directing, on ABC TV, and appeared as He believes “communication and producing revues and plays, panellist and moderator on ABC is vital to every aspect of representing the University panel programs. life”, and encourages today’s in two intervarsity sports, students to improve their In the 1960s, as director of the winning a soccer Blue, founding ability to communicate. University’s Dental Health

96 Dr Jean Valerie Leyendekkers (née Hudson) BSc ’59 DSc ’90

As well as a Commonwealth scholarship, with a double certificate in shorthand and typing from Stott’s College, Parramatta, Jean earned a little money from stenography and nursing at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where she was awarded a Hospital Medal.

Other proud accomplishments include teaching physics at Sydney Technical College for four years, working at CSIRO Division of Fish Oceanography, Judy Lee Cronulla, achieving a PhD in Ion Exchange BSc ’55 Electrodes Solution theory, writing books on thermodynamics and mathematics with Professor Tony Shannon, and publishing more than 100 papers. Jean is also proud of her Centenary Medal.

Jean considers the great influences on her life to be her husband Joost Leyendekkers, an artist; Professor Robert Hunter, who specialised in Reading Nobel-prize winning chemist and physicist physical chemistry; Professor AG Shannon Marie Curie inspired Judy to study science. Judy AM, a mathematician; and Neil deNett, also considered studying medicine and would have an environmentalist. loved to become a GP or social worker, but her parents disapproved of medicine for a girl and, in Jean’s enthusiasm and passion is number theory, those days, a teenager “obeyed her parents”, Judy restoring and preserving bushland and interacting says. However, she considers “marrying the best with friends. bloke in the world and having four kids and nine Her fondest memories of the University: doing grandchildren” to be her proudest accomplishment. experiments in the chemistry laboratory, Judy hopes there will be more cooperation chatting with friends from arts and science in the throughout the world in future and a simpler Quadrangle, being taught by wonderful people such life in which people are more altruistic. “I also as Dr Hans Freeman and Dr George Humphrey hope there will be more awareness about (CSIRO), and the thrill of graduating. climate change and the impact this will have on generations to come,” she says.

While Judy’s passions are her children and grandchildren, she also adores the theatre and ballet and spends her time between family, volunteering (particularly in the University’s gift shop, and with the outreach program Courage to Care), golf and bridge.

Her fondest memory of the University: meeting her husband, who became a senior physician at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, in their second year of university. “We had the same interests and he was my mentor,” she says.

97 Margaret Lowe (née Davidson) BA ’57

From a poor family and Professor Anthony William commuting from Westmead, Margaret came to Sydney in the Linnane AM, FAA, FTSE, FRS mid-1950s to study philosophy BSc ’52 MSc ’54 PhD ’57 DSc ’72 among other subjects. In doing so she became the first person in her family to receive a university education, a tradition that lives on proudly in her family today. She is Tony forged his career in the having spent more than 60 the mother of five children with a fields he calls his “greatest years in the field. He is a Fellow tertiary education. intellectual passions” – of the Australian Academy In fact, it is her family – which biochemistry, molecular biology of Science, the Australian includes four doctors – that and clinical medicine. He was Academy of Technological make her think that if she professor of biochemistry at Sciences and Engineering and ever studied again, she would Monash University in Melbourne the Royal Society in the UK. choose medicine. from 1965 to 1994 and was Currently living in Melbourne’s made director of the Centre for Now nearly 80 and living on the inner east, Tony enjoys reading, Molecular Biology and Medicine far north coast of NSW, Margaret horse racing and savouring in 1983. is happily independent. An great-tasting wines. avid reader, she also gets great Remaining director when the His fondest memory of the joy from looking out at both centre shifted away from the University: the challenge of the coastline and countryside University in 1996, Tony is still undertaking a PhD. near where she lives and finds involved with the centre today, happiness in loving and being and has a wealth of knowledge, loved by her wonderful children.

Her fondest memory of the University: “The jacaranda in bloom,” she says. “Sitting in the old Fisher Library above the Quadrangle discovering the magic of Elizabethan dramatists like Marlowe. The sound of the Carillon, and the gargoyles.”

98 Dr Noel Lucas Dr William James MBBS ’54 (Jim) Mackie BDS ’54 MDS ’60

Noel was part of the first surgical team to Jim ascribes his successful career to “being in the visit Vietnam in 1966 and 1967 and has had right place at the right time”. Born 84 years ago many career highlights. They include being an to parents who experienced the First World War outpatient department registrar at the Royal and the Great Depression, Jim was too young for North Shore Hospital in Sydney and a surgical the Second World War and too old for Vietnam. registrar at the Remote Area Health Corps. He Matriculating in 1948, he enrolled in dentistry taught nurse education at both Bathurst District the following year despite a vocational guidance Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital in that town. report that suggested “dentistry might be a He has covered a wide range of medicine during little ambitious”. his career, including surgery, obstetrics, general Fortunately Jim opted for the course, spent practice, and positions of honorary medical four years at Wesley College and distinguished officer and visiting medical officer in Bathurst himself in the college cricket team, later as an until his retirement at age 73. Old Collegian, and the University’s cricket club, Noel is passionate about participating in the winning a University Blue in 1954. Graduating contributions of his family as it grows and from dentistry in the same year, he was appointed develops. He has many hobbies and enjoys resident dentist at Royal Newcastle Hospital swimming, surfing, skiing and sailing with his and became interested in orthodontics. family. He also enjoys gliding and power flying, Cricket and orthodontics continued to guide him woodcraft, model aircraft, tennis, golf and as he travelled to Sydney each week to attend camping. It gives him satisfaction to see other postgraduate courses and cricket practice. The people happy and fulfilled, particularly his family two activities proved serendipitous; William met members, who continue to achieve their goals and Dr RY (Bob) Norton, a prominent orthodontist and contribute to the success and happiness of others. distinguished cricketer. Bob invited Jim to join him “In the future I hope the world has a positive view in the practice as his preceptor. This invitation led to universal world peace,” he says. to a successful relationship in both the practice and on the cricket field. “I also hope there is a positive response to climate changes, a tolerance of cultures and religions, Jim served the University cricket club as and equality of individual opportunity. It is vice-president, president and eventually as patron, important to appreciate the richness of our lives, and says that “cricket has allowed me to visit several and not the material side,” he says. other countries in association with international orthodontic congresses”. He became the Australian His fondest memories of the University: studying Orthodontic Society secretary, vice chairman and basic sciences and the study of embryology, chairman of the 1987 Congress, and was honoured physiology, pathology and pharmacology and the with life membership before retiring. sporting events, including boxing and rugby. Jim married in 1957, and he and his wife have enjoyed long and lasting friendships through the congresses they have attended.

99 Arch Mackinnon Dr Peter H John Mandelson BSc ’53 Makinson BE(Chem) ’50 BDS ’51

Arch attended the University Peter was a dental student in John was immediately impressed in the later years of the New the post-war years, and the ex- with his first boss Maurie Ward, England University College. servicemen undertaking their Chief Engineer at Imperial He commenced his studies just studies at the same time defined Chemical Industries of Australia before his 16th birthday and his student experience. and New Zealand, Ammonia lived in the residential halls Synthesis (Haber Bosch) Plant in Professor Alwyn James Arnott with about 250 other students. Melbourne. Maurie told John that led the Faculty of Dentistry Studying science, he fondly he would teach him everything and had the unique challenge remembers playing chess and he knew, and on that basis if John of managing the growing card games with fellow students was able to replace him then good student population of the time. in his spare time, as well as tennis luck to him. John thinks one could Peter recalls being taught by and table tennis. Working as a not get a better glimpse of loyalty people who had graduated only lecturer early on in his career, than that exchange. a few years before him, and of Arch eventually moved into IT graduating alongside hundreds As a young engineering graduate, administration, negotiating the of classmates. John thinks there was no more purchase of the first computer in diverse industry. He converted western Victoria. During his studies, Peter chemical substances and gases operated at the United Central His biggest success, however, into things like anhydrous Hospital (now known as Sydney is his “amazing family”, which ammonia, nitric acid, explosives Dental Hospital), during the includes his four children, and ammonium nitrates, construction of the new Central eight grandchildren and three and recovered power from train line. He remembers great‑grandchildren, as well as high‑pressure gas. regular inspections of the wife of 60 years, Iris. progress of blasting by the Dean John regards physics and the Now living on the NSW south and how every so often someone study of matter as interesting coast, Arch is happiest playing would lose dentures down the subjects to study for a degree. He lawn bowls, reading and seeing big hole outside the hospital. is happiest when he is with his family and friends. family and practising his pastime Peter considers his time at of painting and drawing. His fondest memory of the Blacktown District Dental University: running a book Hospital, where he helped with on races, starting with the accident work, to be one of his 1950 Melbourne Cup. proudest career achievements.

Peter enjoys life “just as it Below: Iris and Arch Mackinnon comes” and likes to keep in with their granddaughter, Alexandra Ball, on her graduation in midwifery touch with younger generations. from Canberra University in 2013. He also enjoys time with his She is wearing the gown and trencher wife, connecting with relatives Arch wore at his graduation on 1953. These were also worn by Alexandra’s and researching family history. mother when she graduated from the University of New England in 2003 Peter hopes for a future that is peaceful and democratic, and believes the University has a role in providing students with a higher education that will benefit the wider community.

100 Dr Richard Manning BEc ’58

Richard’s greatest passion in He hopes for a more peaceful life is teaching and says his wife, world by fostering a more Vasilia Margetis Judith, has had the most influence inclusive global approach that MateriaMedica(Pharmacol) ’53 for good on his life, career and builds on the best of what each family. He believes that without individual, group, ethnicity, her determination and support, township, state and nation he would never have studied or can offer. worked overseas. He counts himself as “very After graduating, Richard fortunate to have had a mentor” Vasilia served on the Students’ worked for the World Bank, when he was 20, who told him Representative Council as spending three years in Indonesia that there was nothing he could the pharmacy representative, and being part of a team of not do if he put his mind to it. gaining valuable leadership senior managers that created “It may sound clichéd, but every skills that would hold her in good the Australian International young person needs to be told stead when she later started her Development Assistance this by someone they respect,” own pharmacy. organisation (later called AUSAid Richard says. and now based within the Running her business for more Since his retirement Richard, Department of Foreign Affairs than 40 years, Vasilia made many in addition to many other and Trade). friends in the local community. community service projects, She joined her local musical Richard went on to further is a crew member of his local society, where she was lead study, gained a PhD, and unit of Marine Rescue NSW soprano in many productions. held the position of principal and enjoys being surrounded by She also put her great voice to agricultural economist in the family and friends. good use as a wedding singer. World Bank’s training division, His fondest memory of the running programs in many Living in Sydney’s north, University: the wonderful countries including Africa, Vasilia enjoys grappling with teaching, stimulating China and India. challenging problems, including opportunities for personal contemporary politics; as well as research into Australian meeting with friends, listening to economic history and the music, reading and gardening. camaraderie of the Sydney University Regiment. She likes to stay up to date with current developments in pharmacy through the Pharmacy Guild.

Her fondest memory of the University: “During a prac class to make pills, Professor Wright came around to look at our efforts and remarked that mine looked good, but would I like to play billiards or golf with them?”

Richard and Judith Manning

101 Geoffrey Andrew Markham BE(Civil) ’58

Geoff served in the Royal graduate of the University, having Australian Engineers (RAE) completed a Master of Education. for five years and undertook He is proud of his twin daughters, design and construction of roads, one graduating with honours in military buildings, bridges and an science before undertaking a PhD airstrip, in Sydney, Brisbane and in Canberra in organic chemistry. Papua New Guinea. His other daughter graduated as an architect with honours from After leaving the RAE, he joined Western Sydney University the consulting engineering and is currently practising in practice of Taylor Thomson Melbourne. Two of Geoff’s Whitting (TTW). Dick Taylor, granddaughters are also studying the founding partner of the at the University of Sydney, one practice, was a mentor to Geoff in in marine biology and the other in his early days and he served with biomedical engineering. it for 28 years, gradually working his way up to become an associate, Now retired, Geoff enjoys family director and finally managing functions, keeping his mind director and chairman. active and travelling. He also enjoys tennis and keeps active by NSW Parliament House, the going to the gym and walking. redevelopment of the NSW State Library and the earlier modern His fondest memories of the stages of the Art Gallery of NSW University: “Surveying on the were just some of the projects Nepean River at a place called Geoff undertook while at TTW. Yarramundi – during star observations, we saw the Aurora Shortly after completing his Australis. Another memory was a honours year, Geoff married his professor who locked out students wife, Margaret, who is also a who were late for his lectures.”

Top: Geoff is presented with the Engineering Prize at Duntroon by Field Marshall Sir William Slim, Governor-General of Australia (1953-60) Second from top: View of NSW Parliament House from the Domain Above: State Library of NSW Left: Graduation Day, 1958

102 Barbara Ivy (Murphy) Marks BDS ’53 MDS ’61 MA ’94

After taking her Leaving Certificate at Fort Street On graduating, Barbara was offered a tutorship in Girls’ High School, Barbara became a dental prosthetics, progressing to lecturing, and gaining assistant at Ashfield. In 1953 she became one of only her master’s degree in dentistry along the way. seven females to graduate in dentistry. “These were the days before maternity leave, so I resigned with the birth of my son in 1964.” For the “The practice focused on removing badly decayed next 10 years she tutored, lectured and established teeth, with five technicians kept very busy in a specialist practice as a prosthodontist. “It was making prosthetics,” Barbara says. Barbara always my aim to help people to eat, speak and persuaded her parents to let her undertake laugh, as one can do with a natural dentition.” dentistry at the University of Sydney in 1949 – “a fortuitous decision” – studying at the United Retiring in 1990, Barbara returned to the Dental Hospital under the “feared supervision of University to study arts, with Professor Alan Crown Dean Gil Arnott”. (of Dead Sea Scrolls fame) as her mentor.

It was the era of the late 40s and early 50s that Her fondest memory of the University: Gil Arnott ushered in preventive dentistry – and fluoridation was renowned for quietly stealing up behind a of tap water. As a result, Australians now have student and criticising whatever he or she was 50 percent less tooth decay. University of Sydney doing. In one famous incident, the dean observed dental graduates led the charge by forming a student mixing an amalgam by grinding the the Dental Health Foundation, which actively material in one hand with the thumb of the other. promoted these public health measures. “Good Lord!” said Arnott, “What about the bacteria?” The quick-witted student replied: “It’s OK, I’m grinding ‘em to death, sir.”

103 Lloyd Melhuish BA ’50

Lloyd attained a Bachelor of Arts from Sydney and a Master of Economics and Public Administration from Canberra. A statistician at heart, Lloyd spent much of his working life as a computer programmer for the Australian Bureau of Statistics. “Statistics is fascinating once you Dr Albert McKay get into it,” he says. MBBS ’57 However, Lloyd has also been enjoying his time after retirement. He has recently completed a physics course at the University of the Third Age (U3A) and will soon be starting courses on astronomy (which he As a boy from the bush, the first In his spare time Albert enjoys finds intriguing), chemistry and impression the University made gardening, writing poetry literature. He counsels young on Albert was architectural. and spending time with his people to “be careful” with their He admired the stained glass family. His children and his academic decisions. windows, vaulted ceilings and grandchildren are his greatest Other than studying, Lloyd the spires of the University’s accomplishments. He retains enjoys reading literature, grand buildings. Given the an enthusiasm for learning, including the works of Thomas chance again, Albert would study assuming the role of student Hardy and Boris Pasternak, and architecture, and dreams about again at Corpus Christi College, watching DVDs of plays. constructing cathedrals from Oxford – at the age of 80. glass. Twenty years ago, he built “The older I become, the more Having seen so much progress, a bridge across a man-made lake I think it is important to have Albert doesn’t know what to – the bridge is still there today. good food, good health and good expect of the future. “One personal relationships,” he says. Instead, Albert studied medicine, thing is for sure, the University working as an ophthalmologist will be there in 100 years, as His fondest memory of the in several teaching hospitals it is today, at the forefront of University: Lloyd was part in Australia and abroad, while scientific acclaim.” of a closely knit group within concurrently serving as Group the French and German His fondest memory of the Captain in the RAAF. Albert departments. They organised University: the day in Manning has seen many developments in bush walks, parties and other House when he met the woman medical research in his lifetime, social gatherings. who would become his wife. from the eradication of smallpox and the discovery of the structure of DNA to heart transplants and cochlear implants.

104 Josephine Mercer Emeritus Professor BA ’55 Jacques Miller AC FRS FAA BSc(Med) ’54 MBBS ’56 MD ’86

Josephine ‘Jo’ Mercer says Signora Tedeschi of A distinguished research scientist, some of Jacques’ the Italian department had the greatest influence greatest accomplishments include discovering on her life during and after university, inspiring the immunological function of the thymus, her with a love of the language and culture. which was published in the Lancet journal, and “I was nominated for an Italian government identifying the two major lymphocyte subsets scholarship by the department, which took me of T and B cells. This discovery was published to Rome for two years. This led to 11 years with in the Journal of Experimental Medicine. His the Australian Department of Immigration, landmark findings in immunology are considered the Committee on Overseas Professional crucial to the understanding of diseases such Qualifications and eventually a law degree from as cancer, autoimmunity and AIDS, as well as the University of Queensland.” processes such as transplant rejection, allergy and antiviral immunity. Today she lives in Adelaide, enjoying “a smile on my husband’s face, a baby’s laugh, a glass of During university, Professors Rodney Shearman good red, catching a fish and seeing the moon on and Patrick de Burgh influenced Jacques, and the water”. afterwards Professor Sir Peter Medawar (Nobel Laureate, London) and Professor James Gowans Jo loves visiting Sydney to catch up with her sister (London and Oxford) were positive influences and family – most of whom are also University of on Jacques. In Australia, Jacques became a Sydney graduates. “We grew up in Coogee and I research group leader at the Walter and Eliza Hall like to be within hearing distance of the waves,” Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne, at the she says. invitation of then director, distinguished biologist “Refugees are my current concern,” says Jo, and Professor of Medical Biology, Sir Gustav Nossal whose passion is to share wealth equitably. “Not (see page 111). just economic wealth, but all the riches we have If he were to study for another degree, Jacques inherited, with those in deprived circumstances. would choose astronomy, as he is “very interested That is our common humanity.” in physics and space exploration”. Jacques is Jo believes the University could make the world passionate about science, although his hobbies a better place “by increasing the availability of include art, classical music, Shakespeare, travel courses which bring greater understanding and and photography, and he has exhibited his own respect for other cultures and other people”. art in Melbourne.

Jo is currently studying Mandarin. “Language “Do not worry about criticism from others if opens the mind to another culture, another way you have reported your own data properly,” says of thinking,” she says. “I find it fascinating – Jacques. “I also hope that in the future people will difficult, but worth the effort.” have understood that violence never achieves its goal and that we must take great care of planet Her fondest memories of the University: tutorials Earth, our only home.” with Signora Tedeschi, lectures by Professor Mitchell on Victorian poet Gerard Manley His fondest memory of the University: his science Hopkins and by Professor Milgate on Chaucer, year with Professor de Burgh. coffee at Manning House, being on the Students’ Representative Council, going to balls, basking in the sun in the Quad, and keeping warm in Fisher Library.

105 Right: Students Dr Philip Betty Moore entering Veterinary Science Building, BSc ’56 MSc ’57 1950, University of Minter AM Sydney Archives, BSc ’51 G3_224_0848

Professor Anthony Woodhill was Betty was the first person in her for the 80 metre hurdles. She one of the greatest influences wider family to go to university still loves athletics, serving as on Philip in his honours year, and her time at the University a technical official at Athletics suggesting that Philip’s thesis of Sydney opened up a whole NSW every weekend from could be on musca vetustissima new world of knowledge to her. September to March. – the common bush fly – as only She loved her time with the “I coach young athletes to become one other person had studied it. Chemistry Department, and faster, stronger hurdlers, who love Philip gained a PhD in agricultural would have liked to do a PhD, the thrill of the race,” she says. extension. He accepted a but research jobs for women “I would love every young person to directorship from the United were scarce at the time “because realise they can achieve anything if States Department of Agriculture they were going to get married they really apply themselves.” and stayed in the US for most of his and leave to have babies”. professional life. In her spare time, Betty attends During her time at the church activities, reads, and Some of Philip’s proudest University Betty discovered volunteers at a playgroup for accomplishments were being she was a very good athlete. She young mothers who are new to elected president of SUGUNA and her friends reconstituted Australia. She is very close to her (Sydney University Graduates the Sydney University Women’s family and still makes time for a Union of North America) for three Athletics Club and she went to big family dinner every Sunday. terms as president of the British intervarsity meets every year Officers’ Club of Philadelphia. from 1952 to 1956, as well as Her fondest memory of the He was the only Australian to being selected to represent University: Betty and her friends be elected in its 97-year history. Australian universities against entered Sydney’s first team in a He was also director of the Royal New Zealand. Accompanying prestigious interclub competition Heritage Society, which manages her husband to Manchester – and moved from D-grade to an historical house in Fairmount for his PhD in 1957, she A-grade within a year. Park, Philadelphia, where competed for Great Britain in Philip organised an exhibition international athletics, winning of the Australian Bicentenary. two silver medals at the 1962 After serving as president of Commonwealth Games and the Australian Chamber of breaking the world record Commerce in Philadelphia, Philip was elected national president of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in 14 cities of the US.

In retirement, he enjoys writing.

His fondest memory of the University: at the end of his second year in the Department of Zoology, his class was taken to Brampton Island off Mackay to study marine life. While there, the group wrote a daily paper called the Brampton Echinoderm and had a lot of fun. Left: Betty with her parents at graduation Right: Hurdling in 1960

106

John Mulford BEc ’52

John’s career highlight has been Ian Muir establishing his multicultural BEc ’59 manufacturing and distribution business, Mulford International. The business had offices in Australia, New Zealand, China, Indonesia and India.

John’s father was a great source of inspiration. He had been deprived Ian was the founder and chief “There is no point in wondering of a university education due to executive of OzTAM, a leading how different decisions might being enlisted in the Australian market research and media have changed things. It’s Imperial Force (AIF) during the audience measurement firm. He important to be happy in the First World War. Although he later continued in television and moment and to be thankful for lost his leg at only 19, he had a other media and is most proud what you have.” highly successful life and he made of the memoir Media Matters, His fondest memories of the it possible for John to attend the published in 2013. University: meeting new University in the days before Today Ian enjoys travelling both friends. While he found it Commonwealth scholarships, domestically and overseas and challenging to balance his after the Second World War. watching his grandson grow up. studies with full-time work, the John’s advice for today’s students He plans to keep travelling for as dual streams of influence of both is to strive for balance in all long as his body holds together. the ‘real world’ and academia things. “Work hard on being were rewarding. Henry Mayer “Young students should do as organised and allocate time and was also influential on Ian. As a many degrees as possible and priorities carefully,” he says. lecturer in government, Henry’s not be fixed on where and what enthusiasm and energy inspired His fondest memory of the field you would like to work Ian to think and engage in University: becoming friends in,” Ian says. “Life is a series of the topic. with a number of fellow accidents – not a plan you can students, many of whom were make and deliver.” repatriation students rebuilding their lives and careers after serving in the Second World War. They were very committed and, as the youngest student, John received a lot of mature guidance from them.

108 Dr Edward Alex Neil Marjorie Niccol (Frank) Munro BA ’50 DipEd ’51 (née Rider) MBBS ’54 BA ’51

Graduating in 1954, Frank Alex is particularly proud of Marjorie began her university followed his degree with preparing a Sunday school studies when the Menzies work at a country medical syllabus for teaching children federal government was practice before moving to the (aged six to 12 years) much of reforming funding of the higher remote Kimberley region in the Old and New Testaments. education sector, paving the Western Australia to practise This included 246 lessons; way for more people like her to medicine there. Leaving the each with a suggested outline afford a university education. Kimberley for Darwin, he went for the teacher to follow and Marjorie had a great thirst on to work in the war zones 246 illustrated work sheets for for knowledge and enjoyed of the Middle East and Cairo, pupils to use. the University as it offered an before becoming the Director In addition, Alex produced a atmosphere of learning and of Health Service in the 250-page scriptural analysis encouraged thinking. She hopes Department of Veterans Affairs. of 33 chapters of Christian the University will continue Now 78, Frank resides on the knowledge summarised into to insist on high standards lower north shore of Sydney the Westminster Confession and fight against censorship of where he enjoys spending time of Faith. free speech and the resulting with his wife, children and political correctness. She would Challis Professor of History grandchildren, and indulging like to see a world “less like J M Ward (who would become in his hobbies of sailing and George Orwell’s 1984”. Vice-Chancellor from 1981 model-making. to 1990), was a great mentor Having raised four children, He hopes the world can achieve for Alex “for his academic Marjorie would like to see a some degree of peace by 2050 brilliance, phenomenal memory strengthening of the traditional and would be very happy to see and unfailing courtesy in family unit and for parents to his longevity continue. thanking those who assisted develop a greater awareness him in any task”. of their responsibilities in His fondest memory of the raising children, especially University: “The extremely Alex enjoys exercise in order to in the early years. hard work that the University maintain his physical health and demanded of me.” reading to exercise his mind. He Marjorie spends her time also likes to visit isolated people reading, filing newspaper in aged care and helping to cuttings on social change, maintain his son’s garden. playing tennis, maintaining her close involvement with her Alex’s advice to his 20-year-old family and socialising with self would be to “read more old friends. widely, especially historical explorations of the various continents and countries”.

His fondest memories of the University: sharing experiences with other students over lunch and the privilege of hearing the lunchtime organ recitals in the Great Hall.

109 Alison Nicholls BScAgr ’57

Alison graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) and worked as an entomologist Marie Christina Nicholls on protecting Australian stored grain from BArch ’59 insect infestation.

Following company training with Cooper, McDougall & Robertson in the UK, Alison started the first grain protectant trials in all Australian states (except Tasmania).

Alison’s family has had a long association with the Graduating with an architecture degree, Marie University; her mother completed a Bachelor of married in the same year, and started her own Science degree during and after the First World architecture practice, PI & MC McCelland, with her War, and her daughter and son are both graduates husband, Phillip. The practice, which operated until in agriculture from the University. She hopes the their marriage ended in 1994, undertook a wide University will continue to nurture students as range of projects, continuing the Nicholls family’s well as it has always done. contribution to Australian architecture and design. Marie’s father, Eric Milton Nicholls, was a partner Alison has taken to learning about her elusive of Walter Burley Griffin (renowned for designing ancestors, “to bask in the glow of the various Canberra), and through this partnership became exploits of folk previously unknown to me”. One the architect of Caltex House on Sydney’s Kent relative, she says, arrived in Boston from Scotland Street. He was also the driving force behind the with only one penny – that being donated by a founding of Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School, of fellow immigrant. This distant relative became which Marie served as board director for 28 years. a community leader and great benefactor in his adopted country. A proud mother of four sons – Philip, Neil, Glen and Graeme – Marie has nine grandchildren, including Alison now enjoys spending time with her one currently studying music at the University, and eight grandchildren and marvelling at another studying psychology. She also has three their achievements. great-grandchildren who she adores. “I have huge respect for self-sown plants in our Although she feels there’s never enough, Marie’s garden,” she says. “One of my great grandfathers countless hobbies include going to art galleries, dared to grow ‘love apples’ in his Hampshire lectures and family activities; reading, knitting and glasshouse in the early 20th century. Our love gardening; and outings with friends. apples come in various shapes and sizes, from Tom Thumb to Roma varieties of tomatoes.” Marie hopes the future will be a time of developed human consciousness that will strive to fulfil basic Her fondest memories of the University: needs for all. She advises today’s students to listen Dr Tony Woodhill, a lecturer in entomology, to their intuition. and Oliver Murch, an English veterinary surgeon at William Cooper & Nephews (Australia). Her fondest memory of the University: the camaraderie and many pranks that interspersed the lectures and practical work.

110 Dr Rita Niedra Sir Gustav Nossal AC CBE BDS ’58 BA ’81 BSc(Med) ’53 MBBS ’55 DSc(Honoris Causa) ’85

Rita is proud of producing and Gustav is proud of graduating Gustav advises today’s students raising two successful children with first-class honours, to “strive to learn rather than to and for completing an arts graduating first in his year shine and to be tolerant of the degree later in life. She would and being awarded the Mills foibles of others”. He urges the consider doing a further degree Prize for Distinction over the University to continue striving in comparative linguistics. whole course. for excellence and never lower its standards. Her greatest piece of advice to He is also gratified by his 30 years her 20-year old self would be: as Director of the Walter and He looks forward to a world “don’t miss opportunities”. Eliza Hall Institute of Medical that is peaceful, multicultural, Research, where scientists tolerant, exciting, innovative In keeping with her broad undertake research in a range of and forward-looking. philosophy, Rita’s passions areas, preventing and treating include reading, gardening, Gustav is passionate about diseases including breast, crossword puzzles, family scientific research and ovarian and blood cancers, type 1 and friends. his family, including nine diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, grandchildren. He enjoys Her wish is that the University coeliac disease and malaria. investing, solving a tough of Sydney make the world a Gustav cites Sir Macfarlane problem and being with all better place by continuing Burnet, a virologist who his loved ones. advocacy for the benefits pioneered research in of education. microbiology and immunology Her fondest memory of the at the Walter and Eliza Hall University: the camaraderie of Institute of Medical Research, her fellow students. as his greatest influence.

He would have also liked to undertake a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in philosophy.

111 112 Gretta O’Brien (née Sculthorp) BEc ’57

Gretta was the first person in As a graduate of economics and Dr David her family to complete school, with rural experience, Gretta let alone university. Her mother took up a position in the Bureau Nott RFD had never gone to school, instead of Agricultural Economics. She MBBS ’56 spending her childhood travelling recalls being paid 70 percent with Gretta’s grandfather, of the male salary for the same a shearer. position, and losing her job the hour she was married. She remembers catching the 6am “Riverina” train from Wagga Gretta believes that the inclusion Inspired by his father, Dr Lewis Wagga, with five shillings for of an arts year in any degree Windermere Nott, a First tram fares and a sandwich, to should be compulsory and she World War veteran, doctor and attend orientation at Sydney. would study music given the two-time of parliament, David chance again. Caring for others graduated from the Faculty of “I had no family, no advice except through music and teaching Medicine in 1956, becoming that my HSC did not qualify me has been her passion and Gretta a surgeon. for medicine, and I could not find now spends her time listening the Law School,” she says. “The Passionate about historical to and playing music, writing, economics ‘tent’ was closest records, he edited and dressmaking, and playing with to the uni gates and I had only published a book of letters that her grandchildren. 20 minutes left to catch the his father had sent to his mother train back to the bush.” Her fondest memory of the during the First World War, University: being the only entitled Somewhere in France, The typical economics student, full-time female student in the in 1996. He also campaigned according to Gretta, was “male, economics faculty, Gretta was about two newly proposed war recently demobbed from the drawn into a group of European memorials in 2011. Second World War and career- migrants, still some of her motivated”. However, with half Residing in Canberra, David’s best friends today, and found the units taught from philosophy, hobbies include sailing, travel herself immersed in a culture Gretta learned about the and spending time with family. light years away from her rural, connection between economics, Anglican background. His advice to his 20-year-old numbers, and people. self is to live like there is no tomorrow. If he were ever to study again, David would choose to learn French or Spanish.

His fondest memories of the University: college life, University sport and learning to be a doctor.

Left: Professor Harry Messel, Head of the School of Physics, 1952-87, in 1950, University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_2092

113 Dr Kevin Diana-Rose Associate Bridson Orr Orr Professor MBBS ’51 BA ’55 Douglas Parbery BScAgr ’59

Kevin credits his wife, who he Studying at the University in During his career, Douglas made met at university and married the early 1950s, Diana-Rose a great discovery of the natural two weeks before final-year describes how the scholarships source of kerosene fungus that results were posted, as being the of the era sponsored a teeming was plaguing oil companies, greatest influence on his life. campus, dubbing the diversity, airlines and railways from the enthusiasm and activities 1950s to the 1970s. He is also After graduation, Kevin went to across all faculties as “the proud of the successes of his Vietnam as a medical volunteer. experience of a lifetime”. Her postgraduate students and the He spent five years working first-year economics lecturer, warmth and gratitude he has at various hospitals in the UK Sir Hermann Black AC received from his students. and gained his Fellowship of (Chancellor of the University the Royal College of Surgeons Douglas counts many people as 1970-90), was a particular (FRCS). On returning to positive influences. These include influence – he possessed a Australia, he became one of Professors Russ McMillan and wisdom and practicality that is the first tutors and eventually Neville White at the University still with her today. senior surgeon at St George of Sydney, Dr Ray Langdon at Hospital, Kogarah, and later Completing her studies in 1955, the University of Queensland, obtained the position of Diana-Rose went to work for Dr S C Ducker at the University of Honorary Medical Officer. the United Nations in New York Melbourne, Wentworth Brown at and for the BBC in London. Shell Oil Company, F C Deighton These days, Kevin enjoys Now based in the central west at the Chartered Management reading, writing and region of NSW, her greatest Institute in the UK and Dr watching ABC news and passion in life – classical opera Jack Warcup at the University SBS documentaries, and has – has taken her on a number of Adelaide. And, of course, developed an interest in the of trips back to Sydney to see Douglas’s wife, Betty. world’s religions. He loves performances at the Sydney watching his grandchildren Douglas also appreciates the Opera House. and great-grandchildren, and guidance he received from his he is happiest when seeing a Spending time with family and parents, grandparents and wider laughing baby. taking pride in Australia’s rural family. The company of his wife, and regional areas is also a great family and friends makes Douglas His fondest memories of the source of joy for Diana-Rose. happy, as well as knowing he is University: gaining an athletics well respected by his students. He Blue, playing cricket and rugby Her fondest memory of enjoys reading well-researched union for a short time; playing the University: coming historical novels. table tennis with friends, ward to it as a student on a rounds, pathology bottles, and Commonwealth Scholarship. Douglas offers this advice: post mortems. “Go where your heart leads you, succeed best in doing what you love.”

His fondest memories of the University: participating in the inter-faculty regatta in 1954. Douglas also recalls the camaraderie of their year – 19 of the graduates still meet with each other every couple of years.

114 Keith Pearson AO BA ’50

Keith had a long and successful career within Dr Howard the public service, working with many prime ministers, including a position as private secretary Peak OAM to Harold Holt (who was PM from January 1966 MBBS ’59 to December 1967, when he disappeared at sea, presumed drowned), and assistant secretary with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Additionally, Keith was director of the National Archives. According to Howard, the late Reverend Commencing university when he was only 16, Keith Ted Noffs, founder of Sydney’s Wayside says one of his greatest achievements was that he Chapel, was his greatest influence. didn’t fail any units, even though he worked full Graduating with an MBBS, gaining his time during the day within the public service and Fellowship to the Royal Australian College studied at night as an evening student. of Practitioners (FRACP) and FACC, Given another opportunity, Keith would have establishing cardiology in Canberra and liked to complete a Bachelor of Laws. During his being awarded an OAM for his work in career, he visited Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) to help medicine have been career highlights decide whether the elections they held were free for Howard. and fair. He was also given a grant by the British He also has a Master of Arts (Theology) and Government to study democratic processes and was is now studying for a second master’s degree. invited to a conference held by then US president Ronald Reagan about how to make elections as free “Always be truthful, no matter the and as fair as possible. Keith also became an Officer consequences,” he says. of the Order of Australia (AO). He hopes to see many technological His favourite memory of the University: “My advances as well as a calmer world in future, brother was one of the servicemen who returned where the value of human life is accepted from war, and it was my duty to help him take widely. He sees the role of the University as notes for his classes. To do this, I used carbon “tackling difficult questions by providing paper to make copies of the notes. To make time trained experts in many fields”. for me to change the carbon paper on to the next His greatest source of happiness is his family. sheet without missing any notes, and knowing the lecturer was deaf, I would yell out, making the lecturer pause to check if there was a question, while I scrambled to change my notes.”

115 Virginia Pearson-Smith Philip Peters BArch ’57 BA ’50

Virginia Pearson-Smith is perhaps one of the Inspired by many of his professors at university, best people to ask “what do you hope the world particularly those from the Department of will look like in 2050?” Graduating with a degree History, Philip’s passion has always been history in architecture in 1957, she shared a small and languages. He is proud of his career working architecture practice with her former husband in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for more than 40 years, has travelled the world which he joined after completing university. extensively in the study of new and older forms “I was the Australian Ambassador to Turkey, Laos, of architecture, and has a discerning eye for art. Thailand, Japan and Zimbabwe,” Philip says. “One It is little wonder then that Virginia is in touch moment in my career I’m particularly proud of was with the future of our cities. A return to green my work with the Turkish government to establish space, and “swapping uninspiring high rises the ANZAC Cove memorial.” for buildings that match style with substance”, On retirement from diplomatic life, Philip lectured she says, should be part of Australia’s evolving on radical Islam at the University of the Third Age architectural future. “Where new buildings (U3A) from 1992 to 2014. How the world will be in are needed, we should only accept the highest future, he says, is dependent on a variety of issues. standard and try to retain as many old buildings as we can,” she says. “This includes the resolution of some powerful forces that are active at the moment such as Her passions for architecture, art and history radical Islam, Russia and China.” are still a source of great joy to Virginia, who enjoys travelling around NSW, visiting historical Philip’s passion in life is crisis resolution and world buildings and absorbing artistic works, both on politics. He believes more effort should be placed canvas and in concrete. on crisis resolution and how to deal with difficult issues. Having these skills, he says, is of benefit in a multitude of settings including corporate, political, legal and personal life.

Philip loves golf but has recently had to give it up. He also enjoys painting landscapes, loves food and was a master at the Canberra Wine and Food Club. He likes to spend his time discussing topical issues and meeting old friends.

His fondest memory of the University: being a member of the Evangelical Union. It was through this union that Philip made many lifelong friends. It also opened his mind to different concepts, something he believes is needed in today’s society.

116 William Pitty Johanna Platt BA ’52 (née Bishop) BA ’57

As a clinical psychologist, William has worked In 1948, Johanna’s father was homesick for to help people throughout Tasmania, South Australia and brought his family from England to Australia, Western Australia and NSW, both Sydney when Johanna was 13. At school she felt like in private practice and at university, and counts a square peg, but at university everything changed, Jackie Jarrett, Gordon Hammer, Bill O’Neil, particularly at the Women’s College. Bert Wylie and Alec Reichel as his own positive After a year’s teaching, she returned to England influences during his time at university. where she taught and married Norman Platt, a At 18, William joined the RAAF during singer and director of opera and a member of the the Second World War. He is proud to have Deller Consort, a group dedicated to historically contributed to the Pitty family, and with his informed performance. wife Janet, a school teacher, has four children, They moved to a farm and oast house in Kent with all who have university degrees – Keith, a three children under five years: Benjamin, Rebecca mathematician, Roderic, an Associate Professor and Lucinda. In 1969, they established England’s of International Politics at the university of first professional regional opera company using the Western Australia, Hugh, a teacher at the oast house as the headquarters. Kent Opera took university of New England and Alison, studying productions to regional areas and the company law at UTS. grew, touring southern England annually. They William loves to read, watch his favourite sports, visited the Edinburgh Festival, five European express his love for his wife of many years and countries and Singapore. keep in regular contact with his children. Some of its principal singers, including mezzo-soprano “I won my grade of golf at the Royal Hobart Golf Sarah Walker OBE and baritone Andrew Shore, were Club with the help of a hypnotic session with a at the beginning of stellar careers. Norman fought the friendly dentist who had given me the label of Musicians Union to get permission for Australian singer “One Putt Pitty”. I had taught him the skills of Jonathan Summers to sing Rigoletto, which kick-started hypnosis when he consulted me about coping his career at Covent Garden. with anxious patients.” Johanna became head of education, editing the William also has fond memories of gaining first Friends of Kent Opera newsletter, writing libretti class honours in psychology, and his time as a for children’s operas and programs for students. teaching fellow. In 2001, Norman’s book, Making Music, was His fondest memory of the University: published by Boydell & Brewer, and was dedicated teaching the use of hypnosis in appropriate “with love to Johanna, without whom neither Kent circumstances, and involvement in Alex Opera nor this book would have existed”. Reichel’s group regarding human issues. Since Norman’s death, Johanna has written a play that was performed in the National Portrait Gallery, linked to one of its paintings. She is organising events for Kent Opera’s 50th anniversary in 2019.

Her fondest memories of the University: academic life and the “extracurricular delights” such as singing in Sydney University Medical Society, acting, going to the theatre and dances; the inter-college debating team that won the annual competition for three years out of four.

117 Ann Poidevin BA ’54

A friend of renowned TV While at Sydney, Ann was She still lives in, and looks journalist Bill Peach, Ann politically motivated, being after Braemar, a 26-room planned to pursue a career a friend of Greg Bartels, who property, leaving little time for in journalism. However, she went on to become secretary hobbies. But she enjoys pleasant returned to the family property of the NSW Liberal Party. She gatherings with her family, one to care for her father and three believes they formed a necessary of whom is son Simon Poidevin, brothers due to her mother’s counterbalance to what she a former rugby union player poor health. regarded as “an extreme Labor who represented Australia. Ann group” that included Clive Evatt, maintains close connections with Married a year later, Ann regards who became a prominent the University: her daughter- her accomplishments as the barrister and member of the in-law, Professor Anna deFazio, raising of her five children, NSW Legislative Assembly. is the Sydney West Chair in along with hundreds of sheep, Translational Cancer Research. cattle and horses. She has Although Ann completed an arts weathered recurring droughts degree, she is deeply proud that Her fondest memory of the and rural downturns on the as a grazier for the past 61 years University: the great times there, family property, Braemar, she has helped feed and clothe the particularly college life at Sancta near Goulburn, NSW, which nation. She is happiest when there Sophia, which offered plenty of the Poidevins have owned for is “a good season, the cattle are fat opportunities for formals and a 95 years. and prices hold up”. variety of sports.

Graduating with her classmates in 1954

118 Image credit: Fairfax syndication

Dr Graham Pont BBA ’58

Graham spent 30 years teaching the Graham’s greatest passions in life, he says, General Education program at the are “wine, women and song”. University of NSW, introducing new His fondest memory of the University: and unique courses, including Philosophy sitting in the Quadrangle with peers of Music, Philosophy of Technology discussing ideas and the privilege of being and the world’s first academic courses taught by Challis Professor of Philosophy in gastronomy. John Anderson, even though Graham Graham produced Australia’s first Opera preferred Pythagoras while Professor Gastronomica: Les Goûts Réunis or Apollo Anderson favoured Heraclitus. He also in the Antipodes, Opera Gastronomica in recalls his introduction to table wine at the Tre Atti (1976). He also went on to become Florentino Restaurant (known as “Filthy an internationally recognised expert of the Flo’s”) in Sydney’s Castlereagh Street. music of George Frideric Handel.

Graham spends his time outside academic pursuits dreaming of Europe; he would advise his 20-year-old self to take a year off in Europe and learn Italian and German and wishes he could spend six months a year abroad and six months in Sydney. He currently spends six days a week researching and publishing works about Baroque music, alongside restoring Victorian houses.

119 Frances Pulford OAM BSc ’50

The daughter of an engineer father who was based in Melbourne, Frances studied science Dr Eva Raik AM at Sydney and particularly enjoyed classes with MBBS ’59 Dr Braff, her taxonomy professor. At Sydney, Frances belonged to the Student Christian Club and went on holiday camps organised by the club.

Following graduation, Frances took a job in Canberra, married and had five children. She also spent 17 years as a senior tutor at Sydney. Eva became the first female president of the Royal In 1986, Frances was awarded an OAM for her College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) services to the community and to the Young and has had a lifelong commitment to quality Women’s Christian Association. in health, as evinced by her presidency of the Her advice to young people is to “love what Australian Council on Healthcare Standards and they do and grasp all opportunities”. She values her contribution to the establishment of laboratory professional biologists highly and believes accreditation under the National Association of society and governments should take greater Testing Authorities/RCPA scheme. responsibility for the health of the environment Eva is grateful to her husband, Ivor Bitel, for and the planet, and “consult the views of his unfailing support of her career and his own biologists more often”. commitment to social justice and kindness Frances feels she has lived creatively. Now living to all. Eva is also proud of her two children, in a retirement home in Sydney, she stays in who have grown into good citizens and great touch with one of her 22 final-year classmates parents themselves. and spends a lot of time surrounded by her Eva would have also liked to study languages friends and family. She likes to walk with friends, and counsels today’s students to be patient. read and knit, and still enjoys a good joke and She is passionate about high quality affordable good conversations. healthcare for all. Her fondest memory of the University: Eva now enjoys the theatre, ballet and playing student life and the agriculture and games with her friends and family. chemistry excursions. “Since my husband died I am never truly happy,” she says. “The nearest is when I am with my children and grandchildren.”

Her fondest memory of the University: Sydney Hospital, where Eva spent the last three years of her degree. “At last there were real patients to see and much to learn from most of our tutors.”

120 Reverend Barry Rainsford BE(Mech&Elec) ’55

Barry had a practical bent by the Bush Church Aid Society. at school and for that reason Barry regards his faith as a chose engineering over science privilege, a source of pleasure at the University of Sydney. and stimulation and a way to find Following his chemistry teacher’s out more about people and the observation that science was principles that govern the way theoretical, he found the things function. He says that practical experiments more whereas modern science provides enjoyable than most lectures and the ‘how’ of life, his faith shows tutorials. His graduation date of the ‘why’. 5/5/55 encourages Barry to “be Barry believes the world needs innovative each year on May 5”. to become a fairer place, with Barry was also interested in discoveries being shared more religion and was influenced by widely to solve the challenges of the members and mentors of the population growth and the effects Evangelical Union, of which he of climate change. was a member. After five years as Family celebrations are top a design draftsman in the Public priorities for Barry and he Works Department, Barry turned often spends time with people to the study of theology for four at his church, community years at Moore College and radio station, Probus and gained a licentiate in Theology. Neighbourhood Watch, as well as Soon after, Barry met and on the usual pastimes of reading married his wife, Jenny, and and gardening. went on to serve in five parishes: the most challenging being Coober Pedy in South Australia’s outback, which was supported

121 Dr Hari Narayan, second from left, flanked by the three Ramrakha brothers: from left, Shiu, Karam and Ramchandra

Karam Ramrakha LLB ’55

Karam says 1950 was a crucial The University charged would be rewarded. “Sydney year: “The western powers student fees at the time, with gave us a new lease on life,” he inculcated the 1950 Colombo the Australian Government says. “We met students from Plan to educate the intelligentsia promising a bonus for raising India, which was our ancestral of Asia against the evils of funds. “We three brothers paid home, but of which we had very communism and offered lavish £1700 in fees,” says Karam, little knowledge.” scholarship to Asians.” comparing the payment to the Australia would open many doors purchase of a terrace house Karam arrived in Australia for the brothers. Ram married an by his father in Annandale, from Fiji in 1950, attending Australian woman and started a in Sydney’s inner west, at the Marist Brothers High School in surgery in Balmain in 1960, while time for £800. Darlinghurst before undertaking Shiu (now deceased) became a four-year law degree at Karam recalls a “homogenously a Fellow of the Royal College the University. white Australia”, and was of Surgeons in Edinburgh in distressed to find Aboriginal 1959, and later, Fiji’s permanent Karam and his two brothers people lacking rights. “In Fiji Secretary for Health. were pioneer students from Fiji, we railed against restrictions which was “fearful of sending Karam, meanwhile, was on non-whites and fought for non-white students to Australia admitted as a barrister on his equal rights,” he says. “The because of its White Australia 22nd birthday, returning to incarceration of [Aboriginal Policy”. However, Karam’s Fiji to practise law and enter artist] Albert Namatjira left us brothers, Ram and Shiu, would politics. He was one of the profoundly shocked.” make history by becoming the “Founding Fathers of Free Fiji”, first twins to begin and finish Students on a visa could not work, drafting large sections of Fiji’s medicine together (1950-55). he adds, and would be sent home Independence Order 1970 and “On this occasion they feasted if they did not pass their exams. the Constitution of Fiji. on their rice rations and chicken Karam and his brothers Karam says Australia “always curry cooked with mum’s curry appreciated the “oasis” that was had a good heart and the powder from Fiji,” Karam says. the University: a place where makings of a successful academic excellence and effort multi-racial community”.

122 Anna Jane Ranken Brian Rathborne BA ’59 BE(Chem) ’58

“My father was an important influence because he Professor Tom Hunter, who taught chemical encouraged all his daughters to go to university,” engineering, had the most profound influence on says Anna, who had a career teaching English to Brian who, after graduating with a Bachelor of adult migrants. Engineering, became technical director of BOC Group for Asia and the Pacific. Prior to this role, he Proud of raising a family and working at the same established successful joint-venture manufacturing time, Anna began studying oral history at the companies in Thailand and Indonesia. University of New England, inspired by the people to whom she taught English. Teaching people Brian advises today’s students not to hold back and primarily from China, Vietnam, the Middle East, to give it their all. Italy and Greece, Anna is fascinated by their He hopes Africa and India will become prosperous stories: why they came to Australia, their process and peaceful, and believes the University can make of settling in, and the friendships they form. the world better by helping Africa. Anna believes people should spend “more time Brian’s passion in life is rugby and he likes to spend discussing world affairs and be more involved in time with family and dining with friends. He also how the world’s problems are addressed”. She enjoys travel, bridge and theatre. He is happiest hopes for world peace and equality, with people’s seeing his family happy and doing well. attitudes “becoming more liberal”. His fondest memory of the University: “When I read SAM (the Sydney Alumni the camaraderie, lunchtime at the Union, Magazine), I am reminded that the University’s chemical engineering undergraduate dinners, researchers, students and alumni are making a Commemoration Day, and the student protests difference in the world,” she says. that blocked Parramatta Road, leading Some of her greatest loves are family, particularly to the construction of the much-needed her grandchildren, travel, theatre and the arts, pedestrian footbridge. and she enjoys volunteering for the National Trust and transcribing old letters at the State Library.

Her fondest memories of the University: the lectures by professor of history, Marjorie Jacobs; the camaraderie and the lifelong friends she made.

123 Harris Redhead MBBS ’54

A doctor in a small country practice in the central west Dennis Reed of NSW for 40 years, Harris BEc ’57 DipEd ’58 graduated from the University in 1954, becoming a junior resident at Ryde District Hospital. From there he moved to Camperdown Children’s Hospital (now Westmead) and Crown Street Women’s A Justice of the Peace for 50 years, where he keeps a small orchard. Hospital (now closed) before Dennis recalls the “relaxed, His passions include gardening, coming across an advertisement down-to-earth” manner of computing and researching his in a medical journal looking for his economics lecturer, Sir family history – leading to his a doctor to join a small practice Hermann Black AC (who became recent discover of four siblings in Blayney, in the central west Chancellor of the University he didn’t know existed from his of NSW. from 1970 to 1990), referring to father’s first marriage. He is him as a “sage teacher” and a key exploring more of his family’s After just three months of influence while at the University. history in Australia and the UK. the six-month trial period, Harris and his wife were Throughout his life, Dennis A father of three, Dennis loves to convinced that they wanted to has held various roles, proudly meet up with his family, including stay in Blayney, accepting the serving as a RAAF officer, an his grandchildren, who range in invitation of Dr Bruce Jones to associate of the Australian age from six to 25 years old. join his practice as a full-time Society of Accountants and as His fondest memory of the partner in April 1956. an executive of the Institute University: its squadron in the of Industrial Engineers in Retiring in 1996, Harris and city arcade, next to the June the 1980s. his family remain in Blayney, Dally-Watkins centre, a personal enjoying the lifestyle, activities A keen lawn bowler of 48 and professional development and friendships that a small years, Dennis lives in the Blue school for young women. country town has to offer. Mountains (west of Sydney)

124 Dr George Dimitri Repin AM MBBS ’52 GradDipPHlth ’68

“My older sister Stella graduated in George hopes that humanity will learn medicine in 1941, and was a good role from its mistakes and not repeat them. He model,” George says. “Her commitment hopes to maintain the ability and capacity to working in the hospital system during to enjoy cultural activities such as music, the Second World War while male doctors art and the theatre. were in the services inspired me.” George writes a fortnightly article titled George completed his medical studies with “Reflections” for the Pittwater Online honours, despite some major obstacles. News and speaks at meetings of the “In my fourth year I was treated for a University of the Third Age (U3A) and potentially life-threatening illness and other community groups on topics of my father died some months later,” he interest. From an early age, he found says. After completing his degree, George photography a satisfying hobby. left medicine for 16 years, during which His fondest memory of the University: time he worked to rehabilitate the family the people who became his friends, and business and prepare it for a successful establishing lifelong friendships. sale. Given his experiences, George says he would also be interested in studying law.

George advises today’s students to embark on a significant area of study and carry it through to conclusion. “Never leave anything unfinished,” he says.

125 Reverend William Dr James Barry Robertson Roche OAM BSc ’55 DipEd ’56 Med ’62 MBBS ’56

Possessing a strong passion for science, William The study of medicine runs in James’s blood; his founded the Science Teachers’ Association in mother graduated in medicine in 1926 and James 1956, becoming its first membership secretary, realised the great advances in the field between his before lecturing at the University’s Teachers’ mother’s graduation and his own, 30 years later. With College in the 1960s. Crediting the college’s continuing progress in medicine, particularly through head of physics as a key influence, William went stem cell research, James hopes human longevity will be on to hold various leadership positions in the accompanied by greater quality of life. Department of Education. He has also worked Benefiting from his association with Dr Robert with the ABC to produce scientific programming Macbeth of the Women’s Hospital, Sydney and for schools. Professor Edward Han (Yale, United States), Ordained in the early 1990s, William has been who he met in 1959, James had a successful central to various communities as a minister, career in obstetrics and gynaecology. Supported helping many branches of his church across by the Women’s Hospital, he was appointed Australia. He was also heavily involved with local Research Fellow under Professor Han at Loma council issues and is a passionate supporter of 20 Linda University for three years, studying foetal charities, including World Vision. electrocardiography. James trained in ultrasound at University College Hospital, London in 1970, Today, living on the mid-north coast of NSW, and later as Director of Ultrasound, he arranged for William’s hobbies include gardening, growing the use of ultrasound equipment at the Women’s vegetables, keeping chickens and volunteering Hospital, the second Australian hospital to use for Landcare NSW. this equipment. His fondest memory of the University: Along with research interests, James studied successfully using a dry cell battery to generate for higher degrees, but did not complete them 40,000 volts to power an electron microscope due to numerous commitments, including in 1954. membership with the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps (RAAMC) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), and his role as deputy superintendent at the Women’s Hospital. He maintains a lifelong interest in the history of medicine and has donated numerous books, paintings and instruments to the University and RANZCOG.

James loves being with his 14 grandchildren and telling them about the great times he had with his brother and sisters. He is a keen reader, especially on the history of medicine and he is currently researching the genealogy of his family.

His fondest memories of the University: St John’s College and attending dinners at the union with students and academic staff, bushwalking with university groups and being on the Commem Day floats.

126 Dr John Vincent Walter ‘Mick’ Ryan AM, Roche OAM FTSE MBBS ’51 BE(Civil) ’55

Dr John Roche is a household name in the Inspired by his father’s lifelong friend – “Uncle Southern Highlands of NSW. He and his family Ray” Priddle – to study engineering, Mick could continue to serve the local community and not imagine loving anything more than his work as uphold a family tradition of service. John’s a civil engineer, and is proud to see his grandsons mother (MBChM ’26) strongly influenced him both studying engineering. to study medicine while his wife of more than Developing an interest in concrete early in his 60 years, Kathleen, graduated in pharmacy, career, Mick followed jobs in structural design and practising in Berry, Gundagai and Moss Vale. local government with work as a concrete control John, as the local doctor in Moss Vale, was engineer on the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric recognised in 2000 with a Medal of the Order Scheme before taking a position at Ready Mix of Australia for his services to country general Concrete. From 1965 to 1975, he was chief concrete practice. John took up cell therapy for Down’s engineer at Ready Mix, undertaking research syndrome during his medical career and and development projects, and was later a senior collected medical stamps called “Challenges manager, completing the Advanced Management in Medicine”. On his retirement, John’s son, Program at Harvard Business School in 1980. Vincent, a Sydney medical graduate in 1980, took Becoming a Fellow of the Australian Academy of over the practice. John takes pride in his elevation Technological Sciences and Engineering in 1987, to Emeritus status at Bowral Hospital, where he Mick has subsequently been an adjunct professor still attends weekly X-ray meetings. in the School of Building at the University of John’s student life was not all about studying and NSW. In 1999 he was made a Member of the Order he recalls the flour fight, ‘Butchers v Greasers’, of Australia “for services to civil engineering, at the School of Engineering and the University particularly in the field of concrete technology, and Procession in 1947, when he was part of a Med III to people with disabilities”. float. He is also proud of being in a “more serious A proud father of sons David and Stephen, Mick kind of academic procession” and taking his place has an extraordinary partnership with his wife on the graduation dais three times in 1951. Heather for 60 years and remains as in love with Today he keeps fit with a daily swim, likes doing her as ever. Together the two have been prolific in farm work and writing letters to his fellow fundraising and assisting the care facility, Inala, graduates of 1951. His advice to the young is in Sydney’s northwest. “don’t worry if you don’t get into the quota – I didn’t, being under 18 but stick to it, work and play hard”.

John would like the University to make the world a better place by undertaking research to find a cure for cancer.

His fondest memories of the University: dissecting in the old med school, walking through the Quadrangle to the Union building and, together with five or six med students, climbing through the railing fence to get to zoology.

127 Graeme Gordon Sanson Sanders MateriaMedica(Pharmacol) ’56 BSc ’57 BE(Elec) ’59 ME ’73

An electrical engineer, Graeme As with many University of from Japan, one of whom taught at the University from Sydney alumni, Gordon has fond wished to meet the Professor of 1972 to 1985, following the memories the late Sir Hermann Economics. Gordon was able to completion of his Master of Black AC, who was Chancellor of arrange a meeting, and Professor Engineering. During his early the University from 1970 to 1990. Black impressed everyone by years of teaching, he briefly Gordon shares his encounters conversing in fluent Japanese. worked alongside one of his with him over the years. In the 70s, while on the Council own mentors, RB Robinson, Growing up in rural NSW of the Pharmaceutical Society who had taught him electrical in the 40s, Gordon enjoyed of NSW, Gordon, the chairman engineering subjects in the Sir Hermann’s weekly radio of the society’s centenary late 1950s. broadcasts at school. Gordon organising committee, was Following his time at the wrote a letter (via his teacher) tasked with organising the University, Graeme went to tell him as much, and to give Centenary Banquet in the Great to work in the mining thanks. Sir Hermann duly replied Hall. The society’s then patron industry, designing specialist to the young schoolboy; alas, the was the State Governor, electrical equipment. teacher did not pass this reply on. Sir Roden Cutler, who was invited to attend, along with the Chancellor. Now residing in Bowral in the Ten years later, Gordon was a On the night of the Centenary Southern Highlands of NSW, pharmacy student at Sydney, and Banquet, with mobile caterers in Graeme enjoys spending his one day skipped a botany lecture the wings, Gordon, then Society time with family as well as to attend one of Sir Hermann’s President, and Sir Hermann, travelling and making things acclaimed economics lectures. Chancellor, presided over a with his hands. A wide reader, On making himself known wonderful and most successful he says if he were to study afterwards, he was told that his evening in the Great Hall. again, he would take history letter did indeed receive a reply. and philosophy of science, Gordon appreciates meeting with As a member of Apex Burwood particularly the concepts and sharing these experiences in the 1960s, Gordon hosted a and models in cosmology and with such a great Australian as visit from several businessmen fundamental physics, which Sir Hermann Black. he says appear to be “breaking down” in present day theory.

His fondest memory of the University: “Just the thrill of mastering a new topic so that the understanding was truly my own.”

Pharmaceutical Society of NSW centenary banquet in the Great Hall

128 Nigel (Leonard) Seton BE(Civil) ’50

Nigel went to university with his brother, studying Dr Donald together and sharing books. He also joined the University choir with his future wife and liked to Scott-Orr play tennis on the weekends. MBBS ’59 Graduating in April 1950 in civil engineering, Nigel went directly into the Commonwealth Public Service to work within the Department of Housing and Construction, as it was then known.

“It was just after the war and they were looking for Though not a Christian himself, Donald shared engineers,” Nigel says.” We virtually decided where a close association with the Student Christian we wanted to work and got a job there. It made Movement via his parents and five siblings. life easy.” Through it, his parents, eldest sister and he all met their partners. Nigel worked mostly in Sydney, in the NSW branch of the department, which was Having drifted into university and medicine, for responsible for organising and managing “lack of any preferable alternatives”, Donald says – or designing – the capital works of all the his experiences played a part in his later choice Commonwealth departments. of psychiatry as a specialty. The psychiatrists he worked with in Hobart and Perth, as a resident When Nigel retired he spent a lot of time playing doctor, also played a large part. golf. A religious person, he is devoted to the church and is passionate about bringing up his Donald was also influenced by his father’s general family as a “wholehearted lot of Christian folk medical practice being located in the family home in a troubled world”. and his older sister becoming a school counsellor. His fondest memories of the University: Professor His fondest memories of the University: While Miller, a Scotsman, and Jimmy Vogen, a “very undertaking his degree, Donald was a member of interesting” lecturer in railway engineering and the Sydney University Musical Society (SUMS), concrete. Professor Chong, a mathematician, was cricket and baseball clubs. State and interstate also memorable for his manner of presenting and conferences, camps and competitions brought quick wit. him into contact with students in other cities. “Some of my fondest memories relate to people I met in these activities – the fondest being meeting my wife, Sue.”

129 Dr Bruce Henry Gilbert Sheldon MBBS ’55

Bruce was born in June 1932, he was senior registrar and acting brother to Marie June Brown specialist at Darwin Hospital, (page 57) and Donald Mervyn with a break in 1972 when he went Sheldon (page 230), and attended to London to complete exams and Earlwood Public School and became a member of the Royal Canterbury Boys High School. College of Obstetricians and He enrolled at the University of Gynaecologists (RCOG). Sydney in the Faculty of Medicine In 1974, Bruce set up a specialist in 1948, graduating in 1955. practice as an obstetrician and Bruce worked at Sydney Hospital gynaecologist in Campsie, in Macquarie Street followed by working at Canterbury, Crown Street Women’s Hospital Bankstown-Lidcombe and St before becoming a general George Hospitals in Sydney. practitioner from 1955 to 1967 In 1979 he became a Fellow of in the Illawarra District. He RCOG and in 1989, a Fellow then became an obstetrician and of the American College of gynaecologist from 1968 to 1970 Obstetricians and Gynecologists at the Royal Women’s Hospital, (FACOG). Bruce passed away in Paddington. From 1971 to 1973, May 2010.

Dr Bruce Henry Gilbert Sheldon with family on Graduation Day

130 William Shelley OAM BEc ’58

Attending the Teachers’ College before enrolling His two wishes for the future are for alleviation at the University, William married his wife in his of global poverty and that the world can become second year. It was his wife’s devotion, spending a more peaceful place. time alone while William attended University at William enjoys spending time with his wife and night and studied on the weekends, which helped family and taking in the natural beauty of the him gain his economics degree in 1958. countryside where he lives. William has been a prolific volunteer, including many years of volunteering for junior football and cricket clubs. He was also a pensioner volunteer during the Sydney Olympics and was recognised for his contribution to the community with a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2005.

131 John Barry Simpson Sheena Simpson BA ’53 LLB ’57 BA ’54 MA ’89

John enjoyed his studies at Sydney and says Sheena majored in history in her first arts degree. his proudest moment was being admitted as “Professor John Ward had a significant influence a barrister to the Supreme Court of NSW. He on my way of thinking. I was also inspired by a would have liked to undertake further studies series of lectures on China delivered by Professor in law at Cambridge University in the UK if Charles Fitzgerald,” she says, having also achieved a he had the opportunity and believes that the master’s degree in Asian History. University is best placed to improve education Sheena established, maintained and managed an by attaining higher educational standards than online technical information database on cement, other universities. concrete and building materials, first accessed by John wishes for peace between all nations. He building consultants and students within Australia. is passionate about music and spends much of Three years later, in 1998, the database was his time listening to classical music and reading uploaded to the internet. widely. He also enjoys maintaining good health. Sheena advises young people to “do more study His fondest memories of the University: when they’re young” and says she would study “My grandfather Alfred Simpson, who paid all geology given her time again. my university fees. He also paid for my residence She hopes the Middle East will be a more stable at St Paul’s College. And the University staff, to region in future, along with a greater balance of whom I dictated all my examination answers, as power between countries in the world and respect I was unable to write them clearly.” for different ways of life.

Sheena’s greatest passion is travelling. “I love wild, remote places and seeing the natural world,” she says. “There are so many climatic regions on the earth and it’s fascinating to learn how the people cope with daily living in these environments.”

She also enjoys spending time at home with her family, walking, golf and reading, good health and helping people.

Her fondest memories of the University: a feeling of being free after formal schooling. “I enjoyed sports and played hockey and tennis. I resided at the Women’s College, which was a marvellous experience. I met and made friends with people from different backgrounds and faculties.”

John Barry Simpson

132 Dr John Skalla Joan Smith MBBS ’50 BSc ’50

Having missed out on second class honours by Graduating in 1950, Joan used her science just one mark, John graduated with a credit, and degree for a career in biochemistry, working as a went on to operate a busy and satisfying medical biochemist on and off for seven years while juggling practice before working in a specialist practice. family responsibilities.

John is proud of his happy marriage and his Joan is most passionate about seeing her children three adult children, grandchildren and one – she says they are her greatest accomplishment great-grandchild. – progress happy and well into the future.

John would have also liked to study food Residing on the NSW Central Coast, Joan technology in order to join his father’s food volunteers for a number of community producing factory. organisations and is involved in her local church. She enjoys attending theatre productions and His fondest memories of the University: the reading, and her last trip overseas was to Borneo, friendships he made with several fellows. Getting to see the orangutans. engaged at graduation was also a rather notable moment for John. Still passionate about science, Joan says if she were to do another degree, she would choose something related to science such as medicine, dentistry or veterinary science. Her advice is to “take every door that opens and see what happens.”

Her fondest memory of the University: playing sport, including cricket, netball and hockey.

133 At the Student Union Alliance Française Ball, 1952

Betty Smith (née Redman) BA ’54 DipSocStud ’55

A social worker in the health sector for 55 years, Betty enjoyed a happy marriage (until her late husband’s passing). They shared three children together, and began a family tree that now boasts five grandchildren.

Reconnecting with fellow University of Sydney graduate and widower, Doug Cullen (page 64) in 1998, after her husband’s passing, the two have spent the last 16 years together, with Betty paying tribute to their “renewed love, friendship and companionship”. It came some 46 years after they first met in a psychology class in 1952.

Living on the NSW central coast, 83-year-old Betty is a keen knitter and gardener. Influenced by her own grandparents while at university, she loves to spend time with family and friends, and hopes to keep enjoying the immense richness they bring to her life for years to come.

134 Stephen Smyth BA ’55

An evening student, Stephen remembers the In retirement, family life and the accomplishments high quality of the lectures he attended, at a time of his extended family are the source of Stephen’s he says, when academics believed lectures were greatest joy and he is passionate about recording more important than research. Scholars including their achievements in a family history series of “Professors Mitchell, O’Neill, McDonald and annuals. Stephen says his greatest personal triumph Ward, economics commentator Sir Hermann Black was “marrying an outstanding Queenslander AC (University Chancellor, 1970-90), Dr Oliver and in 1957 and sharing rich parenting with her in the exuberant newcomer Gerald Wilkes (who would Tasmania”; and if he had his time again he would become Challis Professor of English Literature have proposed to this “top Queenslander” much 1966-96), were all experienced, confident, able and earlier than he did. eloquent; their lectures held students’ attention With extensive travel behind him, Stephen throughout”. Professor Black’s inspiring lectures spends his time with family, compiles family would be reason enough for studying economics if history, collects stamps, enjoys photography, Stephen could have his time again. reading history, quick crossword puzzles and These lecturers were a role model for Stephen, chess problems. who became a teacher then high school principal Stephen is hoping for a world “free of malcontents, in Tasmania. He was also greatly influenced by his whingers, whiners and disrupters; and where the own primary school teacher, Brother Barnabas, various ‘hostile ’isms’ no longer exist”. then his parents, until his marriage and afterwards by his wife and family. Stephen believes the University should continue to prize scholarships.

135 Dr Ronald Associate Professor Speechley David Standen AM MBBS ’56 BArch ’52

After graduating, Ronald David studied together with David is now focused on his specialised as a gynaecologist returned servicemen and, like family, and keeping it as “happy and obstetrician, influenced big brothers, he would constantly a place as possible”. He also by the wonderful work learn from them. “Teaching indulges in watercolour painting, of Dr L Gleadell, senior staff taught me, with no great reading his old books, and gynaecologist at the Royal duty to influence me. Those avoiding television. He thinks Melbourne Hospital. ex-servicemen influenced me, that the University should start with no great duty, if any, to an inquiry into the effects of A husband and a father, Ronald teach me,” he says. “But teach population change. counts meeting and marrying me they did.” his wife (now deceased) among His fondest memory of the his greatest achievements, David reflects on the great University: as an architecture along with his medical practice. privilege of learning alongside graduate, David highly those ex-servicemen. Although regards his time amid the Retired and living in Victoria, he went on to receive multiple sandstone architecture at the Ronald enjoys gardening, awards within the Australian University. This recollection reading literature, theatre, and New Zealand architectural sits with memories of the Union art and music, as well as the profession, he recognises the pictures at lunchtime and the company of like-minded gratitude from clients as a major pole-sitting contest to name a friends. He hopes for a future cause for pride. few, among many. with less war and problems related to war, and he finds happiness seeing his adult children content in their careers and relationships.

136 Dr Edwin Sullivan Leslie Sullivan BSc ’50 MSc ’51 PhD ’54 BA ’50

Edwin was the first returned soldier of the Leslie is passionate about writing and has had two Second World War to receive a PhD from the books published based on personal experiences. An University of Sydney. He credits Professor avid reader and ex-RAAF, he enjoys reading about LeFevre, his supervisor and mentor throughout the history and particularly military history of the his science degrees at the University – including Second World War. a master’s degree and a PhD – as being his His books, Not to be Shot at or Exported and Proceed greatest influence. “Professor LeFevre was a on Posting were awarded first prize in 1994 and wonderful supervisor who inspired me to become second prize in the 2008 RAAF Heritage Awards an academic,” says Edwin. Professor LeFevre, (Literature), respectively. along with his wife, Dr Catherine LeFevre, remained wonderful mentors to both Edwin and Leslie shares his formative years with former Prime his wife, Eva. Minister John Howard, who was in his Year 3 class. He advises young people to “take advantage of While Edwin is proud of having been a soldier every opportunity to advance yourself and open for Australia in the Second World War, being doors”. He also believes that opportunities for accepted as a student in 1946 at the University university education should be open to everyone. of Sydney upon returning was an equally great “No one should be declined an education,” he says. achievement, as were the subsequent academic positions he says he was “fortunate to enjoy”. Moving to Melbourne to be close to his two These included lecturer in chemistry at the children, what makes him most happy now is University of Malaya, Singapore; teaching fellow meeting people with similar interests, talking to his in the Faculty of Agriculture at the University grandchildren and keeping up with the world today. of Sydney; lecturer in chemistry at Newcastle “I do not want to be left behind,” he says. University College; lecturer in chemistry at His fondest memory of the University: “The Sydney, reader in spectroscopy at the University friendships I made, especially the ones with my of Wellington, New Zealand and senior lecturer fellow servicemen. I was a part-time student and a in physics at the NSW Institute of Technology full-time teacher at the time. I would teach primary in Sydney. school in the morning and go to class at night.” “I was fortunate that all these positions were permanent positions,” says Edwin. “I became an honorary associate at UTS and was appointed a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Physics.”

Edwin also feels blessed to be a husband, father and grandfather.

His fondest memories of the University: the kindness and ability of both academic and non- academic staff; the friendship of fellow students; the aesthetic experience of sitting in the beautiful Quadrangle on a quiet day; meeting wife-to-be Eva in 1961, when he was a lecturer in chemistry; the graduations of their son, Gregory, and daughter Kim, also from Sydney.

Leslie at his graduation in 1950

137 Professor Francis Graham Swain AM BScAgr ’56

Graham’s greatest achievement 1958 to 1961; Professor Alec Francis also led the restructure during his lifetime has been his Lazenby, Head of Agronomy at of the Hawkesbury Agricultural role as a professional agricultural the University of New England College, initially as a self-governing, scientist and making a difference (UNE) from 1972 to 1993; Fred multi-purpose centre of advanced for his fellow scientists. He also Butler, NSW Department of education from 1972 to 1988. says helping his four sons and Agriculture; and Sir William In addition he was a foundation enjoying time with his wife of 59 Vines AC, Foundation Chairman federated member of the years are his passions in life. of Hawkesbury Agricultural newly established University Council. They were all of Western Sydney (known as Graham had many mentors who inspirational for his career. UWS – Hawkesbury). Graham influenced him during university held the dual post of deputy and beyond: Professor Frank Some of Graham’s proudest vice-chancellor of the University Crofts influenced him during career and life accomplishments of Western Sydney and chief his honours degree in 1955; and were developing and leading a executive of UWS Hawkesbury. Harold Jenkins and Bill Hudson foundation regional research at the Wollongbar Agricultural team at Wollongbar Agricultural Graham was appointed a Member Research Station from 1956 to Research Station, which adopted of the Order of Australia (AM) 1966. Other major influences a new approach to regional in 1991. include Professor Maurice research and assisting in the Decker of the University of development of an applied Maryland in the United States, Department of Agronomy at while Graham was undertaking UNE under the leadership of a Fulbright scholarship from Professor Alec Lazenby.

138 Dr Margaret Tebbutt BSc ’50

Margaret graduated with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in geology and geography. After completing her degree, she was appointed demonstrator in the School of Geology, to act as a librarian and research assistant to Professor MacDonald Holmes. Margaret moved overseas after getting married in 1952, and filled various teaching positions in primary and secondary schools in London.

Margaret was employed as a research assistant by Professor Encel, to produce a second edition of Women in Australia by Norman Mackenzie (1962). The book was published as S. Encel, N. Mackenzie & M. Tebbutt, Women and Society: an Australian Study, in 1974. Professor Encel was instrumental in introducing Margaret to sociology, and she decided to undertake her PhD in this area.

Margaret was proud to finish her PhD at the University of NSW, despite undergoing a radical mastectomy for breast cancer, and she became a senior lecturer at Cumberland College of Health Sciences.

Margaret and her husband are passionate about climate change and preservation of the environment. They engage in raising awareness about environmental issues associated with marine life around the Lake Macquarie water front, near Newcastle, NSW. Margaret believes that the University can raise awareness about climate change through research.

In her free time, Margaret enjoys going to the local gym and aquatic centre with her husband, where she rides the bike and he swims.

Her fondest memory of the University: as part of her role as demonstrator and research assistant, she had the opportunity to travel to Australian deserts and the tropical north, which was unusual for a young woman in those times.

139 Byron Theodore BArch ’52

Acclaimed landscape painter Lloyd Rees, a lecturer and tutor in art history and freehand (Thelma) Madge drawing in the School of Architecture (1946-86), was a great influence on Byron Thornton during university. Rees’s sensitivity and love of BSc ’50 his subject encouraged Byron’s latent ability in drawing, which he has maintained and amplified today. Byron also held George Molnar, the Sydney Morning Herald cartoonist who taught architectural design, in high regard. Molnar Madge’s brother, a physicist, encouraged her to was slightly contemptuous of the Sydney scene, undertake a science degree at Sydney. Her husband as his cartoons would suggest, and this gave his had returned from war and also went to university students a different perspective. as part of the group of ex-servicemen and women studying at the time. Byron has many passions, including music, especially the human voice, drawing, painting Madge enjoyed the excursions they attended as part and writing, which has occupied his time for of the botany course. “Heading out to Silverton, the last two decades. He writes about past and near Broken Hill, we’d spend the days working hard, present art, including Aboriginal art, the failure and at night gather around the camp fire to sing of democracy, criticism, drawing penmanship, songs, and talk the night away,” she says. literature and language, and finds it an enjoyable Madge is proud of raising three children, but loved way of occupying his retirement. research and teaching and tutoring new students. “Develop a cautious scepticism, but maintain She believes the University can make the world your idealism,” says Byron. “Be aware of and a better place by encouraging students and the avoid personal politics in the workplace, even community alike to “to be interested in the world though they will seek you out.” – to focus on those around them and be involved in By 2050, Byron hopes we will have “control what is going on”. of the world’s ills, religious conflict, political Her fondest memories of the University: lectures corruption, environmental degradation and by Professor Ashby in the Wallace Lecture unemployment. [This] can only be achieved Theatre. A born lecturer, he inspired Madge to in manageably sized political and production learn. “There was also a funny moment when we social units”. accidentally poured some acid down the sink, which His fondest memory of the University: the caused the pipes to burst and a chunk of ceiling gradual development of a feeling for design on the floor below to break off and almost hit a so that after many years Byron still thinks of professor’s microscope.” himself primarily as a designer. This allows him to analyse his surroundings accordingly – what works, what aspires to beauty and what maintains cultural continuity.

140 Dr Charles Toh MBBS ’55

Mentored by Dr Horace Joules of Central Reverend Father Brian Middlesex Hospital while in the UK, Charles James Hume Tierney specialised in cardiology, having led a long and distinguished career at hospitals BSc ’57 DipEd ’58 and medical centres across Singapore. President of the Singapore Cardiac Society from 1962 to 1971, he helped develop the cardiac department, coronary care unit and intensive care unit during his tenure at In his retirement from the parish ministry, Singapore General Hospital. Brian enjoys devising science experiments to teach physics and chemistry and developing Serving as chairman of Singapore’s National hands-on discovery techniques for helping Medical Research Council from 1994 to those who find mathematics difficult. As Brian 2000, Charles has also been a member and, now lives with a home-schooling family outside since 2010, Deputy Chairman of Singapore’s of Goulburn, his help is much appreciated. Public Service Commission. He also enjoys collecting and cutting wood Speaking a variety of languages and dialects, for the cold winters. Charles remains in Singapore, where he is a Brian cites Catholic chaplain, Father Roger specialist at the Mount Elizabeth Medical Pryke, as one of the greatest influences on Centre. Besides cardiology, his greatest his time at university and afterwards, of passion in life is enjoying the “great game” home-schooling families, where he could of golf. help with solving their mathematical and His fondest memory of the University: scientific problems. Wesley College, where he lived for His fondest memories of the University: working six years, and being cox in the rowing in the physics laboratory, the geology excursions, team for two years. University camps, and marking applied maths workbooks for first-year science and engineering students.

141 Geoffrey Travis Richard Turner John Valder BEc ’51 BSc ’54 CBE BA ’53

Graduating with a Bachelor of After gaining his science John is proud to have gained his Economics, Geoffrey founded degree, Richard went to work Bachelor of Arts “way back” in an accounting practice with for the Department of Forestry 1953, in the minimum period of his father, who was his greatest on the northern tablelands and three years despite being a part-time mentor, and worked there for north coast of NSW, managing student and attending a mix of 50 years. He was also a director the forests that produced day and night lectures. of Brickworks Ltd, a public timber for the people of NSW. While gaining his degree, John company, for about 20 years. Richard enjoyed logging, worked as a cadet journalist at preferring the outdoors, being Geoffrey played rugby for the the Sydney Morning Herald. The close to the forest and seeing it Eastwood Club in first grade degree distinguished him from from year to year. until he was injured, and other cadets who did not have competed against many young Since retiring, Richard has been any formal qualifications, and men who represented Australia active in the Australian plant boosted his journalistic career to for the Wallabies. Geoffrey now society, in Birdlife Australia include a three-year posting at enjoys spending time with his and other bird clubs, and has the newspaper’s New York office children, grandchildren and been supervising tree planting in the mid-1950s. great-grandchildren. in the Capertee Valley between His favourite memory of the Lithgow and Mudgee. Geoffrey studied for his degree University: “We had night at night, which left little time for “We plant 6000 trees a year lectures in the Wallace Theatre socialising. If he were to give his to encourage the critically at a time when there were regular 20-year-old self some advice it endangered regent honeyeater,” power blackouts,” he says. “If my would be to “forget accounting Richard says. memory serves me correctly, we and do a degree in law”. had candles on our desks to take “With the planting, we’ve seen notes. What a monumental fire four regent honeyeaters return risk that must have been.” to the planted area.”

His fondest memory of the University: “I was fortunate to get a scholarship so I could study full time rather than part time. I was enthralled with botany and majored in forestry.”

142 Professor Paul Vincent Judith Wallace BSc(Med) ’56 MBBS ’59 MD ’76 BA ’55

Graduating with first class honours in both Although limited in career choice at the time, science (medicine) and an MBBS, Paul was Judith has written a best-selling book and set awarded a CJ Martin Fellowship and an Eleanor an alternative test for the HSC, among other Roosevelt Fellowship. He was appointed director achievements. She undertook postgraduate of the Kanematsu Institute at Sydney Hospital, studies in industrial sociology, which led to several and later appointed a professor. research jobs, including a two-year appointment at Trinity College, Oxford. She co-authored, Paul says his wife Kerry is his greatest influence with Roderick Martin, a book titled Working and he urges today’s students to “go for it”. He Women in Recession: Employment, Redundancy, believes the University could strive for greater and Unemployment. international significance. Judith also married “a very distinguished Paul likes to spend time with his family, as well computer scientist”, and, being passionate about as play chess and paint. In past years he played preservation of the environment, spent time in golf and wind surfed, and tried his hand at wood retirement looking after two badly degraded turning. Paul is passionate about the dawn of marine reserves. another day. She enjoys reading, particularly ancient and modern history, as well as gardening, travelling with close friends and listening to classical music – live if possible.

“I am pretty happy with the decisions I made,” Judith says. “The people I met at Sydney influenced my whole life, my outlook and my values.”

Her fondest memory of the University: a student named David Ross, son of Lloyd Ross, who was the secretary of the Railway Workers Union and a friend of Ben Chifley. Through her friendship with David she met many of the student leaders of the time, who were active in Honi Soit (the student newspaper), student politics and arts.

143 Jenny Wanless OAM BSc ’54 DipEd ’55

Great friendships, a love of science and Scottish country Emeritus Professor Geoffrey dancing are some of Jenny’s greatest passions, which (Peter) Webber emerged during Jenny’s time at BArch ’54 DipTCPlan ’59 MTCPlan ’68 Sydney. Her simple advice to her younger self would be “do what you did”. Jenny recalls many great friendships, particularly with Barbie Graham and Jenny Following his graduation, Peter academic career sees him Gilham, with whom she is still in went on to postgraduate study regularly writing and reviewing contact today. in the United States, studying academic journal articles at Columbia University in as well as delivering papers A proud University of Sydney New York, and branching into and consulting. Outside of graduate who achieved further planning. A former commissioner work, he enjoys spending time degrees at the Australian of the NSW Planning and with family and being part National University (ANU) and Environment Commission of activist campaigns to save the University of Canberra, and government architect of heritage buildings. Jenny is a proud mother of three NSW, Peter is now an Emeritus science graduates. Two of her His fondest memory of the Professor at the University of children are current professors University: “Playing in the Sydney, covering a wide range of science at ANU, while the first-grade all-conquering of fields related to architecture, third works for the Wilderness basketball team, we were planning and urban design. Society of Tasmania. fortunate to have John Raschke Married with five children OAM (later national coach) Jenny is a long-term volunteer and 12 grandchildren, Peter’s as captain and coach.” at Questacon (the National Science and Technology Centre) in Canberra, and loves to ignite the interest of “visitors to the Earth”. She feels the “need to make sure that the world will be a sustainable one”.

Today, she is more a “Scottish country dancing onlooker”, but she still loves the sound of bagpipes.

Her fondest memories of the University: lunches on the botany lawn, geology excursions and long walks from Kilandra to Mount Kosciuszko are among the highlights of her time at the University.

144 Dr Marguerite Weston MBBS ’58

Marguerite graduated with a degree in medicine in Joan Westerholm 1958 and believes her tutors at Royal Prince Alfred BA ’55 Hospital and, later, the physicians at St Vincent’s Hospital, have had the greatest influence on her life and career.

Medicine was a male-dominated profession when Marguerite undertook her studies. During her one year of live-in residency, at St Vincent’s in 1957, there was no provision for female doctors, and she After graduating, Joan completed a librarian was required to stay in the nurses’ accommodation. course, married and brought up three children, who bring her much happiness and who she still Marguerite moved to London to continue training guides through their lives. The friends she made in neurology at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, at the University are still her friends today; they but on returning to Sydney decided to specialise in socialise, play bridge and tennis; they brought up respiratory medicine. She became the first female their children together. physician at St Vincent’s Hospital and continued to practise for nearly 50 years, until her retirement These days, Joan likes gardening, going to the in 2007. ballet and listening to music. She believes those lucky enough to study at Sydney have a chance Marguerite counts this, along with having three to play an important part in filling positions of wonderful sons, as her proudest career and leadership and guidance for the future. At the life achievements. same time, she suggests that young people enjoy Her greatest passion is “knowledge and its every single moment and take every opportunity acquisition” and she says that if she could give her offered. She hopes for a world that is more younger self advice it would be “to always look for peaceful and friendly, and that her grandchildren the good in people, praise others’ accomplishments will enjoy happy lives free of the threat of war. and don’t wait until it is too late to tell people how Her fondest memories of the University: the wonderful they are”. Sports Association and playing University In 2014, following the death of her husband after a hockey for five years. Joan was in the University long illness, Marguerite enrolled in an arts degree Revue, dancing the can-can with Women’s at Sydney, majoring in archaeology, which she is College residents. College formals also gave thoroughly enjoying. She believes that although Joan pleasure. today’s technology is better, people through the ages are basically the same and need to learn how to live in peace with tolerance of each other’s beliefs and ideologies.

Now 81, Marguerite suspects she may be the University’s oldest undergraduate and is looking forward to her first dig after graduation.

145 Dr Judy White (née Crossing) AM BEc ’56

Mother of five sons and two daughters, and Judy’s community service earned her a ‘Women grandmother of 19, Judy lives in the Hunter Valley, 1988 Award’ for services to the Bicentenary and and is the author of 11 books. she is a Member of the Order of Australia.

Judy attributes much of her success to graduating in In Sydney, Judy serves on two theatrical boards Economics, where she shared the Economics Prize – the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust and with Dr Brian Scott. She is grateful for the influence The Seaborn, Broughton and Walford Foundation. of Sir Hermann Black AC, her economics lecturer She is interested in preserving archives – having (University chancellor 1970-90), who regularly created the Belltrees archives, and worked on the commented on radio about the issues of the day. the National Institute of Dramatic Art archives and others. Judy represented the University in two sports – tennis and hockey. However, her love of academia Judy says her greatest passion is to create happiness led to postgraduate success with an MLitt, an around her – in her family and her community. honorary MA and finally her PhD from the She wants the world to be peaceful and for the University of Newcastle. University to continue to encourage and educate students, as it is doing now. Her advice to young She continues to serve on many economic boards people is this: whatever you set your mind to in the Hunter Valley, contributing to the work of accomplish that will come to pass. the Hunter Economic Development Corporation, the Hunter Valley Research Foundation, the Hunter Institute of Technology, the Foundation Board of the University of Newcastle, the Hunter Community Foundation, and as chair of the Hunter Valley Horse Expo.

146 Joan Wilcox BA ’56 DipEd ’57 DipNumAnalAutoComp ’77

For more than 35 years, Joan has worked in the field of education, first as a mathematics Oscar Allen Wilson teacher, then as a teacher educator. In 1992, BE(Civil) ’51 she received the Award for Excellence in Teaching. The following year, Joan was awarded an Honorary Life Membership of the Mathematical Association of NSW.

Since graduating in 1956, Joan has obtained a Diploma of Education and a Diploma of Oscar was conscripted into the army (shortly Numerical Analysis and Automatic Computing after his 18th birthday), before studying at the from the University of Sydney. She has also University. His future wife served in the air force completed a Bachelor of Theology and a Master of as a wireless operator intercepting Japanese Theology with honours from the Sydney College messages while stationed in Townsville in 1945. of Divinity. Oscar studied civil engineering under Professor Joan’s greatest passion is helping those in need, WA Millar and in his third year he was chosen especially through the church and in the local as treasurer of the Engineering Undergraduates community. Joan was chosen as Epping Woman Association, serving for two years. of the Year in 2009. Today, she enjoys spending Following graduation, Oscar was appointed as an time with family and friends, going to the theatre engineer with the NSW Department of Main Roads and reading. under CA Hawkins, chief engineer, before taking Joan advises others to “always do your best, and up a Federation of British Industries Overseas make the most of every experience which comes Scholarship from 1953 to 1955. This was followed your way”. by an appointment as an engineer in the Public Works Department in Tasmania, in charge of the Her fondest memory of the University: being construction of the Murchison Highway. His other a participant in the activities of the Student appointments in Tasmania included materials and Christian Movement. research engineer, road engineer and consulting civil engineer.

Oscar’s studies became the basis for his interest in ancient civil engineering works and ancient history. He hopes the world will learn to work together to solve the problems that now divide us. He enjoys working with groups that try to make life better for the community, and he is happy to see his family involved in assisting those who need help to get the best out of life. Oscar spends his spare time with family and his hobbies of stamp collecting, computers and books.

His fondest memory of the University: marrying his wife at the end of his first year. Realising that he could not dance, he had to sit out dances with women whose partners were dancing with his wife, Joan receiving an award for Excellence in Teaching who was an excellent dancer.

147 Patrick John Wilson Professor BA ’55 George Wing AM BDS ’56 MDS ’58 DDSc ’62

Patrick was a state high school principal for Coming under the early influence of Professor John 20 years. He considers himself to be the last S Lyell, George continued to a master’s degree graduate of the New England University College followed by a Doctorate in Dental Science. He was of the University of Sydney. Patrick received his a Fulbright Scholar and spent time at Marquette degree from the Chancellor, Sir Charles Bickerton University in Wisconsin, US. George’s career Blackburn, who then handed over chancellor included being appointed to the University staff duties for the newly established University where he served for 31 years. of New England (UNE), which became fully Throughout his career, George took many independent in 1954, to Sir Earle Page. Sir Earle opportunities to undertake research, teach, bestowed the first UNE degrees. encourage others and help young colleagues become Patrick credits his wife Bonnie, whom he met top academics. He served as president of the at university, as his greatest influence. He Australian Section of the International Association most enjoys reading to acquire knowledge and of Dental Research and president of the Royal travelling. In his spare time, he also enjoys time Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. He also with his family, military history and cycling. He became a life blood donor, providing more than hopes for a cleaner, more peaceful and socially 600 donations. conscious world in future. George’s interests include mathematics, philosophy His fondest memory of the University: “Walking and Chinese language. He holds the University among the apple orchards at the college, courting in high regard, quoting Sir Hermann Black AC, my wife.” Chancellor from 1970 to 1990, who said “this is a good place to be”.

Gardening, woodworking, collecting, playing golf and “being an expert in the history and rules of golf” occupy much of George’s time, as does his honorary associate professorship at the University. His family, including his wife of 58 years and five children, are a great source of happiness for George, as is sunshine, being alive as an octogenarian, and “still being able to remember”.

Right: SILLIAC was an early giant computer built at the University of Sydney that was operated by punch cards (1956). University of Sydney Archives, G77_1_2117

148

Audrey Woodland BA ’50 DipEd ’51

By attending university in the late 1940s, Audrey became a pioneer within her family. Feeling Dr Thomas Woolard OAM overwhelmed at first, as there were a lot of older MBBS ’55 GradDipPHlth ’63 students just back from the Second World War, she maintained contact with her friends from the local church. She also made new friends from the University choir and religious clubs. She studied hard and attained her arts degree, majoring in history. This led her to become an English and history teacher, spending two years A physician in rehabilitation medicine for most at Young High School on the south-west slopes of of his life, Thomas retains the same great passion NSW, teaching the top English class, all of whom for medical science that saw him graduate with did well. a medical degree from Sydney in 1955. He went on to complete his Diploma in Public Health in Back home, she became involved in her local 1962, under the tutelage of mentor and friend, church, where she met her husband. Convinced Sir Edward Ford, dean of the Faculty of Medicine that education is paramount to a fulfilling life, and Fellow of the Senate , 1952-57. Audrey encouraged him to undertake further study, which led him to a science degree and the However, while he lists his university degrees profession of optometry. Her passionate belief in among his greatest achievements, it is his higher education ensured that she encouraged wife and his family – now including several their four daughters to undertake degrees. great-grandchildren – who have been his proudest achievement. Audrey’s relationship with her grandchildren gives her great joy: “I am the link with the past At 85 years of age, Thomas volunteers at the and the entrance to the future,” she says, and Newcastle Botanical Gardens, finding it the perfect their traditional annual holiday holds special way to combine keeping physically active with meaning for her. Her spare time is taken up with meditation and reflection. visiting friends, especially those now living alone, His fondest memory of the University: Finding a and cooking for church fundraisers. quiet place to study on the Vice-Chancellor’s lawn.

150 Dr James Edwin (Jim) Wright AM BSc(Med) ’53 MBBS ’55

On graduating from medicine, Jim envied his senior colleagues with their floppy hats getting their doctorates. After 40 years, Jim got one for himself.

“Don’t do as I did,” Jim says. “Seven years in university, three degrees and I was uneducated because I had focused exclusively on my studies. Reach out and take time to indulge in other university activities.” He cites Sir Harold Dew, Professor of Surgery, as his greatest influence.

Given another opportunity, Jim says he would probably do an arts degree first, then medicine or science.

He hopes for peace, that humankind has not been too destructive, that there will be air to breathe, water to drink and food to eat. Jim thinks the University can contribute by doing what it does best – education both general and vocational – and above all, focusing on the environment.

Jim enjoys relating well to people and raising a smile, and adds that he likes to laugh.

“I’ve had many hobbies; though all but writing, limited beekeeping and working for the Friends of the University of Newcastle have had to be abandoned, being beyond the capabilities of an octogenarian.”

His fondest memory of the University: “Arriving as a young country boy in the Quadrangle – when the carillon rang, I was awestruck,” he says.

151

The 196Os

Activism and protest

In the 1960s, Australia continued to US influence grew, with television reducing the accept Eastern European refugees fleeing tyranny of distance. In 1966, the first US president to visit Australia, Lyndon B Johnson, came to boost communist regimes. However, British support for America’s military presence in Vietnam. immigrants were still the preferred Prime Minister Harold Holt announced the sending of arrivals, most coming as a result of the conscripts to Vietnam following the reintroduction assisted passage scheme, ‘Bring out a of compulsory military service (the National Service Scheme) in 1964. However, an anti-conscription Briton’, that was launched in 1957. movement was building momentum between 1966 and 1969, with many jailed as conscientious objectors. European immigrants diversified religious observance, architecture and education in Australia. Around the same time, women were fighting for The White Australia Policy remained a guiding force gender equality and equal pay, and in December nonetheless, and public opinion began to openly 1969, the Arbitration Commission granted women criticise Australia’s restrictive immigration policies equal pay for equal work. until 1965, when ‘White Australia’ was removed from both major parties’ political platforms. In the late 60s, Australian television was connected to the international satellite system. Australians Children of the post-war era began exerting could watch world events televised live, including their influence and ideologies, reflected by the first moon landing in 1969. In November 1969, the large-scale protests and public demonstrations final section of the Sydney-to-Perth standard-gauge against conscription, the Vietnam War, and railway line was completed, with passengers able to the ‘establishment’. They campaigned for cross on the Indian-Pacific three months later. independence and equality for women in the workplace, fairer wages, a free accessible system Growing student unrest focused on the curriculum of education, and the recognition of the rights of and the power of professors, with students and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. younger members of staff challenging professors as arbiters of knowledge. There was a call to University of Sydney student Charles Perkins led the modernise the curriculum and incorporate new Freedom Ride bus tour of country NSW in 1965 along theoretical approaches to subjects and new forms with 29 other students to protest the treatment of, of knowledge. The University of Sydney was at the and fight for the rights, of Aboriginal people. centre of rows to introduce courses on Marxism and feminism, the controversy culminating in the split of Commonwealth and state governments reassessed the Department of Philosophy. policies that discriminated against Indigenous Australians and in 1967, Australia overwhelmingly Sources: 1. www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian- story/changing-face-of-modern-australia-1950s-to-1970s, voted ‘yes’ in a referendum to amend the accessed 08.09.16. 2. J Horne and G Sherington, Sydney constitution so that Aboriginal people could be the Making of a Public University, Melbourne University included in the census. Publishing Limited, 2012. 3. www.myplace.edu.au/decades_ timeline/1960, accessed 08.09.16. 4. www.en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/University_of_Sydney, accessed 08.09.16

Previous page: Footbridge (Union) Theatre and Union steps from Parramatta Road, before the footbridge was built, 1960, University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_2632 Left: Sydney Teachers’ College, Carillon Avenue, 1961, University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_2343

155 Graduates of the 1960s

156 Professor Dr Nicholas Murray Aitkin Anastas BSc ’61 PhD ’66 DSc ’97 MBBS ’60

Murray says Dr John Dulhunty The outcome of this interest Nicholas spent five years at “opened my eyes to the geological for Murray was two doctorates St Andrew’s College and world around and under us, and in statistics and a career enjoyed the intercollegiate developed my lifelong interest of teaching and working functions. He became resident in this aspect of the world”. cooperatively with people to medical officer at Sydney’s Murray became fascinated by achieve worthwhile ends. Royal Prince Alfred Hospital geological history, especially and afterwards, worked in the Murray sees his most that which involved the Orthopaedic Department of worthwhile accomplishment Australian continent. the Royal Perth and Princess as establishing and directing Margaret Hospitals. In his second year, Dr Harry a new research and consulting Mulhall strongly influenced centre for applied statistics at One of Nicholas’s proudest Murray in the study of statistics. the University of Leicester in accomplishments was the UK. attaining a Fellowship of the “This was my most interesting Royal Australian College of subject,” Murray says. His advice for young people is to Surgeons in Orthopaedics, “I remember being shocked when “go for computing in whatever becoming a consultant the bizarre idea of a sampling you do”. His greatest passion orthopaedic surgeon at Royal distribution was introduced – is contributing to the “better Perth and Princess Margaret and the definition of a standard teaching of statistics”. Hospitals and performing error – ‘the standard deviation When not working, Murray the first Harrington rod of a statistic in its sampling enjoys playing tennis with his instrumentation for scoliosis distribution’. It was hypothetical. son and writing memoirs. at Royal Perth Hospital. What could it mean? In other science subjects what you were His fondest memory of the Nicholas enjoys maintaining told was gospel – it was not just University: his first two years family bonds and contributing current theory, it was the theory.” at Sydney, when, as a lad from to trainee surgeons. His spare the country, he lived at Wesley time is devoted to family, College and made connections football, thoroughbred horse with other college students. racing and tasting fine red wines. If he were to do another degree, it would be law, as he is interested in the medico-legal aspects of orthopaedics.

Left: On the Fisher Library roof terrace with the Clock Tower in the distance, 1960, University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_0122

157 David Anderson BA ’62 MEd ’67

It doesn’t come as a surprise that David worked as a teacher while studying at the University. Alexis Antonia Teaching is in his blood – David can name 28 relatives who are, or were, teachers and (née McKenzie) professors, including two who taught at the BA ’65 DipEd ’66 University of Sydney.

To balance study with the demands of work, David came to Sydney as a night student, not uncommon among his classmates in the Teachers’ College. Then known as Lexie, Alexis had the quintessential He taught at a school in Newtown, and remembers experience of changing academic passions at leaving the school at 3.30pm and rushing to make Sydney. “Destined for teaching”, she enrolled in a lecture that started at 4pm. English, history and psychology as a 16 year old, but After nine years teaching in primary schools, it was English that claimed her, along with a deep David moved to the University of Wollongong, love of how language develops. where he worked for 26 years, and where he Given the chance to continue her studies in English was appointed the first Dean of Education. His while at Teachers’ College, it wasn’t long before passion for education is undeniable, and he never a traditional teaching career fell off the radar went home from work unhappy or dissatisfied. completely, as Lexie became a Teaching Fellow for His advice for students? “Don’t be afraid to try Professor Leslie Rogers from the Department new things. You’ll never learn from mistakes you of English. never made.” For three years, Lexie continued with her early David is close to his family. He has three children, language study, beginning a Master of Arts, before nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, her husband got a job in London and she had to leave and makes time to see them all at least once a the University behind. week. He also enjoys gardening and doing work Her fondest memory of the University: “It was a around the house. magical time, sharing a common room with people His fondest memory of the University: the I had been so in awe of; having my own little room students he met, studied and socialised with. in the Quadrangle under the Carillon tower and Although he has lost touch with his classmates, imparting the mysteries of early English and they inspired and motivated him and David language to students.” remembers them all fondly.

158 Jan Aveyard Peter Barclay BA ’61 DipEd ’62 MateriaMedica(Pharmacol) ’60

Jan was appointed to a country high school After Peter graduated, Dr Neil Orr, a medical on completion of her studies. At her first superintendent at Mona Vale Hospital, showed posting, a district inspector from the Education him “what communication with staff really Department encouraged Jan to further her meant”. Dr Orr was an inspiration to all the skills and development as a teacher. She took staff at the hospital. this good advice and finished her career as One of Peter’s proudest accomplishments was assistant director of curriculum studies for the joining the Pharmacy Department at Royal North South Coast, following an enjoyable stint as the Shore Hospital. This is where he met and later principal of a girls’ high school. married his (now late) wife, Helen Francis, a nursing The skills she learned and applied as a principal sister who changed his life. have stood Jan in good stead for her post- Peter enjoys making and flying model aircraft, retirement career in community work. Together listening to good music, and valuing each day with a small band of women in the Eden area on with his second wife. It makes him happy to know the NSW south coast, Jan has worked to bring the that Jesus Christ can, and does, forgive, and that hospital facilities up to requirements. They are death is not the end if we accept Him as our Lord currently working to improve the infrastructure and creator. in their town for tourism. He hopes for a world where academic achievement Jan initially planned a second career teaching carries more prestige than sporting ability. geology, but is now pleased that her daughter talked her out of it. The pleasures of community “Work hard, do not expect perfection in anybody, as engagement, the impetus this provides for big you yourself are far from perfect,” Peter says. “And ideas, the challenge of setting goals to improve do not be judgemental of others.” services and facilities in her town and seeing His fondest memory of the University: Dr George those goals come to fruition have more than Eckert, a lecturer in chemistry for the pharmacy compensated for the loss of close encounters students, who held 400 students captivated and with rocks. made organic chemistry easy. Her fondest memories of the University: being brought into contact with a much wider group of people; the fun of parades; and learning to aim high in life, set goals and lay down a plan of principled achievement.

159 Barbara Professor Barraclough AM Roger Bartrop BA ’62 DipEd ’63 MBBS ’63

Barbara’s father encouraged She advises young people to Roger came from an extended her to attend university and, have the confidence to be true family who encouraged once there, she was inspired by to themselves. advancement in education at a the lectures of Professor Nish, time when opportunities were She also hopes that, in future, who taught Asian history. “His rare. He was helped by a number people will be less self-serving. lectures were always well thought of his University professors and out and opened my eyes to the “A broad education is vital, not later came to know many notable Asian world and its history,” just a vocational-oriented one.” community figures including Ted Barbara says. The way forward, says Barbara, Noffs, Dick Smith, Faith Bandler, is to introduce a basic first-year Noel Pearson, Charles Perkins, Barbara has devoted her career course that is multidisciplinary. and Don Dunstan. to empowering people through education. For nearly 30 years Her greatest passions are Roger is proud of making a she worked in multicultural travelling, family and difference as a doctor, to the education in Australia, primarily empowering people. health and life of often severely with children of refugees and ill patients. He has shared the ups Her fondest memories of their families. A key element of and downs of life with friends and the University: wonderful this was building trust within the excitement of sharing a life lifelong friends made through their communities. with his partner from Europe and involvement in student politics rearing their family. “I am fascinated by history and various clubs and societies, and how today’s societies are and involvement with the Because of medicine’s influenced by each other,” she Women’s Union board. diversity, studying the history says. Barbara is also interested in “We worked to bring about and philosophy of medicine archaeology and ancient history change and set policies for satisfied Roger’s interest in the “to gain a better understanding of women,” Barbara says. humanities. Roger is happiest where we come from – if we can surrounded by family, friends understand where we come from, and acquaintances who love and we can understand our modern respect him and to whom he world better”. likewise responds.

His fondest memories of the University: sharing rich relationships with friends in medicine and related faculties, sharing time on the playing fields, and at Sydney University Dramatic Society (SUDS) and Sydney University Musical Society (SUMS). Roger retains his love of musical endeavours and sings in the Sydney University Graduate Choir.

160 Professor Dr Fernando Associate Professor Roger Bartrop Basili Robert Bauze MBBS ’63 BA ’66 DipEd ’75 MBBS ’64

Teaching is Fernando’s passion Born and raised in Sydney, in life and his greatest influence Robert arrived at the University is his daughter Helen, friends, in 1956 and enrolled in medicine. and students. Initially spending much of his time playing billiards and snooker Fernando won second prize in at the Men’s Union and drinking an international competition coffee at Manning House, Robert for works on linguistics in was repeating his third year of 1984 and a special prize in an medicine in 1959 when he decided international competition for on a solution that would boost his literary works in 2003. mixed academic results: to put Fernando would have liked more structure in his life with a to study physics, finding it variety of University activities. “exciting and intellectually Active and content in student rewarding”. He advises life, Robert graduated young people today to “tackle in 1964, becoming an anything”. He hopes the world orthopaedic surgeon. will be one where the dangers of demographic explosions Happily married for 50 years, are rationally attended to, Robert is now retired and spends and energy requirements are his time with his children and satisfied by non-polluting grandchildren, and indulging in natural means. his hobby of woodwork. Robert says that his early academic Fernando would like to see shortcomings at the University the University provide more taught him that “time is not assistance to needy students. for wasting” and helped him Reading, writing and watching realise the fleeting nature of the news make Fernando happy opportunities, a lesson he has and he will resume teaching heeded ever since. “if I find a workable hearing aid”. His fondest memories of the His fondest memory of the University: joining the rugby University: support and team, the dramatic society, the help from the language choir and the ski club. Robert laboratory and the Department also became the elected medical of Psychology. representative on the Students’ Representative Coucil, with the slogan, “Bauze for the cause”.

161 Paul Bayliss Dr Alison Beard BA ’61 DipEd ’62 MBBS ’60

Paul has followed a lifelong path as a teacher Alison commenced as a junior resident at Sydney with a strong belief in the power of religion. That Hospital. However, after telling the hospital path was defined by contact with his friend and superintendent she was soon to be married, she was fellow French student, Bob White; the teaching not offered a senior year. of Dr John Stott, who conducted a Christian Following her graduation from medicine in early preaching mission in the Wallace Theatre, and 1960, Alison became engaged to David, a new the powerful influence of American evangelist graduate at Manly Hospital, whom she met while Dr Billy Graham, who visited the University completing an obstetrics term. They married in during a Sydney Crusade. February 1961, after completing their internship year. Paul had a 35-year relationship with the She was happy to start a family, and after horseracing industry; was rector at Rosehill, and having four sons, Alison worked for 40 years is happy about the recent appointment of a full- in general practice. time paid chaplain to the industry. Alison recalls sitting in the Wallace Theatre at a Dr Goesch, a senior French lecturer, instilled welcome for new students, being told that only one a love of the language in Paul, and the proper in three would pass the first year exams and, should pronunciation of it by preparing Paul for the they fail, they would lose their Commonwealth role of ‘le comte’ in a production of the play, scholarship. Alison was terrified at this thought; she Le Mariage de Figaro. “The experience built up knew her parents would never pay for a repeat year my self-confidence at a time when my grades if she failed. were slipping,” Paul says. “In those days, students dressed very differently,” His early work teaching languages and algebra she says. “Men wore sports jackets, shirts and ties; earned him a Teacher’s Certificate after he the ladies sported full skirts with cinched waists, “brought classes up to scratch by drumming and high heels with stockings that needed to be held grammar into them”. up by step ins. Students carried leather briefcases, If he were to continue his studies, Paul and hand-wrote notes – there were no mobile would like to learn more about “the teaching phones, iPads, or computers to aid them.” of science and religion in its own right. Most Her fondest memories of the University: discussing secondary-educated Australians would benefit by medical topics and teaching at Sydney Hospital. knowing more about Christianity, Darwinism, Alison also enjoyed going on two inter-varsity trips Judaism, Islam and Asian religions,” he says. with SUMS (Sydney University Musical Society), After recent serious threats to his health, Paul the ‘in’ society of the time. thanks his surgeons for a new lease on life and continues to keep his mind active. He practises piano, performs with his clarinetist friend, teaches his grandchildren to sing, is learning Korean and enjoys holidaying with his wife.

His fondest memory of the University: academics at the Teachers’ College in his formative years, who impressed on him that trust in God is key to sustaining a good life. Right: Fisher Library catalogue area, 1960, G3_224_0175

162 Dr Francis Frances Bentley Bellingham AM (née Fallins) MBBS ’64 BA ’65 DipEd ’66

Graduating from Sydney in 1964, Francis gained Finding it convenient while raising her children, a gold medal in his obstetrics and gynaecology Frances was a teacher, helping to educate and exams in the United Kingdom in 1970, before encourage her students and children to be returning to Australia where he has spent his determined and persistent learners, and aiding career working in gynaecology. Today, Francis them in the pursuit of their dreams. A determined is a senior physician at Westmead Hospital learner herself, over the years Frances has gained a specialising in colposcopy, abnormal pap smears Bachelor of Letters and two postgraduate diplomas and cervical pre-cancer. from the University of New England, and is currently undertaking her PhD. His aspiration for the future is to see medicine become being more patient-centric again over the Her greatest passion – archaeology – is her core ever-increasing focus on technology. focus, with Frances admitting that if she buys an issue of New Scientist magazine and there Residing on five acres with his wife, Francis has isn’t a story about archaeology in it, she is a bit a new hobby of late: playing croquet, which he is disappointed. Frances even had her mitochondrial continuing to learn more about. He also enjoys DNA tested several years ago, a sign she says that spending time with friends and family, and her “feet are firmly planted in the past”. playing tennis. Having lived in the New England district for many His fondest memory of the University: years, Frances continues to attend community companionship with the group. events as well as meeting with friends and seeing her grandchildren when they come to stay during the school holidays.

Her fondest memory of the University: “The friends I made in those days, who have been lifelong. Many I met through the subjects of anthropology and archaeology.”

163 Dr Jules Black MBBS ’64

As an obstetrician and Challis Professor of Biology gynaecologist, Jules pioneered Charles Birch, and Professor Dr Frederick the inclusion of questions Charles Ruthven Bickerton on human sexuality in the Blackburn, pioneer of clinical Blake medicine final exam. He research at the University. All MBBS ’62 helped to introduce sexuality taught Jules how to think and the as an undergraduate then mechanisms of disease diagnosis postgraduate subject and and treatment. Jules was advocated raising the honoured to be asked to toast consciousness of the profession’s the Faculty of Medicine at the Undertaking medicine at Sydney, responsibility towards the sexual final-year dinner. Frederick became an orthopaedic function of their patients. surgeon and the first orthopaedic Jules is passionate about registrar at Sydney Hospital. As a Jules was well received and accountability, honesty, student, he was influenced by Dr appreciated in the United States transparency and responsibility. Norman Rose, Superintendent at for his work on human sexuality Married with children and Sydney Hospital, and Dr David and sexual dysfunction, for grandchildren, his loved ones Failess, surgeon. which he earned a worldwide make him most happy. In his reputation. He is the author spare time, he DJs on a local Frederick went to England to of BodyTalk: An A-Z Guide to Brisbane radio station and specialise and travel. Happily Women’s Health, an Angus & volunteers at a local primary married with two children, Robertson (Australia) bestseller. school helping children with Frederick is also interested in arts reading problems. He loves and sculpture, and would have Jules recalls many of his music, movies and being alive. liked to try his hand at the fine arts. professors having a positive influence on his life during His fondest memories of the “We all make mistakes, but don’t university, including renowned University: “Being part of let go of the opportunities,” he says. physicist and television Parson Waters and his Ripples Today, Frederick enjoys good presenter Professor Julius Troupe and singing on the food, going on adventures with his Sumner-Miller, Sir Douglas Market Street steps; and union wife, wood carving and sculpture. Miller, Professor Bruce Mayes, nights where Tom, the union Professor Rodney Shearman, secretary at the time, ended the distinguished ecologist and night on piano.”

164 Judge Brian Boulton Nigel Bowra BA ’63 BE(Civil) ’66

Brian completed his degree as a night student “I am a third generation engineer,” Nigel says. at the University. “At the time I was teaching “My father was an engineer, and I never had any primary classes, then secondary classes at doubt that engineering was the degree I was going St Patrick’s College at Sutherland,” he says. to study at the University of Sydney.”

While Brian struggled to find time to study, Nigel’s father led him in the direction of civil he was in awe of the quality of the lectures he engineering, an area he enjoyed greatly, particularly received and recalls Professor Milgate and the construction side of the sector. Commencing his Professor Dunstan with affection. degree in Perth, Nigel came to Sydney in his second year. His work took him to London and then into In 1964, Brian taught senior classes at Gregory process engineering in mining. Terrace in Brisbane and, in 1965, he was transferred to teach the same level classes at “I’ve had a wonderful career working in Australia, Nudgee College, Brisbane, the third largest boys’ Singapore, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. boarding school in Australia. In November 1967, Process engineering took me into mining and then he was appointed headmaster of Nudgee, a role project development. I even worked on the Snowy he performed for six years, until December 1973. Mountains Scheme.” Nigel went to PNG with his During that time he became vice-president then wife and young daughter, working for Thiess and president of the Association of Independent Leighton on projects and power stations using Schools Queensland, a member of the National uranium, gas and wind power. He consults in the Council of Independent Schools; and, at the same industry to this day. time, a member of the Commonwealth Committee Nigel says he also has a strong interest in history on Facilities, established by the then Minister for and would be interested in undertaking a history Education and Science, Malcolm Fraser. degree. He doesn’t have any regrets about his career In January 1974, Brian left the Christian Brothers path, however, and advises young people to “look Order to study for the Queensland Bar Exams. at the scope of the project, and not the organisation “I completed these in under two years and was you will be working for” when taking on new roles. admitted to the Bar on 18 December 1975,” he He hopes the world will adopt the use of renewable says. Brian went straight to the Private Bar and energy. “I think renewable energy will have to be practised for 12 years, during which time he more cost-effective to increase uptake,” he says. married and had three daughters, before being “Research in this area may potentially focus on appointed a Judge of the Queensland District intermittent gas power.” Court on 22 February 1988. Nigel’s greatest passion is his family, children and Brian spent 17 years on the Queensland grandchildren, many of whom are also alumni of District Court, retiring at the “compulsory the University; his daughter studied economics and age” of 70 on 13 November 2004, before being his grandchildren are studying medicine. He enjoys appointed an Acting Judge of the NSW District golf, gardening and reading history. Court for a further six years, retiring again on 30 October 2010. His fondest memories of the University: “The grounds are just wonderful, filled with tradition. The atmosphere at Sydney and Newtown in the 1960s was memorable. It was a place filled with people from all over the world: Irish, Italians and Greeks. I made friends for life.”

165 Dr John Boyd BSc ’61 BE(Elec) ’63

John considered studying law, but coming from a family of Dr David engineers, engineering won out. He went on to study at the Bradford AM University of Alaska where he MBBS ’65 was awarded a PhD in space physics. In 1980, he travelled to the Antarctic where he spent three months at sea David’s university experience got Physicians, David concluded and developed a major off to a rocky start. He started negotiations to replace the college research program. young, barely 16 at Orientation with the Australasian Chapter of Week, and had wanted to study Sexual Health Medicine in the John believes the world is the classics, having enjoyed Royal Australasian College of “in a mess” because of climate Latin and Greek in high school. Physicians, and he was awarded change and what he sees as Instead, his parents enrolled him Life Membership of the Victorian the possible breakdown of in medicine. AIDS council for his services to the democratic process and people with HIV/AIDS. “Getting the instant hysteria of the His time at Sydney and thereafter the AM for services to Sexual modern media. was largely shaped by two people. Health Medicine wasn’t bad The first, ecologist and Challis John’s interests include either,” he says. Professor of Biology Charles politics, writing and attending Birch in first-year medicine, David enjoys reading, writing conferences. He spends his time was a brilliant lecturer. David and listening to classical music, looking after his two dogs and a is grateful that Professor and he is still passionate about large parcel of land that is under Birch, who wrote widely about understanding human sexuality conservation protection, which science and religion, took and promoting sexual health. he works hard to protect. into account students such as His fondest memories of the His fondest memories of himself, from conservative University: anatomy and the the University: final year at Christian backgrounds, who dissecting room, and the feeling St Andrew’s College. In his were struggling to accept the of having a breakthrough during senior year, John was elected truth of evolution. As a resident, introductory pathology lectures. president of the Students’ David was influenced by Dr Hugh Representative Council. Gibson, Chief of Medicine at Concord Repatriation General Hospital, who provided the example of patient care and kindness on which David has modelled his professional life.

It was 15 years after graduating that David discovered his true passion: working as a sexual health physician. His subsequent career is coloured with successes. As President of the Australasian College of Sexual Health David, left, on graduation day, 1965

166 Dr Stuart Braga FACE Trevor Brew BA ’61 BA ’60

After graduating from Sydney with a Bachelor of Following a Bachelor of Arts at Sydney, Arts, Stuart followed with a Diploma of Education Trevor achieved a Master of Arts, followed by a from the University of New England (UNE) in Diploma of Education and Master 1965, a Master of Arts from Macquarie University of Education Administration (Hons) at the in 1974, a Master of Education Administration University of New England. from UNE in 1983 and a PhD from the Australian Trevor started at university as an evening student National University in 2013. He became a Fellow and was impressed by the high quality of the of the Australian College of Educators (FACE) lecturing staff, who showed great interest in in 1988. their students. Sydney gave Stuart his first degree, and a He became registrar at the Institute of Early springboard for a career in which he tried to put Childhood Development in Melbourne, secretary into practice what he had learned, and pass on his of the Institute of Education in Wollongong and enthusiasm for his subject. manager of Academic and Student Services at the Stuart found his honours seminars especially University of Wollongong. entrancing, and the available range of essay topics His wife, Joy, who Trevor married in 1957, has opened up his interest in biography. been the greatest influence on his life during and “There was a sense of privilege in being an after university. honours student that made students want to do His greatest passion now is singing in the local choir well,” he says. “This group of history students and helping others. He plays golf on Saturdays, graduating in 1961 was highly regarded by and drives a mini-bus once a month for a Rotary the academic staff. Most would eventually Club sing-a-long, does a little gardening and enjoys earn PhDs.” dinner with friends. Stuart recalls being in awe of Fisher Library. “Most students had come from schools where the library resources were poor and this splendid building, with its grand entrance, high vaulted roof, rows of great wooden bookshelves and desks lit by lamps, put them all into shade.”

He enjoyed his involvement in many of the clubs and societies at the time, including the Liberal Club, the History Club and the Debates Committee. “I formed lasting friendships and was able to test the beliefs, ideas and social norms of undergraduate life,” Stuart says.

His fondest memory of the University: the weekly organ recitals in the Great Hall and matriculation. “In March 1957, the Great Hall was filled with excited, nervous students embarking on what we all felt was going to be a great adventure. There was a procession of academic staff and no doubt Brahms’s Academic Festival overture was played on the organ.”

167 Lindsay Brown Professor Thea Brown BPharm ’64 BA ’62 DipSW ’62

Lindsay was a sole proprietor Thea’s career achievements have been in research and its role in the in pharmacies for more than 30 development of new national social welfare programs, such as the years in regions across NSW. Magellan program dealing with child abuse. That program operates He cites several senior lecturers in the Family Court of Australia. as having a positive influence Another achievement was the 2012 Family Law amendments on him during university. regarding family violence. Thea led a group to undertake a research These include Dr Tom Watson, study for the Attorney-General. The group’s work was cited as the Dr Bill O’Reilly, Dr Dick basis of the new legislation created as a result. Thomas, Professor Sydney Wright and Dr Reg Coombe. If given the chance to do another degree, Thea would choose finance, having used financial data in her PhD and becoming interested in Lindsay has been married to finance in relation to the funding of government programs. Carol for more than 45 years and is proud to have raised Thea enjoys work, going to the cinema, reading and travel; she has and provided for his two been to Italy many times during last five years, as well as to the United children, both of whom have States, Canada, France and Germany. university qualifications. He Thea is passionate about her family, friendships, being well and enjoys gardening, golf, bowls healthy and having success in work. and spending time with his family, and in his spare time he “I am optimistic about gender equality for women,” she says. “I also participates in sports. hope for better treatment of gay, lesbian and transgender people. Our daughter is gay and we feel very strongly about same-sex marriage.” “I hope the University extends training and education to Thea’s daughter graduated from Monash University in Melbourne. all eligible students and She also has a grandson and is looking forward to their continues to benefit society first granddaughter. and communities in future Her fondest memory of the University: meeting her husband, Robert generations,” says Lindsay. Brown, who graduated in science around the same time. “It wasn’t He also advises students to until after we left that we met again through common friends and work conscientiously towards got together,” Thea says. “He’s constantly supported me throughout a qualification and to “enjoy my life and my career.” the decade in your 20s after university life”.

His fondest memory of the University: the social and sporting events at the School of Pharmacy.

168 Dr Tony Brown Hugh Brownlee BScAgr ’63 BScAgr ’61

Tony remembers his friendships with fellow Although Hugh would have liked to study history, his students and inspiring, knowledgeable lecturers father wanted him to study law. However, Hugh saw such as Professor Smith-White, Dr Latter and romance in agriculture and decided to follow his desire leading ecologist and Challis Professor of Biology to undertake agriculture at Sydney, which he discovered Charles Birch, as some of the markers of his was a broad and interesting course covering the science student days. His experiences enabled Tony to fields of organic chemistry, physics and botany. complete a PhD at the University of California in “I was surprised at the breadth of education we 1969, and to publish some 200 papers, two joint received,” says Hugh. “Teaching and research at the monographs, five edited volumes and a tributary high standards the University insists on can only chapter in a book on plant breeding. lead to good outcomes.” If he were to ever do another degree, Tony would Hugh worked as a research agronomist and study mathematical statistics. contributed significantly to wheat farming, Tony believes young people need a wider followed by involvement with an aid program for experience of the world, particularly of countries Sri Lanka, testing pasture plants and legumes. He less developed in agriculture, and that the world made a number of trips to Sri Lanka, assisting small needs to have more sustainable practices. farmers to grow legumes, thereby affording a cow, which in turn provided milk to the community. He also feels the University should place emphasis on appreciating and cultivating diversity in “There was lots of civil unrest which affected the student and staff intakes in courses program, but it contributed significantly,” Hugh in environmental awareness. says. “I worked with people at all levels in the Department of Agriculture in Sri Lanka.” Tony is still passionate about biological research and diversity, conducting research, writing, Hugh loves flying and ocean voyages, holds a collaborating with younger colleagues and pilot’s licence and wouldn’t have minded being a consulting on conservation and agriculture, while professional pilot or mariner. He now runs a school still finding time for music, travel and his family. that conducts flight training.

His fondest memory of the University: Russell and Olive Hinchcliffe from Broken Hill, with whom Hugh went to do practical work in agriculture. “It was a marvellously intellectual experience, they had a grasp of the history, were both Sydney graduates and knew the people who were teaching us,” he says. “They were experimental botanists, and I got an amazing appreciation of arid low rainfall pastoral and agricultural pursuits.”

169 Dr Robin Burns Dr Robert Callaghan BA ’65 MBBS ’62

Robin was elected president of the Australian “My father was very supportive,” says Robert of and New Zealand Comparative and International his time at the University. Dr Charles Ruthven Education Society in 1983, and in the summer of Bickerton Blackburn, who taught medicine and 1995–96, obtained a place with the Australian pioneered clinical research at the University, National Antarctic Research Expeditions on was also a great influence, he says. the first social science project to be conducted Robert graduated from medicine with honours in in Antarctica. 1962 and says that, along with his children, it is his Although retired, Robin still writes accounts of proudest accomplishment. However, he would have her travels to share with friends and enjoys being also liked to study Australian history and would out in the field among the diversity of plants advise his younger self to “be a little more dominant and animals in different environments. She also in decisions about your future life”. enjoys photography, gardening and reading about Being a doctor, Robert would like to see a world explorers, Central Asian history and scientists’ free from disease and wishes people would be biographies and autobiographies. more tolerant of one another. “I would like to see “In future I hope the population will be smaller equality among people without pushing politics on and our footprint on the planet lighter; that the everybody,” he says. He believes that the University environment will be healthy and that nations and has already made the world a better place by educating peoples will be at peace,” she says. people and conducting research.

Robin thinks the University should maintain Robert is passionate about his wife, children and and foster a degree program and research that grandchildren’s health and his grandchildren’s allows curiosity and committed research, not just ability to pursue education. He enjoys swimming for economic advancement, but also for solving and sports, and all aspects of life. critical human and environmental problems. His fondest memory of the University: “Playing Her fondest memory of the University: football against the different faculties. I met a lot Mrs Rosalie McCutcheon, the resident secretary of friends there.” of the Student Christian Movement. She was the greatest influence on Robin’s life, both at university and beyond.

Right: The Bank Building, Science Road, Robin in view from old Geology Namibia Building, 1960

170 171 David Cameron Penny Cameron BE(Civil) ’62 BA ’62

David’s greatest influences in life have been his The Women’s College played an instrumental role company colleagues – John Forbes and Triston in Penny’s life, helping her find both confidence Antico. He remembers his time at university and comfort. Penny credits Betty Archdale, the fondly, but if he had to do it all again, he would widely respected principal of Women’s College study harder and undertake economics and at the time, for the crucial role she played in her commerce, disciplines that were not included university experiences. in engineering. Due to her husband’s work commitments, Penny He believes the University can make a difference has moved regularly. This has allowed her to work by encouraging good values in students and as an educator in English as a second language, academic staff. teach at the University of Houston, and write for Cambridge University. Penny accomplished this After the death of Mao Zedong, Chairman of while raising three children. the Chinese Communist Party, in 1976, David established an operation in China. Penny previously served on the University of Sydney Alumni Council and thoroughly enjoyed David hopes for a peaceful world in future and reaching out to former students. Following the is proud of his marriage, three children and Cronulla riots in 2005, she organised a conference grandchildren. He loves spending time with on safe and social collusion at the University. This his family, in particular, his grandchildren. gave her the opportunity to meet a number of people who share her desire for a world governed by peace and kindness.

Penny’s passions have changed and evolved during her life. She loves cooking for her family and friends and is broadening her skills by developing an electronic photobook for a friend’s 80th birthday.

Her fondest memories of the University: many friendships with lecturers, tutors and other residents at the Women’s College. As a “social animal”, Penny enjoyed the parties hosted by the colleges. It was at one of these parties that Penny met her future husband, David Cameron (page 172).

172 Robyn Cameron Brian Carlin BA ’61 DipEd ’62 BA ’62

Following graduation, Robyn took up a teaching Brian’s Sydney experience was a little different placement in the country. For the time, as she was to most students. As a night student, he attended also a farmer’s wife, it was unusual to find herself the University in the evenings after a day spent both with a degree and a job away from the farm. teaching. It was a tricky balancing act – he mostly recalls dashing from school to school, trying If Robyn were to do another degree it would be in to make it in time for class. One of the biggest Australian history to further her interest and love struggles of being a night student was just staying of the ways in which people, groups and religions awake after a long day at work. interact; interests that were first ignited through her studies in anthropology at the University. He has fond memories of his lecturers. Mr Milgate earned his professorship halfway through the Robyn advises today’s students to “get involved semester, and entered the lecture theatre the and be part of the University community”. Her following week to resounding applause from his hope is that the University will continue to be a students. Another, Professor Ward, was almost hub of research and learning, and she was excited deaf and used to scare himself every time he said to learn of the opening of the Australian Institute something too loudly. for Nanoscale Science and Technology’s Sydney Nanoscience Hub, a state-of-the-art facility on After university, Brian moved from primary the Camperdown Campus, in 2016. education to secondary school teaching. He worked as a teacher throughout his career, mainly within Her fondest memory of the University: sitting the Kingsgrove area in Sydney’s south. Although under the jacaranda tree in full bloom in the he enjoyed studying, if he could go back, he would Quadrangle, watching life and people pass by. take some of the subjects that weren’t open to night students, such as French and archaeology, both of which are passions.

He would also have liked to experience the social life as a day student.

His fondest memory of the University: the annual night students’ dinner – the highlight of the night students’ social calendar. “I’m not sure if I should admit this, but we used to hide alcohol under the table so that we could get double servings!”

173

Gilbert Case BA ’62

Gilbert pursued his interests in English and linguistics at the University. “There were two pathways,” he says. “One could specialise in literature or early English literature and language.” Gilbert followed the latter and attained first-class honours.

Gilbert became an educator, maintaining his interest in the English language and doing “spot reading” for the Australian National Dictionary Centre in Canberra. He takes pleasure in noting Associate Professor how language has developed, and how the vernacular changes over time. Gilbert believes it David Champion is futile to try to “fix” the language, an idea that MBBS ’62 was popular, he says, when education was made compulsory in the 19th century.

Gilbert fears Australia is primarily a monolingual society and thinks this “monoculture and mono-lingualism” is an academic, cultural and Following in the footsteps of his father, a GP, possibly economic, threat. David graduated as a doctor in 1962, beginning his working life at Royal North Shore Hospital before “It worries me that university doesn’t require undertaking two year-long research fellowships in students in all faculties to undertake a course rheumatism in England and the United States. either in linguistics or in a language that they don’t already speak – we should at least be Upon his return to Australia, David worked putting a toe in the water,” he says. in private practice as a consultant physician in rheumatology at St Vincent’s Clinic in Sydney “In my day, one had to have a foreign language and founded the Pain Research Unit at Sydney to matriculate, at least into arts. I had an elderly Children’s Hospital, serving as director from gentleman on my staff who had never graduated 1990 to 2012. because he’d never completed his year’s foreign language.” Currently a Conjoint Associate Professor in the School of Women’s and Children’s Health at the His fondest memories of the University: Professor University of NSW, his primary area of research Lesley Rogers in the English department; a whole is paediatric pain. host of people in English and linguistics, French, Latin, and even one in the history department, David enjoys spending time with his wife, Caroline, a subject he says he “should never have studied”, as well as his children; going out to dinner and although the two lecturers knew their job and the movies with friends; and travelling. He also made the course “particularly pleasant”. has a strong interest in early Dutch history and is particularly happy playing golf.

His fondest memory of the University: “Friends, fellow students and funny times in student Left: Students in the Alexander hospital rounds.” Mackie Library, Sydney Teachers’ College, 1960, University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_2343

175 Emeritus Professor John Chudleigh BScAgr ’62

John’s career was greatly influenced by agronomist Professor Frank Crofts. John became Dean of Orange Agricultural College and received a Centenary Medal for his work in the field of agriculture.

John is also interested in the study of medicine and law but urges today’s students to follow their hearts and “do what you love most”.

“I have a lot of confidence that despite the gloom Rosemary Christmas and doom of today, technology will still give us BA ’63 DipEd ’76 BD ’81 MTh ’87 a wonderful world,” he says. “I hope technology assists and creates a world that is sustainable.”

John is passionate about his family and currently manages a newsletter about agriculture. “I do a little volunteering,” he says. “I help others where I can.”

Having studied a breadth of subject areas He takes great delight in the successes of his including music and zoology, Rosemary children and grandchildren. “My wife is very commenced work for the State Library of NSW involved in the community so I celebrate her where she was in charge of a number of branches. wins too,” he says. She also helped support her husband’s legal career while raising their son and daughter, and was the His fondest memories of the University: playing first woman on the Liturgical Commission in the tennis and making visits to Camden. Anglican Church. More recently, she has become an artist with the Mosman Art Society.

Studying at Sydney was a rich experience for Rosemary, full of wonderful academic mentors and staff. She continues to explore the world through the documentaries of the legendary British naturalist David Attenborough and physicist Brian Cox.

Besides spending time with family and friends, Rosemary’s many creative pursuits include listening to music, gardening and homemaking, as well as a passion for animals. In awe of the developments of the past 35 years, she hopes the world will develop “towards a global village” with greater mindfulness and sharing of resources.

Her fondest memory of the University: lunching with her friends in the Quadrangle.

176 George Clark Raymond Clayton BE(Civil) ’64 MateriaMedica(Pharmacol) ’60

Graduating in 1964, George went on to study in Following graduation, Raymond spent two years both the United Kingdom and the United States as a pharmacist in London, which he says was a during his career as an engineer, winning the great opportunity and experience. Upon his return Wynne Prize in the Institution of Structural to Australia, he bought a practice in Bowral, in Engineers exams in the United Kingdom the NSW Southern Highlands, where he has been as well as obtaining a master’s degree from ever since. Stanford University in the United States. Raymond says the basis of his success is “hard work George established his own consulting firm, and being kind to people”. His philosophy – that it’s George Clark & Associates, and he won the better to give rather than to receive – has provided Institution of Engineers Australia award for him much satisfaction and a good outlook on life. Engineering Excellence in the mid-1980s. Raymond sold his practice 10 years ago to an He has also received highly commended employee who worked for him for a decade. awards on two other occasions. He maintains his registration, however, and Married with adult children, George now lives still works for about 20 hours a month. on Sydney’s lower north shore where he enjoys He loves cooking, gardening, travelling and reading and writing. His greatest passions include playing golf. He regularly visits his two sons winemaking and poetry as well as seeing elegant overseas, one in Ireland and one in the United engineering solutions. States. A self-confessed anglophile, he loves going When George is not in Sydney, he can be found back to London. “I have no trouble filling in my farming out on the NSW Central Ranges where retirement,” he says. he enjoys the solitude. His fondest memory of the University: “Twenty of His fondest memory of the University: “Feeling us who used to associate on weekends and holidays secure in the belief that the University standard formed a great bond which continues today,” was high.” Raymond says. “We try to meet once or twice a year to catch up. University is a great experience and you tend to make friends for life.”

177 Professor Neville Clouten BArch ’63

Neville has a Bachelor of Professor Emeritus of Art and Architecture from Sydney, a Architecture. He has published Julie Cole Master of Architecture from 60 articles on architecture, art, Ohio State University in the science and education, and a (née Johnsen) United States, and a PhD from book, Academic Lite: Treasures of MBBS ’61 Edinburgh University in the Creativity and Reflection from Life UK. He is a Fellow of the Royal as a University Professor. Australian Institute of Architects As a student, practising and a member of several architect and teacher, Neville professional art societies. He was A country girl from Broken has always carried a sketchbook. awarded the American Institute Hill, Julie came to the A recognised artist, he regularly of Architects AIA Michigan University after winning one exhibits watercolours in President’s Award in 2000. of the five Zinc Corporation R juried art shows, including Pittman Hooper Scholarships, Neville worked as a researcher for the 2004 and 2005 Michigan reserved for women. This gave the Sydney Opera House project WaterColor Society annual her the opportunity to reside at prior to its opening in 1973, and exhibitions and Travelling Show the Women’s College. as an architect in Stockholm, 2005-06; the All-Michigan Sweden, before embarking on All-Media Art Show; and Julie had planned to study his 35-year career as a college the Polk Art and Technology science, but during Orientation professor and dean. He taught at competition exhibition. Week, an adviser persuaded the University of Newcastle in her she had the potential for Neville shares his expertise in NSW and was invited to be the medicine. To this day, she is workshops, including on ocean inaugural professor and chair of grateful for that advice as she and river cruises. In 2003 he the Department of Architecture thoroughly enjoyed medicine. presented watercolour workshops at Andrews University, Berrien on the Cunard Line’s Queen Her proudest life achievements Springs, Michigan, in the US. Elizabeth II from London to New include passing her Pathology From 1990 to 2003, he was dean York as part of the Festival of the College exams and the birth of the College of Architecture Arts program, and from 2004 on of her two children. Now a and Design at Lawrence both the Queen Mary II and QEII. grandmother, her husband and Technological University in He has also taught watercolour family are her greatest passions, Southfield, Michigan. workshops on river cruises on the and she spends most of her time Volga, Rhine, Rhone, Danube, with them. Neville is currently Dean Emeritus Yangtze and Nile rivers. of Architecture and Design, and “Study hard and follow what you want in life,” says Julie, offering the advice she would give to her younger self.

Her fondest memory of the University: the time she spent at the Women’s College.

178 Eunice Dr Christopher Condon Cooper BA ’60 DipEd ’61 BSc ’63 MSc ’65

A dedicated teacher, Eunice Completing his undergraduate Dr David worked in teaching and and master’s degrees in administration roles for more mathematics at Sydney, Collinson than 40 years at both state and Christopher married and MBBS ’62 GradDipSportsSc ’86 private schools. moved with his wife, Elisabeth, to London in 1965. He gained In her first year of teaching his PhD in algebra from Queen she tutored three scholarship Mary College at the University students at a small high school of London before returning to help them complete their A GP at the same practice in to Australia in 1968 to leaving certificates. Two Sydney’s southern suburbs for become a lecturer at of these students are now more than 50 years, David’s Macquarie University. practising GPs, and the other passion for movement along is an economics lecturer in the Now retired, Christopher’s with general practice saw him United States. online notes, developed for follow up his initial medical maths courses at Macquarie training with the study of sports While working as a teacher, University, are used across science and musculo-skeletal Eunice also raised a family of the world. medicine. He has been helping five children and now maintains to educate new registrars for strong relationships with her Mathematics is not his only nearly 30 years. 12 grandchildren. passion. The inaugural president of the Australian David likes to play the ukulele At a young age, Eunice’s mother Bronte Association, and the guitar; watch sport, told her she was “wasting her Christopher says he has particularly rugby and cricket; time by getting an education”. “developed a great love for and play golf. However, encouragement pre-20th century literature” from her father, aunt and His advice to his 20-year-old particularly the Bronte grandmother gave her the self: your goals in life are always sisters, Charles Dickens support she needed to continue achievable as long as you try and Jane Austen. with her studies. your hardest and don’t give up. Christopher hopes there Her fondest memories of the His fondest memories of the will be greater care for the University: meeting some of University: playing billiards, environment in the future. her greatest friends, many of passing exams and good friends. whom remain her friends today; and being exposed to new opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t have been available to her.

179 Margaret Cooper Barry Craig (née White) BA ’61 DipEd ’62 MA ’70 BPharm ’64

Margaret was grateful for her parents’ generosity Barry’s lecturers, particularly his ancient in encouraging her ambitions. As a student from history lecturer, Edwin Judge, and anthropology the country, she found the Women’s College a lecturer, Ian Hopeland, were a great influence on haven, where she enjoyed meeting and sharing his early studies at Sydney. Given the chance again, with students and teaching staff from Australia Barry would like to study a language, particularly and overseas. Among them was Doreen Langley, German, as he considers it crucial to his interest principal of the Women’s College from 1957 in anthropology. to 1974. Barry has had a successful career that took him Margaret met her husband, Noel Cooper, while overseas. While teaching in Papua New Guinea, at Sydney, and together they had three children. Barry enjoyed his work as a translator with Bryan After graduation, Margaret practised as a Cranstone from the British Museum. Similarly, pharmacist in several Australian states. during his time working and studying in New York, he was influenced by Junter Koeptke, who taught Her husband’s career took Margaret to different early Greek history. Back in Sydney, Donald Brook parts of Australia and to the United States, where at the Power Institute had a significant impact. she often represented Australia at functions. She was widowed in 1985 and in 1994, through Barry’s proudest career achievement is his her pharmacy work, Margaret met her second continued interest in the material culture of Papua husband, Anthony Foster. New Guinea. This has included writing and co- authoring papers and books, as well as holding the During her career and throughout life, Margaret role of Senior Curator in World Cultures at the has helped others grow, and thinks she would Museum of South Australia. choose psychology if she were to undertake another degree. Barry spends much of his time contributing and studying within his chosen field of anthropology. Now retired, Margaret’s sources of happiness He particularly enjoys the challenge of working are her family and friends, with whom she enjoys with tribal cultures. special times, and living in a wonderful country that allows people to grow as families. His fondest memory of the University: the power and influence of good teachers. She is also involved with Probus, and travels regularly in Australia and overseas. She believes in making the most of each day, working hard and accepting gratefully what one has been given and allowed to achieve in life. She hopes for the same in a world that is safe for her children, grandchildren and future generations.

180 Dr Beverley Ann Czerwonka- Ledez (née Bird) MBBS ’61

Working for Queensland Health Dr Mervyn Cross OAM for most of her career, Beverley MBBS ’65 spent 18 years in child psychiatry and 12 years in adult community psychiatry. Deeply interested in how people think, Beverley says Completing orthopaedic training Society of Sports Medicine. she gained a lot of satisfaction in 1972, Mervyn received a Before his retirement, from helping her patients see Fellowship of the Australian Mervyn received the L O Betts that life is worth living. Now a Orthopaedic Association in 1974. Medal from the Australian volunteer for the Cancer Council, He specialised in arthroscopic Orthopaedic Association, the she hopes she can support surgery, allowing a greater highest accolade it offers. terminally ill people to believe variety of knee disorders to be they can die gracefully. In addition to Mervyn’s treated with minimal invasive professional achievements, he Beverley is proud of having surgery. In 1978, he helped was also elected a foundation been able to balance her medical establish the Australian Knee Governor of the Sydney career with raising her four Club before being elected as a Museum of Contemporary Art. children, who continue to bring foundational board member of an enormous amount of joy to her the International Society of Mervyn is extremely proud life, as do her grandchildren. the Knee. of his son, who also studied a Bachelor of Medicine/ Living in Toowoomba, In 1983, Mervyn instituted the Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) Queensland, Beverley is also North Sydney Orthopaedic and and his grandson, who is involved with pastoral care in Sports Medicine Centre and studying medical science the local community. She spends acted as the National Chairman and bioengineering. In 2008, her time reading, sewing, doing of the Australian Society of alongside his son Tom, Mervyn embroidery and listening to Orthopaedic Surgeons from 1989 established the Stadium Clinic classical music, and remains a to 1995. In 1991, he was awarded at Allianz Stadium. lover of the opera and ballet. a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of NSW Following his retirement in Her fondest memory of the for research and publications of 2012, Mervyn and his wife University: camping out for knee pathology and treatment. have been catching up on the tickets to see Swan Lake – at Mervyn was awarded an Order dreams they forfeited over the the cost of two weeks’ board. of Australia medal in 1995 for years. These include golf, travel, services to orthopaedics and writing and reading. In his sports surgery. younger days, Mervyn played rugby league. From 1999 to 2005, Mervyn was appointed to the Board of His fondest memories of the National Rugby League the University: second-year and, in 2000, was Director of anatomy when he began to feel Orthopaedics for the Sydney like he was starting to make Olympics. In 2007, he was some great accomplishments, inducted into the Hall of Fame and again when he began of the American Orthopaedic working in hospitals.

181 Nancy Darby Leslie Denham BA ’64 DipEd ’65 BSc ’62

Nancy was proud to have achieved a degree with Strongly influenced by geology lecturer Bruce honours, followed by a Diploma of Education. Harris while at the University, Leslie completed a science degree which led him into a career that She had many positive influences during and after enabled him to work all over the world, from university, including the lecturers – especially Antarctica to Greenland, Texas and Indonesia. Professor Judge for history and Miss Sharp for women’s sport – her friends, cousins and, of Residing in Houston, Texas, more than 50 years course, comfortable shoes. after his graduation, Leslie still contributes to science and won the First Place Best Published She is proud of her two sons and four Paper Award from the Gulf Coast Association of grandchildren. Many things make Nancy happy, Geological Societies in 2014 and again in 2015. In including family, friends, Australia and heritage, recent years, Leslie’s work was most influenced by a good feed and raindrops on roses. the late Robert E Sheriff, Emeritus Professor of Her favourite quotes are: “make love not war” Geophysics at the University of Houston. and “gather ye rosebuds while ye may”. Leslie now spends his time working for a start-up Her fondest memories of the University: the clock company using lightning databases for resource in the Latin room that said Tempus Fugit (time exploration, volunteering for the Geophysical flies); sport, including fencing and fencers; films; Society of Houston Geoscience Center as a plays; Fisher Library and the Quadrangle. librarian, and for the Girl Scouts as a sailing instructor. “The balance of my time is largely spent with family,” Leslie says.

“I am happiest when unravelling a puzzle; whether that’s figuring out and implementing an algorithm to manipulate data in a new way or, as happened this morning at the Geoscience Center, working out how to disassemble a door lock.”

His fondest memories of the University: geology field trips to Broken Hill and Mudgee, and those of the Geological Society to the research area in the Megalong Valley, in the Blue Mountains of NSW.

182 Joan Dillon Carl Doring BScAgr ’61 BE(Mech) ’60

Joan is an advocate of lifelong learning and Initially working in packaging manufacturing and keeping up to date with scientific developments. research and design in the defence industry, Carl She believes one’s chosen career path should found his ethical beliefs conflicting with some of the be broad in scope and that both students and tasks he was given as an engineer. Still passionate academics be constantly prepared to diversify about design and functionality, he changed their skills to meet life’s challenges and scientific direction to work in industrial archaeology in the discoveries, which she says will “inevitably come”. early 1980s.

Joan spent 18 years teaching tropical horticulture Obtaining a master’s degree in archaeology from at Northern Territory University (now Charles Birmingham University and the Ironbridge Darwin University) and believes her time in Institute in the United Kingdom in 1987, Carl and Darwin and the Northern Territory has made his wife, Margaret – a civil engineer specialising her who she is today. in engineering heritage – have worked together assessing more than 50 heritage sites of significance “Moving to Darwin opened up academic and to industrial or engineering history. career opportunities for me that, as a woman, were not available in Sydney at that time,” she Residing in northeast Victoria on 72 hectares says. Joan travelled and taught within northern of native bushland, Carl is a proud parent and Australia and overseas, including Brunei. grandparent, and a member of the Melbourne University Ski Club. For many years Joan was an active member of Greening Australia and she has a Voluntary His fondest memory of the University: “Getting Conservation Agreement over much of her involved with the Sydney University Ski Club, 11‑acre property in Queensland. leading to meeting my wife through skiing.”

She is an advocate of clean energy and population control and believes that more research into these issues, along with improving food production, is critical to solving issues such as competition for water and resources.

Joan is still active in many diverse areas and at 78 years of age, says that spare time does not exist in her household. She still volunteers with like-minded friends, edits a journal devoted to subtropical gardening and pursues her interest in rainforest ecology.

Her fondest memories of the University: graduating with a passion for ornamental plant pathology; her faculty’s field excursions and Commemoration Day pranks.

Carl and Margaret at an industrial archaeology site in Wales, 1987

183 Dr Michael Dowsett AM, Peter Durham FRACDS BVSc ’63 BDS ’61 MDS ’64

When Michael graduated a tri-service training school Peter’s mother and father had the from Sydney, he started work to train dental assistants to greatest influence on his life. His in a private dental practice, become dental hygienists. father was also a veterinarian – though this was not to be graduating from the University He attended the Joint Services where his degree ultimately of Edinburgh in the UK, and his Staff College in Canberra in 1985 took him. At the suggestion of mother was a registered nurse. and was eventually promoted to a friend, he joined the Royal the position of Director General Peter’s advice to students today is Australian Naval Reserve and of Naval Health Services. In to “study, look, think”. was exposed to a different type 1990, he was made a Member of of dental practice. Peter and his wife enjoy travelling the Order of Australia (AM). locally and overseas, particularly Returning to university, Michael Michael says that if he had any visiting their youngest son in applied for a teaching fellow advice for himself it would Canada and their oldest son position at the University where be to “make the most of your in Brisbane. he guided undergraduates opportunities, think outside through their anaesthesia and His fondest memories of the the box and if someone tells you oral surgery training while also University: participating in something can’t be done, take undertaking his own research the Sydney University Rock that as a challenge”. into oral pathology. Climbing Club; relaxing with Michael was involved in sport classmates at the Veterinary After completing his master’s and community service. He School and playing the violin in degree, Michael joined the Royal is passionate about rugby and the Sydney University Musical Australian Navy and served has refereed in Australia and Society (SUMS). for more than 30 years. This overseas. He is still a referee decision led him to practise coach in Canberra where clinical dentistry in unusual Dowsett Field at the Australian and sometimes dangerous Defence Force Academy places, including during active is named in his honour. service at sea and in Borneo and Singapore.

In addition, with assistance from the Royal Canadian Dental Corps, he established

184 Gay Emmerson The Hon. Justice (née Thomas) Arthur Emmett BSc ’64 BA ’64 LLB ’67 LLM ’74 DLaws (Honoris Causa) ’09

Gay has been a maths teacher and tutor for In 1963, in his first year at the law school, Arthur many years at the University of Canberra. She studied criminal law which involved an excursion to is also a professional artist, having graduated Sydney Quarter Sessions at Darlinghurst to “spend from the Canberra School of Art in 1979. Gay is a day watching a trial before Judge Ron Cross, who currently looking forward to an exhibition she is was subsequently promoted to the Supreme Court”. holding in London called Australian Landscapes, To be admitted as a legal practitioner, it was showcasing 13 of her paintings. necessary to serve as a clerk articled to a solicitor. Gay is passionate about art and nature, and In between lectures, clerks worked for their master she enjoys painting and drawing, travelling solicitors. Arthur commenced three years as an and experiencing life and culture. She loves articled clerk in 1964 with the firm then known as spending time with her wonderful family – her Dawson Waldron Edwards and Nicholls. son also teaches at several tertiary institutions in Arthur commenced electives in his second year Queensland – and she finds it a privilege to watch of law, choosing real property with Professor her beautiful grandchildren grow and learn. David Benjafield, who taught from a wheelchair, Family, music, shared joy, laughter and beauty and constitutional law with Professor Pat Lane, make Gay happy and she finally feels like she has who amazed everybody with his ability to give grown into the person she always wanted to be. references to passages of the Commonwealth “Look beyond your fears and imagined Law Reports off the top of his head. limitations,” she says. “Be kind to yourself In 1965, bankruptcy was taught by the “dashing too, don’t be too proud to ask for help.” Laurie [Laurence] Street QC”, who was appointed Her fondest memories of the University: lunch to the Supreme Court to sit in Equity, subsequently at Manning House with her friends; iced coffee became Chief Judge in Equity and, later, Chief with her boyfriend after physics prac; excellent Justice of NSW. Later still, he became Arthur’s lecturers such as Challis Professor of Biology father-in-law. Charles Birch, a leader in the fields of genetics His fondest memory of the University: the Sydney and ecology, for zoology; and student newspaper University Classical Society (SUCS). “The highlight Honi Soit, which Gay says was “quite eye-opening of the SUCS year was the performance of a dramatic for a nice, quiet girl” like her! work in Latin or classical Greek in the Wallace Theatre,” Arthur says. “The work in 1963 was Aristophanes’ The Clouds, the satirical comedy about the corruption by Socrates of the youth of Athens.”

At the final year law dinner, the guests of honour in 1965 were Lord and Lady Denning. Lord Denning was then Master of the Rolls and Sydney Law School students thought it a great joke, when his Lordship was introduced, to begin hurling bread rolls at him.

185 Major Dr Graeme Evans Harry Engel BScAgr ’61 PhD (Agriculture) ’65 MateriaMedica(Pharmacol) ’60

One of Harry’s greatest Plant health has been a lifelong Now retired, Graeme enjoys time interests is stopping pain. After passion for Graeme. During with his family. finishing university, his major the 1980s and 90s, he took a He is working on a small property influences were his wife and pragmatic approach to plant that he is endeavouring to Lt. Col. David Lloyd. quarantine. This meant revegetate. “When we acquired Australian agriculture had Harry believes the University it, the block had one native access to many new plant should ensure its research tree and four exotics,” he says. varieties, which has impacted is always paramount and “Revegetating the block has been the horticultural industries; for of value to humanity. He difficult because of the relatively example, grape varieties that considers Melbourne’s RMIT dry climate and late frosts, but form the basis of the Tasmanian (which is particularly strong we are getting there. I also like to wine industry. in economics) and Monash spend a little time making glass University as institutions Graeme would like to see lamps in the Tiffany style.” that are successful in Australia and the world His fondest memory of the practical teaching. become more equitable than University: influential lecturers. it is now. “Australia is a much Harry sees the value of young In Graeme’s final year as an less egalitarian country than it people studying hard and undergraduate student, he once was,” he says. “Quite apart giving of themselves. Foremost was taught by Neville White, from the pressure this puts on in his hopes for the future is a Associate Professor of Plant the less well off, disparity is the peaceful Middle East and Israel. Pathology, and David Griffin, source of considerable conflict lecturer in mycology. Their What makes Harry happy is within societies.” influence continued into seeing his wife and children Graeme thinks politicians should Graeme’s postgraduate years happy. He spends his time with address the major problems and had a considerable impact family and likes to travel. humanity faces, including climate on his career. change and population growth, and believes the University is in a position to address some of these issues, thereby making the world a better place.

186 Dr Neville Exon BSc ’63

Based within the Research School of Earth Sciences at the Australian National University Mary Anne Fishbourne (ANU), Neville is currently the Program Scientist for the Australian and New Zealand arm of the (née Meagher) International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) , BA ’60 which drills and analyses worldwide samples of the core beneath the ocean floor.

A sedimentologist and marine geologist, Neville completed his doctorate at the University of Kiel The professors in the Department of Archaeology in Germany and held government positions in had a great impact on Mary Anne, both as a student geosciences until 2005, when he left his role as and for the rest of her life, especially for welcoming a senior principal research scientist in marine her into the archaeological community. geology and geophysics. A visiting fellow at ANU from 2005 to 2007, his involvement with the IODP Following graduation, Mary Anne worked for four began in 2008 when he played a leading role in years in the Nicholson Museum at the University. securing Australia’s admission to the program. She also worked on archaeological projects in Libya and Italy. She is fascinated by the changes that A father of two children, Rosemary and Frank, have affected archaeology over time, such as digital Neville enjoys spending time with his lovely wife, photography, which was not available when she was Diana, and wider family, and helping his wife in the actively engaged in the field. garden. He also sings in a gospel/folk group and is keenly involved with his church. She believes young people should “enquire and make the best of everything” and that His fondest memory of the University: geological education, study and the exchange of ideas excursions in third year with Gordon Packham are vital stepping stones. and Hugh Jenkins. Mary Anne loves gardening and travelling and still visits various archaeological sites. She also enjoys a game of golf and playing bridge.

Her fondest memories of the University: staying at Sancta Sophia College. Mary Anne also found Manning House a great place to be because everyone would gather there to talk and exchange ideas over coffee.

Dr Neville Exon receiving the Stillwell Award for the best written paper in the Australian Journal of Earth Sciences in 2006, at the Australian Geoscience Convention in Perth, July 2008.

187 Keith Furniss Dr David Gibb BE(Civil) ’62 BSc ’62 BSc(Med) ’62 MBBS ’64

For the first five years after graduation, Keith was In 2015, David completed the first volume of his a cadet with the Snowy Mountains Authority, memoir From Birth to Berth – my first 27 years. working on the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Five chapters cover his years at the University; Scheme. He has fond memories of his time and three recalling his experiences as an undergraduate experiences there. in science and medicine, and two on his years at Wesley College. He joined a leading consulting company for the rest of his working life, engaging in pure civil David received a Commonwealth Scholarship and engineering for the first 10 years, followed by worked as a laboratory assistant at the Colonial management of major projects. Largely based Sugar Refinery while studying science. Zoology in Sydney, Keith also spent a couple of years in and biology were a highlight in his first year, and in Cairns, Canberra and Brisbane on various jobs. 1957, David’s application to transfer to medicine was accepted. He spent two “full-on” years from Keith advises taking every chance and every 1962 studying medicine while attached to Royal opportunity you can – in your career and social Prince Alfred Hospital and undertook an obstetrics life – and try a diversity of pursuits. “My parents residence in 1963 at King George V Hospital. encouraged that sort of thing,” Keith says. “We were all taught music, I was in the boy Embarking on a surgical career, he enrolled in scouts. I’ve tried to do the same with my the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh in children and grandchildren.” 1967, experiencing what he calls an “anatomical epiphany” – a sense that he had finally mastered Keith still plays music and is devoted to his family, the subject. with eight grandchildren ranging in age from seven to 27. David played for the SU Soccer Club, attending inter-varsity tournaments in Melbourne and Since retiring, Keith and his wife have joined Adelaide in 1960. He was on the team that won Probus, and they are active members of the inter-varsity championship in 1963. St Vincent de Paul. “We still play sport – tennis and golf,” Keith says. “I play the organ More recently, David has spent time researching each Sunday at church.” his family history, dating back to the Great Plague of 1665. “I developed an interest in genealogy Keith is also a keen supporter of Australian Rules and was exploring the family tree of my maternal football and is a member of both the Sydney grandmother, Alice Maud Furness,” he says. In Swans and the Brisbane Lions. 2004, he visited the English plague village of Eyam, His fondest memories of the University: inspiring with his daughter Sophie, discovering a house built teachers – including distinguished scientist by an ancestor, Richard Furness, in 1615. Professor Harry Messel, who was head of the David continues his involvement in the Sydney School of Physics from 1952 to 1987; Ken Bullen University Soccer Club and holds a University for maths; and Mr Von Willer, who was Blue (for competing at the highest level), as does responsible for major textbooks. his daughter Heloise. All three of his children are Sydney graduates and club members.

His fondest memories of the University: walking up the Union steps on the first day of Orientation Week in 1957; meeting (by accident) two distinguished academics, Dr Francis Lyons and Challis Professor of Biology Charles Birch; anatomy lectures by Dr Richard Condon; Friday night movies at “the Barn”; and Kabeiroi dinners.

188 Phillip Gibbs Merri Gill BE(Civil) ’65 BSc ’61

The youngest of eight children on a farm in After 50 years, Merri has returned to soil the Tinderry Mountains in NSW’s Monaro microbiology. The training she received at Sydney region, Phillip was able to go to the University has been extremely useful for working towards of Sydney to study engineering because of a this goal. Even though Merri had little interest in Commonwealth Scholarship. microbiology at first, she chose the degree in order to attend the University and the Women’s College. The University opened Phillip’s eyes to another world. He won an Australian scholarship to After moving to Weilmoringle, an undertake postgraduate work at Makerere Aboriginal community in central NSW, with University, Uganda, and worked in India, Europe her husband Rens Gill OAM, Merri wrote a book and Africa. He later taught engineering at the about her experiences: Weilmoringle: A unique University of Asmara in Eritrea, as part of the bi-cultural community. Fred Hollows Foundation. Apart from microbiology, Merri is a member of Phillip’s fondest memories of the University are the local choir in Moree, NSW, and sang the New too numerous to include them all. He recalls Zealand national anthem in Maori at the 2016 the science rugby union team’s triumph against ANZAC day event. Merri and her husband also law – who, along with medicine, regarded other recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, teams as second rate. Science’s “secret weapon”, receiving a letter of congratulations from the Ken Catchpole, recruited from his teaching job Governor-General. in chemistry, was the best fly-half in the world at Merri’s advice is to “keep learning and seek the time (Ken played 27 matches for Australia, knowledge, enjoy life and live in the moment, 13 as captain). He basically won the game single- without worrying about the past or the future”. handedly, to the great disappointment of law. “You’ve got to be happy yourself, before you Phillip also remembers the day when Mike Willis, make anyone else happy – nobody else will president of the Engineering Students Union, make you happy,” she adds. entered the lecture theatre with the gorgeous Tania Verstak to announce her as engineering’s Her fondest memory of the University: living at entrant in the Miss University Quest, to a the Women’s College, where she was surrounded cacophony of cat-calls and whistles. The rest is by like-minded people, and have the time to history. Tania went on to win Miss University, enjoy learning. Merri is particularly grateful to then Miss Australia, and finally Miss Universe. Betty Archdale, the widely respected Principal of Women’s College, who was instrumental in her Phillip considers himself as having a truly academic and career development. fortunate life, with the journey starting for him at the University of Sydney.

189 Patrick Goddard Dr Barry Gow BSc ’61 BDS ’60 MDS ’64 PhD ’70

Patrick’s favourite subject at university was Barry’s greatest passion in life is to solve problems, biochemistry which, a pillar of beer brewing, and which was perhaps his impetus to pursue research rooted in the science pioneered by French chemist as a career. Graduating at the start of the 1960s with and microbiologist Louis Pasteur (1822-95), led a bachelor’s degree from the School of Dentistry, he him to brewing as a career. dedicated the following decade to higher research degrees, completing a master’s degree in 1964 and He reached the top of the profession, serving a PhD in 1970. on technical committees, making friends from around the world, and thoroughly enjoying his His passion for research continued, and Barry went 37 years of brewing. Patrick was initially inspired on to run a research laboratory in the 1980s, which by his lecturer Tony Linnane, who, having worked he describes as his proudest career accomplishment. with eminent people in the United States, became Today, he is an honorary senior research fellow at the first person to isolate mitochondria from the University of NSW and still conducts research another organism, namely yeast. in his home laboratory. His success is a testament to the value of setting goals and remaining focused. Patrick’s student experience made him realise that university life should teach one to think Barry and his wife live in Wangi Wangi, near Lake broadly to solve problems, rather than being Macquarie in NSW, where he enjoys sharing meals a preparation for work in a narrow field. In and a glass of good red wine with his friends and this regard, he thinks students should “keep family. He watches programs on the ABC and an open mind, listen, and learn from others in listens to classical music. He and his wife are keen different disciplines”. sailors, and enjoy staying on their yacht.

People should never think they are too old to His fondest memory of the University: research learn, he believes, adding that Sydney should in the Department of Physiology. aim to lead the world in research, the application of which should “better the lot of the poor and marginalised”.

Patrick now spends his time with his immediate and extended family; he walks, travels and gets involved with drama and music.

His fondest memory of the University: meeting people from different faculties and discussing a variety of matters. This broadened his outlook on life, which led to an “interesting social life”.

190 Dr Alexander Grady BSc ’62

Following his time at Sydney, in being able to bring university Dr Julienne Alexander went to New Zealand education to people who may not to undertake his PhD, where have had the chance.” Grace he met his wife while she was His greatest passion is transferring a student at Otago. “We were (née Grey) knowledge and helping others, and married soon after I got my BSc(Med) ’63 MBBS ’66 Alexander is thankful to have done PhD,” Alexander says. “We both this throughout his professional went on to successful careers in life. He discovered an enthusiasm different disciplines.” for geology and a sense of wonder Professor Hensley and Professor Alexander’s father was killed about the natural world that he Osborn were a great influence during the Second World War carries with him to this day. on Julienne during and after and Alexander was supported university respectively and she Now retired, Alexander enjoys his by Legacy to go to university. is proud to have participated in time with his family, including four Progressing through academia, improving cervical screening children and four grandchildren. he became head of earth sciences and the establishment of breast at Flinders University in South His fondest memory of the screening in Australia during Australia, followed by 10 years as University: Dr Bruce Hobbs, for her career. head of a small campus of Central his enthusiasm and enormous Julienne hopes for sexual Queensland University, before knowledge of geology. “He was the equality at all levels in the retiring as a professor. sort of person who, when invited to future. She also hopes for give a lecture, arrived with no notes “As the first person in my family to a more peaceful world, less but enthralled the whole audience,” go to university, and coming from fundamentalism, greater Alexander says. “He was so on top a rural area, I have benefited from equality, less religious of his game.” the opportunity,” Alexander says. intolerance and more control “I have a great sense of achievement of climate change. “Set your goals early and never give up on your dreams,” she says.

Julienne’s grandchildren make her very happy today.

Her fondest memories of the University: friends, Donald Brooksband, Douglas Baird and skiing.

191 The Hon. Peter Richard Dr Robert Graham QC Gulley AM RFD Gumbrell BA ’60 LLB ’63 BA ’62 LLB ’67 BVSc ’64

Peter’s fondest memory of Describing himself as a Robert received his first the University was learning traditionalist, Richard says veterinary science qualification from highly skilled lecturers he doesn’t like change. “I like from Sydney and later obtained and freedom of association. preserving values and I see a BVSc (Honoris Causa) from His greatest passion is service values being eroded,” he says. Massey University in New and caring for others, as Zealand, where he now lives. Richard feels a strong sense interaction with fellow human He counts among his proudest of belonging to the University beings makes him happy. He achievements being elected of Sydney, believing it to be likes to spend time with his president of the New Zealand “the premier university and family. Peter enjoys pursuing Veterinary Association. always will be – it has all you good corporate governance, could want”. Robert studied hard at university, influencing public opinion, and but thinks students should aim he is interested in sport and At 76, Richard doesn’t think for more fun while pursuing breeding stud cattle. he would like to study again, academic study and says if he however, he sees a problem were to do another degree, he in his generation’s lack of would study English. computer literacy. “We were educated on carbon paper and Robert has acquired a love of therefore we are still learning understanding and learning. new technology in our 70s,” he He hopes the University will says. As he owns land, Richard continue its path of progressive is interested in the study thinking and fostering of agriculture. innovation, and he would like to see a peaceful world free from Richard loves the intellectual hunger and the effects of climate stimulation of his work, change and more control of and distances himself from human and animal disease. “idleness”. “I didn’t come from wealth, so I had to make it Robert enjoys spending time along the way,” he says. He also with his family and helping loves working with people who people to learn. are mentally ill – a challenge His fondest memory of the he accepted late in life – and University: the camaraderie of believes this work keeps him the whole veterinary school and cognitively balanced as he its students and staff. gets older.

Along with his day-to-day work, Richard also does charity work, and works on his farm. “There’s no down time,” he says.

His fondest memory of the University: “You were allowed to walk on the grass at graduation!”

192 Louis Haddad BEc ’62

In his undergraduate days, Louis found Syd Caroline and her Butlin, Bruce Macfarlane, Ted Wheelwright husband, Ron, in Mandalay, (economist, radio host and anti-war activist who Myanmar, 2015 taught at the University from 1952 to 1986), Harry Edwards and Henry Mayer particularly inspiring, dedicated and able lecturers. Through them, Louis was inspired to pursue an academic career. He was appointed lecturer in the Economics Department in 1965, where he stayed until 2007. During that time he published numerous journal articles and a book: Towards Caroline Hall a Well-Functioning Economy: The Evolution of (née Kimberley) Decision-making and Economic Systems (2002). BSc ’63 DipEd ’64 Louis would like to see society with a ceiling and a floor on personal income and wealth to avoid both poverty and excess.

His other talents include sculpting, philosophy and fine arts and he is proud to have one of his Studying science and education at Sydney, Carol commissioned sculptures, Ethics and Economics was a high school science teacher for more than in the courtyard of the University’s Merewether 40 years, teaching at schools across NSW and in Building (on City Road), and another, Gnosis, in Vancouver, Canada, before becoming head teacher the School of Engineering at the University of of science at North Sydney Girls High School. Technology Sydney. Passionate about biological sciences in particular, Louis believes the University should continue Carol was also a national technical official at the to support research, particularly in medical and Sydney Olympics and Paralympics in 2000, and scientific areas, and to produce informed citizens an on-field judge of all throwing and jumping and ethical leaders. He is passionate about the competition in the athletics schedule. pursuit of justice, especially for the Palestinian people; he attributes many of the current conflicts Now retired, Carol is enjoying time with her in the Middle East and the spread of terrorism to husband, sons and father, who is 103 years old, the failure to solve the Palestinian problem, which as well as her four granddaughters. She still he regards as a problem of justice. officiates athletics at a local, state, national and international level. Louis is glad to be in good health, able to meet with old friends and spend time with his children Her fondest memories of the University: “All the and grandchildren. He listens to classical music practical, hands-on sessions in botany, chemistry, and enjoys fine food and wine, and “eating the physics and zoology as an undergraduate, then the fruits of his labour” from his garden. He still excursions to Heron Island [at the Great Barrier creates sculptures, writes, and reads Russian Reef], Gunnamatta Bay [near Cronulla, NSW], and Arabic literature. Long Reef [on Sydney’s northern beaches] and Pearl Beach [on the NSW central coast], as both a student His fondest memories of the University: sitting and instructor,” Carol says. “Finding an unrecorded in the philosophy corner of the Quadrangle species at Bulli Pass [near Wollongong, south of discussing issues and having coffee with friends Sydney], was quite a thrill.” at Manning House.

193 Elisabeth Hawkins (née Potter) BSc ’63 DipEd ’64

Studying zoology at the University, Elisabeth trained as a high school teacher and has spent the past 20 years volunteering at her local primary school as a reading tutor. She married a fellow teacher and says having children was Associate Professor a “transformative experience” and a great gift Roslynn Haynes FAHA that continues to bring untold joy to her life. BSc ’63 Residing on Sydney’s upper north shore, Elisabeth continues to nurture a curiosity about the natural world, a passion she keenly shares with her grandchildren. Besides spending time with her family, her other loves include listening Since graduating from Sydney with a science degree, to classical music, reading and occasionally Roslynn has completed an arts and master’s degree attending the theatre. She also has a young and from the University of Tasmania and a PhD in the energetic kelpie. UK, and published extensively. Her work supports A member of her local Uniting Church, Elisabeth and encourages new areas of academic research and is proud of the way the church promotes women interest, particularly in interdisciplinary studies. into leadership positions and pursues social With a distinguished career across several academic justice. She hopes the University will continue disciplines, Roslynn says that if she has any advice for to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander current students it would be “don’t be intimidated by peoples to gain a quality education. those who appear very confident in their abilities – Her fondest memories of the University: organisation and enthusiasm are worth more in the lunchtime discussions with friends and long run”. the walk to Redfern after a 5pm lecture. Now based in Tasmania, her hopes for the future include greater equality, transparency and integrity, in both private and public life. She is passionate about encouraging cooperation across nations for mutual development, the elimination of poverty, the protection and care of the Earth and creating a society without greed or exploitation.

She still loves doing research and believes there should be more discussion about the ethical issues arising from scientific research in areas such as genetics.

Apart from her academic commitments, Roslynn loves to spend time with her family and dog, gardening and going for walks in “wild places”.

Her fondest memories of the University: the Student Christian Movement, vigorous lunchtime discussion groups on the front lawn and classes with Challis Professor of Biology Charles Birch, leading ecologist and geneticist, who strove to instil in his students the concept that all life has intrinsic value.

194 Jeffrey James Helena Joy Hicks Hickey Hicks (née Grant) MateriaMedica(Pharmacol) ’60 BSc ’62 BA ’61 DipEd ’62 BA ’94

After graduating from Helena’s father was the Joy graduated with a Bachelor Homebush Boys High School, greatest influence on her of Arts in 1961 and a Graduate Jeffrey went on to work at the life at university. “I was Diploma in Educational Studies Town Hall Pharmacy after very close to him and I often in 1962 from Sydney. She was completing his MateriaMedica talked about my future with a recipient of a Commonwealth (Pharmacol) in 1960. Following him – he encouraged me to Scholarship at the University, this, he owned a pharmaceutical go to university,” Helena which gave her the opportunity store in North Strathfield. says. “Unfortunately he to pursue her degree. Joy’s passed away during one of parents were a great influence George Eckett had the greatest the exam periods.” in her life, encouraging her to influence in Jeffrey’s life; he has go to university. always been there for him in Helena worked as a times of need. biometrician with the CSIRO, Joy is passionate about but found that after a time literature and writing, and Jeffrey enjoys playing cricket, she wanted a different career. she has published two books: swimming and canoeing, She became a librarian and a biography of her father, who and still goes for a ride on his volunteers in the Anglican went to England after the push bike every Sunday with a bookshop today. Second World War, Inlander at group of friends. He also enjoys heart: the story of Arch Grant; spending time with his wife; “I would still do science, but I and the life story of a man who they are always together and he would like it to have included spent 45 years in prison in tries to do what he can for her. more maths and language – I England, convicted of murder love language and English,” His fondest memory of the in 1968, Life – 45 years in Her Helena says. University: playing cricket Majesty’s Prisons. and a teacher who supported Helena believes the University Joy believes the University can him through his time at can play a role in encouraging encourage young students by the University. more enquiring minds. “I offering more scholarships and think it is important that the can be a mentor to universities University provide a rounded in less developed countries. education, to encourage people to be critical thinkers and Her proudest moment was evaluate both sides of the coin,” meeting some of her former she says. students in a pub in London, who not only remembered her, Helena loves music and but also appreciated her as their playing the organ, her work at educational leader. the Anglican bookshop, and spending time with her friends. “I’m quite happy working still,” she says. “I get to interact with people and be around books.”

195 Dr Paul Tyrrell Hines FANZCA MBBS ’62

While also leaning towards an agricultural life, Paul’s interest in matters medical can be traced back to his school days, resulting in his first aid book being confiscated in science class. A brief hospitalisation set him on a course for medical Associate Professor study and a Commonwealth Scholarship allowed Michael Horsburgh AM him entry into medicine. BA ’62 DipSW ’64 Arriving from the country in 1956, Paul’s search for suitable accommodation proved a challenge, and he discovered the incompatibility of bicycles and trams when his bike slipped on a tramline and deposited him in the middle of peak-hour traffic. Michael finished school in 1955 and, at only 15, Paul gained more satisfaction from his course as started at the University as a night school student. he progressed towards his final year. He looked He says he was “too young and wishes he could have forward to the clinical years spent “just over the started older”. Nevertheless, he was associated fence” from the campus at Royal Prince Alfred with the University throughout his long career Hospital and enjoyed the focus “on the practical as a student, teacher and associate professor, and learning to take histories and examine and regards himself “in every way a product of patients”. Paul learnt an indelible lesson during Sydney University”. this time: in the outpatients department, he was Residing in Wesley College while studying among a group of students that was asked for a theology, Michael was vice-master of the college diagnosis of a large swelling in a patient’s groin. until 1970, a Methodist minister while teaching, The group came up with various hypotheses. served as a University chaplain, then took up a When the surgeon pulled up the cuff of the position in the School of Social Work. patient’s trousers to reveal a large melanoma, Paul believes none of the students will ever He is passionate about church architecture, church forget the edict: “examine the whole patient”. life and John Wesley, co-founder of the Methodist Church, after whom Wesley College is named. A Paul’s first appointment on graduation was collector of John Wesley artefacts, Michael now life-changing because it was there that a “vision has a world-class collection. splendid” appeared for him, and she became the love of his life. “Sydney [University], I have so Today he is a High Church Anglican at St James much for which to thank you,” Paul says. Church in Sydney, where he is a lay reader. Michael also serves as a Judge for the NSW Administrative His fondest memories of the University: a great Appeals Tribunal, hearing four cases each week. feeling of camaraderie in medicine where he met many friends. Paul found Mr Alf Harle a “One of my best decisions was to join the staff at particularly inspiring lecturer in chemistry. university,” says Michael.

196 Dr John Edward James Gary Hosking Howe Ireland BSc ’62 MSc ’63 PhD ’67 BSc ’62 BE(Mech) ’64 BA ’62 DipEd ’63

John’s proudest work Edward was inspired by Through the student achievements centre on the rare PhD lectures that newspaper, Honi Soit, Gary his engagement with were available after the mixed with people such as professional and scientific Second World War and, acclaimed poet Les Murray and development bodies, including after completing his degree, journalist and commentator, a considerable period as the developed machinery involved the late Bob Ellis, who were part national president of the Royal in metal-casting processes. of his everyday social circle. Australian Chemical Institute, He is proud of his successful Gary became a school teacher, directorship of the Western 45-year marriage, daughter and then a head teacher of English Australian Government step-son. To Edward, children’s and history and ultimately a Chemical Laboratory and education is paramount. school principal. He is proud of his involvement in the developing a faculty for dealing minerals research group, Edward wouldn’t have done with less able and troubled kids. the Gold Institute. any other degree and advises today’s students to “make up “I went to a selective high He believes the University your mind on what you want to school then on to university, can make the world a better do and stick to it”. where I was mingling with place through leadership from the best and brightest, so the top, promoting the need Edward hopes for a future with bridging the gap was an to share work output and the better employment rates and important achievement,” benefits of teamwork. He sees politicians who pay more regard Gary says. this as the greatest challenge to employment opportunities. to university teaching and In a similar vein, he believes With a concern for community evaluation. the University could reduce service, Gary has been active in the number of courses and retirement in Rotary Club, his John is passionate about the introduce courses that lead to local church, and as president project work he undertakes better employment options. of the local Meals on Wheels for Rotary and he is currently service, which he says is like a compiling a family history. Edward enjoys making himself job in many ways, as he assists He enjoys working out in the useful and being involved with in running the business. gym and spending time with his grandchildren – he takes his family. great pleasure in spending time As a consequence of his with them. He enjoys looking education, Gary has remained His fondest memories of the after the home and garden and an enthusiastic reader, University: Life at Wesley eating healthily. particularly of history. College; John came from the country and he still keeps His fondest memory of the His fondest memories of the in regular contact with the University: the academics. University: the lecturing friends he made at college. The staff; Dr Marsh’s lectures on greatest influence on his life at Victorian literature and Dr the University was Professor Evans’s approach to ancient Green, who taught chemistry. history. “Instead of giving us all the material, he expected us to read up before we went into the lecture, and if we didn’t do this, we wouldn’t be able to understand the lecture.”

197 Naelo Jenkins Robyn Jessiman (née Trist) BA ’65 BA ’65

Naelo has had an active interest and long Robyn came to the University of Sydney to study association with Sydney since she joined the staff English and her life has been characterised by a of Fisher Library, working there for more than strong commitment to education and the written eight years while studying part time. Naelo met word ever since. Alongside her arts studies, she her husband, a civil engineer, while at Sydney, worked in the fees office, and upon graduation and her three sons are also graduates of Sydney. began work as an educator. The eldest two achieved first-class honours in She is proud to have become the English/History computer science, with the eldest winning a coordinator at Trinity Senior High School in Wagga University Medal and being elected student Wagga, NSW, a town she still calls home. Although representative on the University Senate. Her she is now retired, Robyn is still passionate about youngest son became an architect. history and writing. She has developed a strong Upon marrying her husband and travelling interest in family history, and is working on books to Europe, Naelo had to leave the University. about six branches of her extended family. Robyn Through her marriage to a civil engineer, and is also an avid letter writer, keeping in contact with with three sons, Naelo developed an interest in a vast network of friends and family, a knitter and all things mechanical. pattern designer, and a collector of stamps.

An avid reader, Naelo also loves learning and At the end of the day, Robyn cares about making education. The family took an enthusiastic other people happy. She enjoys seeing others interest in English canals after her eldest son blossom and making positive comments on their moved to London 16 years ago. Naelo and her progress – part of what distinguished her as a husband take canal boat trips on their annual visit teacher – and helping others in accordance with to England. Their love of canals has also taken her Christian beliefs. them to the Canal du Midi in France. Her fondest memory of the University: English Her fondest memories of the University: meeting lectures with Dr Gerald Wilkes, especially the lots of University staff and undergraduates, and MA qualifying lectures on Australian literature. enjoying her time there. (Dr Wilkes established the Australian literature program at the University and was Challis Professor of English Literature from 1966 to 1996.)

198 Arthur Johnson Philip Jones Peter Keesing BEc ’62 LLB ’62 BA ’61

Arthur resided at St Andrew’s Following graduation, Philip Attending university as an College and made the most of spent 50 years in the practice evening student studying college social life, socialising of the law, which makes him psychology, Peter’s strong with his fellow residents and the very proud, as does his home interest in the world and its girls at Women’s College and and a family who grew up as people initially saw him eschew Queen Mary Nurses’ Home. Christians. His wife Robyn university education in favour This was a tight-knit group and and his Christian faith are the of combining travel and work. many of Arthur’s friendships two biggest influences on his It was only later, when he endure to this day – as does life. A committed Christian, wished to advance in his career the Marlborough Hotel in Philip thinks the world would that he chose to come to the Newtown, one of his favourite be a better place through prayer University of Sydney for those watering holes. and Christianity. “pieces of paper”, working at British Tobacco during the Arthur spent most of his career Philip values the friendships day and studying at night and as a stockbroker, including a he formed with fellow students on weekends. year working in the UK in 1974. at Sydney as well as the many He came back to Sydney after a professional contacts he has After graduation, Peter’s stockmarket crash and started established over the years. passion for psychology saw him his own tax accounting and move into a role in marketing Philip would have also enjoyed investment advisory business, for food and drink company obtaining a degree in theology moving into a consultant role Nestlé, where he was largely in order to achieve a greater after selling the business. Despite responsible for the Nescafé knowledge of the life of Jesus, his best efforts at retirement, he coffee slogan, “43 beans in every and his advice to his younger was made chairman of the board cup”. From there, Peter worked self would be to study and seven years ago. in an international marketing commit himself to Jesus. consultancy before retiring and A resident of Hunters Hill for 46 partnering with his brother as a years, Arthur is heavily involved professional photographer. in his local community. He has served as honorary treasurer for Married to wife Ella for 57 the Hunters Hill Music Society, years, sadly Peter passed away the Hunters Hill Tennis Club, and in 2014 following a struggle Discover Hunters Hill. with dementia. He is beautifully described by his wife as a He also maintains his ties with “dedicated family man with St Andrew’s. Between 1966 and three daughters whom he loved 1972 he coached the rugby team, dearly, and six grandchildren still regularly attends functions whom he treasured and and ran their golf day for several introduced to a sense of fun”. years, combining his love for the college with one of his favourite His fondest memory of the pastimes. “What makes me happy University: definitely not is seeing other people happy, paying £12 for a psychology and being able to make other textbook – a full week’s wages! people laugh,” Arthur says. Our thanks to Ella Keesing and His fondest memory of the several of Peter’s friends for University: college social life. providing us with Peter’s story.

199 Judith Kelly Wayne Keys BA ’65 DipEd ’66 BE(Aeronautical) ’66

“My mother had the greatest people with better thinking Wayne’s proudest influence on me,” says Judith. skills,” she says. accomplishment was the “She wanted to see me educated completion of a short-service An avid reader of fiction, Judith and pressed for me to finish high commission in the Royal owns a library of books that she school and go to university.” Australian Navy, including has collected since her teenage service in Vietnamese waters Completing her degree was years. “I’m passionate about during the Vietnam War. He a proud moment for Judith, architecture, too,” she says. spent the remainder of his who was career oriented and “I would have been an architect working life with Defence succeeded in obtaining senior had I been able to draw in Quality Assurance. positions in her work. “I was those days.” She dotes on her the personnel manager for miniature apricot poodle, Jed, Wayne advises young people [health insurer] HCF, then later, and is a golf enthusiast. today to be adventurous and senior manager for the ABC, “don’t necessarily stick to the Her fondest memory of the and ANZ Bank,” Judith says. beaten path”. University: English lectures “I was also General Manager with Professor Milne and Being healthy, active and enjoying of the Women’s Union and the tutorials with Andrew life in the moment provides University of Sydney Union Riemer (who later became an happiness for Wayne. from 1968 to 1978.” associate professor and chief His fondest memory of the Given another opportunity, book reviewer for the Sydney University: the challenge and Judith would undertake an Morning Herald). pleasure of being a St Paul’s extension of an arts degree, such “I enjoyed Challis Professor of College fresher while completing as a master’s in English. She Philosophy John Anderson’s my final year of study. encourages today’s students to be philosophy talks because I independent thinkers. “Take no was raised a Catholic and I notice of other people,” she says. found myself questioning the “Do what you think you can and religious beliefs I had adopted,” what you want to do.” Judith says. “I have warm Judith is a big believer in memories of Manning House, independent thought. “I would where various students and like the University to develop younger academic staff met.”

200 Harry Lamb BA ’61 DipEd ’62

Harry was a Marist Brother in the Catholic church Garry Kimble when he commenced study at the University of BSc ’62 Sydney. In 2016, Harry will celebrate 60 years as a Marist Brother.

Teaching mainly secondary school English and history, Harry became a lecturer in pedagogy at the Australian Catholic University. He enjoyed putting on one-act plays at lunch time with the students and for a while joined the Illawarra Theatre Guild Garry first pursued chemistry and, in the 1970s, in NSW. after completing an MBA, worked in business development. Toward the end of his career, Harry believes there should be diversity within he worked with the former Standards Australia, primary and secondary education; a variety of researching and drafting product classifications schools to cater for a variety of personalities – in and testing. Even after retirement, he is still particular, for children who may be creative, or working part time in this area. who find standard schools confining. To this end, Harry created an alternative class that allowed Apart from his studies and time on the soccer greater independence and expression within the field, Garry prepared the Science Association Catholic system. newsletter at the University, which he posted out monthly around the University. Today Harry enjoys sketching and drawing, particularly local architecture. He has travelled However, if he were to do another degree, with his around the world and has sketched St Basil’s love of history, painting and sculpture, it would be Cathedral in Moscow and the Hagia Sophia from the arts programs. He appreciates the arts Basilica in Istanbul. study he took at an early stage, which equipped him for a broader, less traditionally academic Harry visits Port Phillip Prison in Victoria each approach to life. Garry’s passion in life today week to offer conversation and company to the is developing products aimed at increasing the prisoners. He also prepares a quarterly newsletter sustainability of industry and manufacturing. of encouragement for the members of his Catholic And playing lawn bowls. parish, which he delivers by hand, regardless of whether they attend church. While Garry hopes science will assist us to improve travel, communications and “I believe the church nurtures those who come to sustainability, he also hopes we can preserve the church, but perhaps neglects those who don’t, so best of our current-day experiences, and that the I’m trying to encourage them,” Harry says. important things stay “much the same”. Harry has started gardening and enjoys it, along His fondest memories of the University: with good company, reading the papers, going to “Professor Harry Messel [head of the Department the theatre, nature, cooking and movies. of Physics, 1952-87] was a great early influence His fondest memory of the University: Professor and a breath of fresh air in the teaching of John Manning-Ward, a professor of history, science,” says Garry. Dr Tom Iredale also who had a very ethical approach to the study of encouraged Garry’s interest in chemistry, history. He gave it careful consideration, which but the lectures Garry attended for two years impressed Harry. in philosophy, given by Challis Professor of Philosophy John Anderson, still influence his approach to life today. He also fondly remembers Lord May, who ran the physics workshop.

201 Dr Geoffrey Lane Dr Paul Lendvay BSc(Med) ’62 MBBS ’64 MBBS ’62

Geoffrey undertook a Bachelor of Science, On completing Medicine at Sydney, Paul went majoring in microbiology, over the course of to the UK for further training in plastic surgery. seven years. During his degree, he studied the There he met Dr Anthony Pelley, a noted surgeon effect of leptospirosis (a bacterial disease) in mice who encouraged Paul to develop his skills in this and became adept at injecting medicine into the area. Paul is believed to be the first surgeon to tail vein of a mouse. According to his professor successfully reattach an amputated arm and digits. of microbiology, who Geoffrey says was “highly He attributed this breakthrough to the entertaining”, Geoffrey was “quite good, but not encouragement he received from Dr Pelley. as good as the guy who did it with me last year”. Paul’s motto of “maximum happiness arising from Geoffrey found out later that this “guy” was being in the right place at the right time” has proven distinguished biologist Sir Gustav Nossal a good maxim for his career development, and for (page 111). meeting “the best of wives”. His greatest enjoyment Geoffrey’s greatest professional achievement comes from tennis, golf and skiing, and from was the development of the Department of the close relationships he enjoys with his family Cardiology at Fremantle Hospital, Perth, where and grandchildren. he started as the only cardiologist in 1977. Paul hopes the University will continue the In 2015, the department moved into a new important work it is doing in solar research teaching hospital in Perth, and now includes and its application. three surgeons and 10 cardiologists, and undertakes significant research. His fondest memories of the University: socialising at Manning House and the hard work that led Apart from his passion for medicine, Geoffrey to graduation. is dedicated to his family, including his wife, two children and his granddaughter. He also has a keen interest in ornithology, woodwork, photography and golf – and, being semi-retired, travel. In 2016, he plans to see Canada and Alaska.

“I’m happy if I play a good round of golf and if I make things using my hands,” Geoffrey says. “At the moment I’m making an octagonal pergola for my backyard. Last year I made a rocking horse for my grandchild. Wonderful nature experiences make me happy too – I like photographing nature.”

His fondest memory of the University: Geoffrey enjoyed being in a large cohort of students during his first few years of medicine, where a small, consistent class did not form until fourth year.

202 Dr Jim Loke BSc ’62 BE(Civil) ’64 PhD ’69

Jim’s parents were Malaysian and always wanted Jim to take up medicine, but he had other plans, undertaking engineering instead and gaining his Dr William Lew at PhD in 1969. an awards ceremony Jim is proud to have used his engineering skills to help rebuild Newcastle after the 1989 earthquake. He was part of the team that built the Glasshouse at the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney; a pyramid-shaped triodetic space structure that was the first of its Dr William Lew kind in Australia. He was also part of the team that MBBS ’64 strengthened the spires of St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney to resist earthquakes.

“As a forensic engineer on inspection sites with building damage, we are doctors of buildings, but our patients cannot talk to us,” Jim says. “We have to read the patient and listen to it in a special way.”

William is the founder of the Sydney University While he learned the basics at university, Jim Graduates Union of North America (SUGUNA), found working in the field particularly demanding. a non-profit organisation that promotes the However, he still believes the world will become a interests of the University of Sydney and better place through the contribution of the leaders maintains contact between alumni residing in that universities produce. North America and the University. Jim learned to play bridge while at university and William is currently enjoying his retirement and played for years afterwards. He also refereed soccer connecting with members who joined SUGUNA. and tried his hand at Chinese Kung Fu.

He is passionate about his family and about His favourite memory of the University: Jim was promoting the outstanding members president of the Asian Studies Society and has of SUGUNA. fond memories of his time at Wesley College. He also recalls a mathematics lecturer who came His fondest memories of the University: “There to class with no lecture notes. “He had a great are three,” he says. “John C Harsanyi, Nobel understanding of what he was teaching.” Laureate for Game Theory; Ron Bracewell, who wrote formulas for imaging – GE used his work to build CT and MRI equipment; and Cliff Kwan-Gett MBBS (page 72), who built the only artificial heart that works in humans, and is a cardiac surgeon in Salt Lake City.”

203 Professor Ray Dr Clive Lucas OBE Lowenthal AO BArch ’66 DScArch(Honoris Causa) ’11 MBBS ’65 MD ’78

Ray considers himself lucky to have been a Graduating with a degree in architecture in 1966, co-founder of the Australian Leukaemia/ Clive has been the Director of Sydney-based Lymphoma Group. He was later elected president heritage planning and architecture firm Lucas of the Cancer Council of Australia. Lobbying Stapleton Johnson since it was founded in 1970. for government funding of cancer clinical trials During this time he has helped restore many of helped Ray develop a more sympathetic view Sydney’s most historic building sites, including the towards politicians and he believes that many try Hyde Park Barracks and Sydney Mint. to respond positively to sensible suggestions. The firm has also undertaken projects in other parts In the late 1960s, Ray worked in the UK for a of the country, including the Port Arthur historical physician who was also a hereditary peer in the site in Tasmania. One of the most decorated House of Lords, and who maintained that the architects in Australia, Clive’s work is also noted most important thing about life was “to get throughout the world, earning him the award of through it without a scandal”. Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1977.

Many people at university had a positive influence With his greatest passion in life to preserve on Ray, including Dr Douglas Piper, who was in Australia’s historic buildings – especially charge of the medical students at Royal North British colonial architecture – Clive hopes that Shore Hospital, and who had a memorable way of in the future the world will better recognise the asking questions, such as: “If a man from Mars significance of its built heritage and put greater came down to Earth and heard a heart murmur, effort into preserving it. what would he say, Lowenthal, what would Residing in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Clive’s he say?” other passion is travelling. Ray believes the University should foster His fondest memory of the University: “Just being more student exchanges and mandate that at the University with its Gothic-revival buildings every student do a year of their degree at an and those designed by Leslie Wilkinson,” Clive overseas university, speaking a language other says. (Professor Leslie Wilkinson was the first than English. Dean of the University’s Faculty of Architecture, Medicine was a dominant part of Ray’s life, and established in 1920. His buildings include he continues with research to soften the blow of completing a section of the Quadrangle in 1919; giving up clinical work. However, he is happy to the Chemistry Building, 1923; and the Physics have more time for his family and grandchildren, Building, 1926.) playing tennis and rediscovering books other than medical journals.

His fondest memory of the University: discussing philosophy and religion with friends from other faculties in the Quadrangle, which he imagines 19th century students also did.

204 Dr Jan Lyall BSc ’62

Jan holds a number of university degrees and while Hugh at the University of Sydney she matured into an independent Mackay AO thinker. She has been greatly BA ’62 influenced by friends in her life and prides herself on being able to complete an additional university course following marriage and having children. As a part-time evening student, solutions to global problems and Hugh was unable to enter fully less rampantly competitive – both Jan always looks for challenges into the life of the University, geopolitically and commercially. but thinks the world is in a mess and was mainly influenced by the He says the University can help and hopes for some eventual lectures he attended. “Professors by encouraging students in all improvement. She thinks the John Anderson [Challis Professor disciplines to include liberal arts University is on the right track. of Philosophy, 1927-58] and subjects in their degrees; and She values her family and A K Stout in philosophy, and by actively promoting peace, friends, with whom she spends Professor Bill O’Neill and John harmony and cooperation as her time, and enjoys good food Maze in psychology were all hallmarks of its graduates. and wine. Among her hobbies inspirational and highly influential and pastimes, she is happiest Family and friends are now Hugh’s on my intellectual development,” swimming, walking on the number one priority, although says Hugh. beach with the family dog, he would “die without music gardening, reading, voluntary After university, Dr Peter Kenny – singing, playing or listening”. work and sculpting clay. (a PhD in psychology from Sydney) He also loves reading and influenced his development as walking, and satisfying his a researcher. But the two most “researcher’s curiosity”. deeply inspirational figures were “For me life’s richest satisfaction, people Hugh never met – British and the source of life’s deepest philosopher and mathematician meaning, comes from personal Bertrand Russell, and American relationships,” Hugh says. “We psychotherapist Carl Rogers are social beings – even our (although Hugh attended a lecture sense of personal identity is a given by Rogers in Sydney). social construct.” A well-known social researcher His fondest memories of the and writer, Hugh applied University: small-group tutorials qualitative methodology to in both philosophy and English social research in the pioneering – especially phonetics tutorials Mackay Report (1979-2003). – conducted in a tiny study in His 11 books in the fields of the original Blackett building social analysis and ethics are his overlooking the Quad “seemed greatest career achievements. very Oxbridge in the 1950s”. Hugh hopes the world will become a more peaceful and harmonious place, devoted to cooperative

205 The Hon. Judge Barry Mahoney QC LLB ’63

Barry credits barrister G T A Sullivan and E P Knoblanche QC as his greatest influences while at the University, with Kevin at his graduation in the latter continuing to have an 1961 with wife Marcelle and impact on his professional life children, Diana and Rodney after graduation. Becoming a Queen’s Counsel in 1982, Barry has led a long career in the law, making good on his passion in life “to use whatever talents Dr Kevin Marks I possess as effectively as I BDS ’61 am able”.

Outside of his career, Barry’s proudest accomplishment is Kevin left school at 15 to learn his stride and won a number of marrying and raising a family a trade while simultaneously academic prizes including the Dr with his wife. He lists enjoying studying for matriculation. B Maxwell Prize in Dentistry, the her company and the activities He gained a Commonwealth K P Mackinnon Prize for Clinical they share – such as swimming Mature Age Scholarship Prosthetics and the Dental Alumni in the Minnamurra River in to study dentistry at the Prize for Operative Dentistry, and the NSW Illawarra region and University of Sydney, while topped his class in the practical attending the opera – as his his wife Marcelle worked part dentistry subjects in his final year. favourite ways to spend time. time to support the family As a dental surgeon, Kevin taught and care for their two young Barry’s other hobbies include evening courses for dental nurses, children. At the University, playing golf socially, going on and after retirement he taught Kevin studied under people overseas trips and spending dental prosthetics. He also taught who made a difference to the time with his children, the advanced subject of partial dental health of Australian grandchildren and friends. metal dentures and wrote the first children. They included Dr textbook on the subject. Having If he were ever to study again, Noel Martin who, following acquired the ability to practise pain Barry says he would love to his discovery of the effect of relief and cure disease of the mouth, study history, having had a life- fluoride, was instrumental in Kevin would have loved to extend long interest in it. the introduction of a fluoridated his knowledge to the whole body. His fondest memory of water supply in Australia. Now living with Parkinson’s the University: seeing Kevin enjoyed the challenge of disease, Kevin’s gardening days his name on the pass lists study towards a career rather are over, walking is difficult and he after examinations. than a trade, allowing him to is unable to drive, but is happy to work at improving the health, visit friends with his wife or to go ability to eat and appearance of on day trips with his companions many people. After “ordinary from the Care Group, and watch results” in his first year (never his grandchildren advance having studied physics or their careers. chemistry), Kevin got into

206 Roy and Patricia on their engagement in October 1963

Dr Roy Mason BVSc ’63

Roy gained a Tasmanian government Department and grazing animal populations. Lambs were of Agriculture scholarship to study veterinary affected at birth and it was common in children, science at Sydney. His scholarship came with a thought to be due to goitrogens in school milk. return airfare to Tasmania each year, and Roy Roy showed that the problem in lambs was not due went home to work on farms, with local veterinary to goitrogens but to iodine deficiency. With urinary practitioners, and at the Department of Agriculture iodine testing, he found that iodine deficiency was in Launceston. At a New Year’s Eve dance, Roy also responsible for childhood goitre. came in late and asked a girl for a dance. Continuing to bump into each other at dances, they decided Roy and his wife Patricia enjoyed travelling, to marry. particularly with their young family, around Australia and New Zealand. If Roy could give his Roy worked almost his entire career in diagnostic past self some advice, it would be to travel more pathology at Mt Pleasant Laboratories in and enjoy every moment while fit and healthy. Launceston. “I enjoyed talking with farmers, getting details about the animals they would bring His fondest memories of the University: moving in, before doing a post mortem.” By finding out into Wesley College for the last 18 months of his about an animal’s life in the weeks prior to its death, veterinary science degree; the times he spent and in conjunction with his findings, Roy could socialising and the opportunities it gave him work out why the animal(s) had died and provide to get to know students outside his field. “We the diagnosis quickly. had individual rooms but everything else was communal, and we’d always get together to A career highlight was his research into goitre, have a brew.” common in parts of Tasmania, both in the human

207 Peter McGinley BSc ’61 BE(Civil) ’63

“My engineering classes were all male until my Dr John Matthews last year when there were women coming into the FRCOG, FRANZCOG faculty as first years,” says Peter. MBBS ’64 It was at the University that Peter formed lifelong friendships. He enjoyed the opportunity and ability to learn and feels it was the “golden era” of the University.

Peter has enjoyed a successful career in project John is proud to be a graduate of Sydney, which management. He started a company in 1978, he regards as the “best teaching university in preceded by a memorable couple of years in Canada. the world”. He is also proud to have graduated Peter also thinks it would have been interesting to as a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians do medicine, as he would have enjoyed interacting and Gynaecologists (FRCOG) in London and with patients. subsequently as a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and He believes the University can make the world Gynaecologists (FRANZCOG). a better place through research and continuing to educate students, and hopes that the negative John admits that as an obstetrician his family impacts of climate change can be “somewhat unfortunately came second to his work – he reversed” in future. was away delivering babies most of the time, sometimes working 24 hours a day. Peter’s greatest passion in life is learning through travel. In retirement, Peter enjoys volunteering in Now retired, John’s life is his family, although the community and has a special interest in local medicine is still his continuing interest. He arts. He also enjoys bird watching. is making up for lost time, particularly with his wife and children. He gardens and has a Enjoying a play, finding interesting, unusual birds particular interest in bonsai – he is fascinated and family make him most happy. by seeing 50-year-old trees in small pots. His fondest memory of the University: Dr Barry John says everyone at the University of Rawlings from the Faculty of Engineering and Sydney worked towards helping him and the Peter Simpson from chemistry, who was Peter’s University understood the challenges he faced teacher and lab supervisor. “Dr Rawlings was a as a student, giving him “the best of all worlds very interesting lecturer and very enthusiastic.” in tertiary education with a supportive and adult-friendly culture”.

He hopes for a much better Australia with an improved economy and security, and for further advances in science and medicine with cures for cancer and other diseases.

His fondest memory of the University: being taught by Professor Charles Ruthven Bickerton Blackburn (pioneer of clinical research at the University) and all the lecturers at University, and anatomy classes, dissections and the study of the human body.

208 Diana McIntosh William McKenna BSc ’61 MateriaMedica(Pharmacol) ’60

With a major in geology, Diana worked for the Graduating from the School of Pharmacy in 1960, Department of Mines for three years and was the William’s early training was conducted in Berala, first female geologist – and first woman – the NSW, under the guidance of master chemist, Mr HS department had ever employed. She set up its Williamson. It was a formative experience, setting information retrieval system before getting him up for his career as a community chemist in the married and moving to Bolivia as a missionary. Wentworth Falls area in the NSW Blue Mountains.

Diana returned after a year due to her husband’s William’s service to his local community has ill health from cancer, and went back into been extensive: serving as a volunteer firefighter, geology information management. Following a Rotarian and a Justice of the Peace, among her husband’s passing in 1968, Diana became other roles. a teacher and taught chemistry, geology and Now retired and living on the south coast of NSW, biology at high school for 14 years. Christianity plays a central role in his life, helping Diana also edited a magazine for a Christian to bring happiness into every dimension of his organisation for 17 years. During that time she life. A keen gardener, he also enjoys listening to married her second husband and moved to the music, walking, and spending time with his wife United States in 1995, undertaking a Master of and family. Biblical Studies. His fondest memory of the University: realising the Diana is passionate about searching for truth future started here. and living consistently as a Xian (Taoist term for an enlightened person). She enjoys crafts and classical music and has a strong connection to her family.

Her fondest memory of the University: studying philosophy and seeing how arguments are formed, which helped Diana to understand people better. “The zoology people were great, intellectually,” she says. “The geology people were good too, because they had hands-on experience – it gave them a different outlook.”

209 Dr Neroli Merridew Dr William (Bill) Molloy BDS ’62 MDS ’64 RFD ED KLT MBBS ’61

Following a master’s degree, Neroli went to Bill recalls that he wanted to be a doctor from the London and undertook a fellowship in dental age of 12, and if he had any advice for himself at 20, surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons. it would be to “follow your dreams”. Living in London for most of the 60s, Neroli Bill has had a long and distinguished medical relocated to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, career; graduating in 1961 and retiring from in 1968 and lectured at a dental college. clinical medicine in 2009, he continued to Travelling in England and Europe, Neroli wanted undertake medico-legal work until 2015. During to know more about the art she saw in galleries, that period he became medical superintendent of and, combined with an interest in history, St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, training more than decided to undertake an arts degree at La Trobe 100 general practitioners and 25 specialists. University in Melbourne, majoring in art history. He has fond memories of his time at the University The years at La Trobe were “extremely happy” of Sydney and believes his clinical tutors and St and Neroli feels fortunate to have had “such a Vincent’s Hospital had the greatest influence on his wonderful asset while travelling”. professional life. Neroli is interested in women who fly planes Bill undertook national service between his first and learning to fly herself – undertaking seven and second year at University. He stayed on in solo hours – and now works in a small airport at the Citizen Military Forces (now the Australian Lilydale, on the north-east edge of Melbourne. Army Reserve), was a Commander of the UNSW This has been a reinvention of her career. She Regiment and subsequently director of medical has undertaken business courses and her son is services, before retiring as a Colonel. operations manager. As a result of her career change, Neroli has been able to visit many Today, Bill is enjoying his retirement by the water at beautiful and remote places in Australia. Woy Woy on the NSW central coast, reads military history and loves watching his six grandchildren Neroli says her dentistry degree enabled her to grow up. He hopes for a future of peace without the travel and see the world at a young age, and she current world turmoil. encourages young people to go out and see the world as well.

Neroli enjoys being with friends and family and has developed an interest in bird watching and native plants. She is also happy to have good health at 75, and still be able to travel. She has recently been to Rome for a study tour and plans to do some walking in Croatia.

Her fondest memory of the University: the other students she met. “I’d come straight from school and hadn’t really seen anything of life and suddenly I was surrounded with mostly young men – very few girls did dentistry.”

210 School of Chemistry, 1965; the surface chemistry and polymers group of the Department of Physical Chemistry. Professor Alexander, middle front row; Dr Parts, senior lecturer, fourth from right; Dr Hunter, lecturer and professor, fourth from left; Carolyn Morris, front row, far right

Dr Carolyn Morris BSc ’62 MSc ’63 PhD ’67

One of the greatest influences on Carolyn’s Now retired, Carolyn is researching life during university was Dr Parts, her family history and gaining an a senior lecturer from the chemistry understanding of their achievements. department – Carolyn undertook both Her ancestors travelled across Australia her master’s degree and PhD with him. and she hopes to understand the social After completing her PhD, she worked in history and conditions of the time that may the ICI research lab in the UK, returning have contributed to their migration. to Melbourne after three years to work “I’m a great believer in doing things that for the Defence Science and Technology you are interested in, even if other things Organisation. Carolyn stayed there for seem lucrative at the time,” says Carolyn. 30 years, progressing to senior roles and “We spend a significant part of our life in studying materials for defence applications the workforce, and it is important that we (non-metal). make the right career choices.” Carolyn met her husband, Dr Geoffrey Her fondest memory of the University: Guise, when they were class fellows in having cake and coffee at Manning House their undergraduate science degree. with her friends to recover from their 9am Geoffrey also completed his Master of mathematics lecture, which they did every Science in 1963, followed by a PhD in 1967. morning for two years. Parting ways after graduation, their paths continued to cross professionally, and they eventually married.

211 Dr Francis Penelope Nelson (Frank) Murphy BA ’63 DipEd ’66 BA ’64 DipEd ’65 MA ’75 MEd ’87

Frank’s passion for music education is self- Penelope wrote a memoir titled Penny Dreadful, an evident. His studies at Sydney ranged across 20 account of growing up in Sydney during the 1950s and years, and in addition to his qualifications from 1960s, in which she recalls the “swinging 60s” and her Sydney, he holds a PhD, an AMusA (Piano) and time at the University. a Licentiate of Trinity College, London (General Missing Orientation Week, Penelope found her way Musicianship for Teachers). to the Wallace Theatre for her first lecture after Not only has Frank had a long career as a high getting lost “several times”. She enrolled in English, school music teacher, he has also written on music French and philosophy, studying English poetry and and music education for a number of publications. Shakespeare. Her most important decision however, His particular area of interest is improvised jazz was to commence work on student newspaper from the 1920s, 30s and 40s. Honi Soit, where she received practical lessons in sub-editing from part-time student and sub-editor In his senior years, Frank is passionate about for the Sydney Morning Herald, George Richards. being useful to his community. Throughout his career, he has been extensively involved in Journalism is in Penny’s blood; her father, David the Australian Society for Music Education, McNicoll, was moderator of Channel Nine’s Meet and he organises musical activities for retirees the Press, while her mother, Micky, also a journalist, and volunteers in adult education. He is also worked for the Australian Women’s Weekly. According still publishing. to Penelope, the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa in 1960 marked an important turning point in student Frank is a keen traveller – particularly to the journalism and political awareness. Students held United Kingdom, where he enjoys the choral protests against apartheid and other human rights tradition – and likes to spend time maintaining abuses, and Honi Soit was there to report on the events. his home, first built in 1926. He is also close to his family. The beehive hairstyle became the height of fashion, along with “pale lipstick, skirts and tights with flat “I now have four granddaughters,” he says. “Two suede shoes”, and 1960s glamour at the University are in Sydney, while the others are overseas. We was “epitomised by Tania Verstak, who became are in regular contact with the ones in the Great Miss University in August 1960 and Miss Australia Southern Land.” in 1961”. In her third year, Penny recalls student His fondest memory of the University: the many journalism turning its focus on film director Bruce people he met at Sydney, particularly his mentor Beresford, comedian Barry Humphries (of Dame Edna in technical writing, Professor Ian Spink (who fame) and American stand-up comedian and satirist was eventually Head of the Music Department Lenny Bruce. at Royal Holloway and Bedford), and renowned Penny had an ongoing relationship at university with composer Peter Sculthorpe AO OBE. journalist and commentator Bob Ellis and married twice, having two sons during her first marriage to Michael Nelson.

Her fondest memories of the University: philosophy lectures in the philosophy room off the Quadrangle and the philosophical arguments about “whether or not there was a tree in the Quad”; being entertained in ethics classes by Professor Alan Stout; meeting her current husband.

212 Dr Romney Newman OAM MBBS ’66

If Romney could give himself one piece of advice in his student days, it would be “make sure you get through medicine, because it is a very privileged profession”. Luckily he did, thanks in part to mentors such as Dr Ronald Winton, then editor of the Medical Journal of Australia and lecturer in ethics and history at the University. Romney still counts becoming a consultant physician among his proudest career accomplishments. However, Romney’s time at the University of Jan Noakes Sydney wasn’t all study. Although he remembers lectures in the “old Barn” and dissections in (née Prothero) the laboratory, he was also involved with the BA ’65 DipEd ’66 Evangelical Union, which helped develop his faith, and University sport. He played football with his medicine peers and enjoyed representing the University at inter-varsity hockey and cricket.

Both of these passions continue today, as does his Jan undertook a range of subjects from across the marriage to Christine, who he met at University. Faculty of Arts while studying at Sydney; however, The couple celebrated their 50th anniversary in it was psychology that she gravitated towards 2016. Romney played A-grade hockey until he was the most, leading her to a career in employment 49, continues to play in the over-65s, and works counselling. Completing a diploma in careers with the Kairos Prison Ministry. education from the University of Western Sydney in 1985, Jan has worked at all levels of the field, from Romney hopes to see the health gap between the largest personnel company in the United States rich and poor dwindle, and would like to keep down to the rewarding work of a careers counsellor devoting his energies to working for, and with, the in high schools. underprivileged. He enjoys his family, his friends, and his faith. Married with four children, Jan has also volunteered as a communications director and has His fondest memory of the University: the been a town councillor in the United States while relationships he developed in the Evangelical based there with her husband. Union and the University sports teams. Now a grandmother of 10, Jan says her experience at the University of Sydney inspired her to continue questioning and learning throughout life, qualities she has been keen to share with her grandchildren as they grow up.

Her fondest memories of the University: studying English, history, and anthropology, which “served me well living and travelling overseas”.

213 214 Frances Orr Professor John Overton AM BPharm ’65 MBBS ’62

Frances’s proudest life Dr Sandy Barrett, John’s local John feels that the University accomplishment is her GP and a man of immense human can make the world a better beautiful family. She would compassion, played a big role in place through engaging people never do another degree, as his decision to study medicine. in the workforce to offer insight “one was enough!” into the real world and life John had a formidable career in beyond university. In medicine Frances hopes that the world anaesthetics, spending 33 years particularly, he thinks knowledge can be a safe place again and at Westmead Children’s Hospital of appropriate grief counselling she is passionate about leading in Sydney, first as a registrar then would be beneficial. people to Christ. as an administrator, retiring in 2001. John enjoys seeing former She enjoys spending her time colleagues, time with his with family and friends, He is proud to have been part of grandchildren and having camping and travelling. a team that developed “profound wonderful relationships with a hyperthermia bypass” and Frances is happiest when with broad spectrum of people. He is improved cardiac surgery for her husband, children and dedicated to advocating for others small children. John also worked grandchildren and “knowing – particularly those who don’t to establish intensive care who and whose I am”. have a voice – and good health. ambulances and paramedics, and Her fondest memory of the feels fortunate to have been part His fondest memory of the University: curling up in a of a wonderful team. University: Dr Douglas Piper of lounge chair at Manning House. Royal North Shore Hospital, a John is father to journalist wonderful mentor and teacher Peter Overton and Dr Rebecca and Dr Roger Vanderfield, who Overton. His proudest life inspired John to consider how he accomplishment is raising four could make his mark in medicine. children and nine grandchildren.

John would never consider another degree and would still do medicine today.

“Medicine’s both a science and an art, and I think the art is being able to take the histories, to talk to a parent, and to indicate your compassion and care,” he says. “Never forget the privilege of caring for others and treat everyone with compassion and dignity.”

Left: Aerial view of University grounds, 1964, University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_0192

215 Associate Professor Timothy (Tim) Lawrence Peak Peken OAM BSc ’61 PhD ’64 BA ’62 LLB ’65

Lawrence attributes his success at Sydney to “I remember sitting in first-year economics when the value of perseverance. He recalls a moment Sir Hermann Black AC [who became Chancellor watching an exceptional fellow student leave from 1970 to 1990] told the class to look to the left early from a second-year mathematics exam. and look to the right; that two out of the three of us Lawrence realised that there would always be would not make it past first year. He was right!” some things he was naturally good at and some Tim was a member of the Wesley College Rifle he would have difficulty with. From then on, Team, winning a College Blue. Passionate about when he encountered something difficult in class, music, he participated in choral and madrigal he would go over it again and again. With this performances with the Sydney University Musical approach, Lawrence went on to complete a PhD Society. He also admits to “spending a lot of time on the nature of high-energy nuclear interactions, at Manning House and the Union building”. This win the University Medal and embark on a career experience may have been behind his term as in academia. president of the University and Schools Club from Beyond the sciences, Laurence is interested in 1993 to 1996. music and languages, and although he speaks His advice to students today is “make sure to enjoy some French and Italian he would love to become your time at university as much as possible and try “really proficient” in another language. not to fail”. Tim fondly remembers the challenge He is actively interested in the link between and pleasure of being a St Paul’s College “fresher” science and religion, and later in life became while undertaking his final year of study. fascinated by the ways they overlap and Later he completed a short-service commission in complement one another. the Royal Australian Navy, including service in “You don’t have to leave your brain at the door Vietnamese waters during the Vietnam War. He when you go into church,” he says. “I’ve just put spent the remainder of his working life in defence up a notice in church: gravitational waves – God’s quality assurance. creation? And the point is, if you’re going to Tim advises others to enjoy life in the moment – be believe in a God, you have to believe in a God who healthy, active and adventurous – and offers this created everything, absolutely everything, and advice: don’t necessarily stick to the beaten path. that’s a huge statement.” His fondest memory of the University: John says His fondest memories of the University: his time at university coincided with poet, writer learning collaboratively in laboratory classes, and broadcaster Clive James; festival director, where pairs of students would spend a whole journalist and restaurant critic Leo Schofield; and year together. He enjoyed discussions, writer and feminist Germaine Greer. “Interesting unravelling things and learning together in a times – but my fondest memories were found less-pressured environment. outside the lecture theatre,” he says.

216 Selga Pesudovs BSc ’62 DipEd ’63

Selga had not been able to study chemistry or physics at the girls’ high school she attended, Dr Haralds and so she completed her Diploma of Education and graduated as a teacher in mathematics and Petersons physics, hoping to make a difference in the world. BSc ’63 MSc ’64 PhD ’70

Selga taught mathematics for four years in NSW schools before embracing motherhood, then for a further three years until her youngest child started high school. She then completed a Haralds pursued an academic career in teaching postgraduate Diploma of Computer Science at and research for more than 30 years, which led La Trobe University in Melbourne. to publications in geophysics and imparting Happy to finally be a part of the computer knowledge to countless students. industry, Selga programmed small and large If he were to do another degree, it would be in computers, wrote code in COBOL, BASIC and theoretical physics. Haralds prefers to follow the fifth-generation programs, right up to HTML advice of Shakespeare: be true to yourself, for (from scratch). With the onset of the Y2K bug, then you will have the best chance of a happy and she officially retired but continued to contract fulfilling life. on webpage production for several years. Haralds’ wish is for a united world with a human While Selga’s family and friends are her main population under control to leave enough space for interests, she spends most of her time in the other living things to survive. fantasy world of books, reading a wide range of genres, including fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, history, “Increase our existing knowledge of the world and romance, biographies and novels. Good health use the power that this brings for the betterment of and a nice glass of wine also make Selga happy. all who inhabit this world of ours,” he says.

“I started teaching at 20 and married at 21,” Haralds has always been committed to giving of Helga says. “I was naïve, but I think that himself to others through his work and family life. was healthier than being as worldly as young In retirement, he enjoys learning about the latest people are today. My advice is be yourself, do discoveries in science, such as the discovery of everything as well as you can, so you can look gravitational waves, the Higgs particle and DNA. back without regrets.” Spending time with family and friends, playing Her fondest memories of the University: a visit to chess and riding his bike also tick the boxes. “What the Nicholson Museum in 1958 while still in high makes me happy is being healthy enough to still school inspired her to apply for study at Sydney; enjoy life,” he says. Professor Harry Messel, Head of the School of His fondest memories of the University: inspired Physics from 1952 to 1987, proudly displaying by Professor Bullen in his first year, Haralds was the early computer SILLIAC as it played “Happy exposed to the power of mathematical modelling Birthday” as a result of punching the tape was fed and decided to undertake an academic career in through the huge computer. applied mathematics. He taught in both his mentor Professor Bullen’s department, and with Professor Brown at the Australian National University.

217 Dr Arpad Phillip Denise Playoust BSc ’61 MSc ’62 PhD ’65 BSc ’61 MEd ’67

At Sydney, chemistry was Arpad’s life. He Encouraged by her parents to study, Denise is also particularly enjoyed the practical elements of his grateful to the Chaplain of the Newman Society, honours year, where there were just 12 chemistry Father Roger Pryke, for encouraging students to get students. They formed a tight-knit group and involved in the life of the University – to go beyond have managed to keep in touch. Three close attending lectures and laboratory sessions, and friends – Ron, Don, and John – were Arpad’s engage with other students, be it in music, drama, version of the Three Musketeers. debating or discussions over coffee.

Arpad went into a career in chemistry after Denise had a fulfilling career in teaching while completing his Master of Science and PhD. In balancing it with her life as a wife and mother. the 60s he undertook postdoctoral research at “I have experienced many wonderful moments University College London. in my teaching career,” she says. “Encouraging students to think was a great privilege. My daughter “I had a good degree from Sydney and also enjoyed her time at Sydney and proceeded to an postdoctoral experience in London, which in academic career.” those days was the centre of civilised society,” Arpad says. Denise also undertook a Master of Education and is currently enjoying studying visual art, He went on to work at the Defence Science and other cultures and the world of ideas in an Technology Organisation for 10 years and was unstructured manner. promoted to principal research scientist at the age of 38. Looking for something more challenging, She hopes that inequalities in access to the world’s he made the transition to industry and worked resources will be reduced in the future and believes for a time with Gibson Chemicals, which the University can assist the community by doing was particularly interested in his PhD thesis “both pure and applied research which is honest, on chelates. and teaching so that students are required to think about the ‘big questions’.” Although retired, Arpad still works as a consulting chemist and is called in to solve Denise spends her spare time reading, chatting thorny problems for a number of large companies with her husband, going to concerts and thoughtful in the chemical industry. He is thrilled to see presentations, travelling and doing volunteer work. his research on the agricultural applications of Her fondest memories of the University: while chelates finally trickle down to industry. it was a buzz to walk in the Quadrangle, the real “It’s the culmination of a lifetime of research,” satisfaction for Denise came from engaging with he says. “I can’t afford to retire. You hear about other students and, as an undergraduate, learning how long it takes for a research discovery to reach how to become an adult. industry – it’s taken 40 years for my research, but it’s finally being applied.”

His fondest memory of the University: the annual ski trip to Perisher with a group of friends.

Right: View from southern cloisters into the Quadrangle, 1966, University of Sydney Archives, G3_224_0125_1

218 219 Dr John Pomeroy BA ’60 MA ’89 PhD ’96

Following a Bachelor of Arts, John gained an MA in 1989, and in 1996 he obtained a doctorate. Judy Potter A strong influence in his life was Lord Trevor BA ’65 Soper, Convenor of the Methodist Church in London. John became a Deputy Electoral Commissioner of NSW (Commonwealth) and was instrumental in establishing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (1990-2005).

In 1972, John ran for the seat of Bradfield in An early adventurer into the fledgling data the federal election, an interest in politics processing industry, Judy’s career morphed that stemmed from university, where he was into “full-blown IT” over many years, using her vice-president of the Students’ Representative language and mathematical skills. Council from 1957 to 1960. “I like to think I’ve helped many people via various John’s sang with the Sydney University Musical charitable organisations, and as a Justice of the Society from 1956 to 1959 and was president Peace to help pursue fairness and justice, both in of the Sydney University Players. John went on business and personally,” she says. to serve as Chairman of the Board of musical a capella group The Song Company. Judy would have liked to study more languages and literature, with arts in general being her With an interest in anthropology and all that main interest. is human, John believes in the provision of free education to all who seek it, and hopes for a more She values her relationships, both personally and egalitarian and peaceful world. professionally. She hopes to see Australia become less of a “nanny society” and for the world to have John is happy doing research and reading, being better communication and cooperation. in the company of friends and listening to plenty of music. Judy is proud of her family, including two “wonderfully responsible and productive children”.

Only now retiring after 52 years in the workforce, Judy plans to continue to support her family, friends and community, but aims to spend more time doing arts and exercise. She enjoys music, her grandchild and a good challenge.

Her fondest memory of the University: Arthur Delbridge, her English lecturer from 1961 to 1964, who enhanced Judy’s love of linguistics and the English language. Along with A G Mitchell, Delbridge produced the first big socio-linguistic study of speech, recording more than 9000 students. Although from the English department, they pioneered the use of reel-to-reel tape, and used the SILLIAC computer for statistical analysis.

220 Anne Powles BA ’61 LLB ’64

Anne worked first as a solicitor then in schools as a child psychologist, and finally as a child Michael Preston psychologist in the court system. She is proud that BA ’64 she has helped some young children cope with the major issues affecting their lives. Michael Preston thanks Harry Nicolson, “a highly respected historian and philosopher” for his One of Anne’s most compelling educational influence on Michael. “Some of my fondest memories experiences was a small course run by Challis are the informal meetings we had where we tried Professor of Philosophy John Anderson. Called to second-guess the questions for an exam and how Philosophy of Education, they discussed values we’d deal with them,” Michael says. “Some of these and responsibilities around education, and this discussions went long into the night.” has stayed with Anne throughout her life. Michael went from the University of Sydney to Anne’s most notable influence was her father, Cambridge, where he graduated with an MA who was a surprisingly ardent feminist. He (history, philosophy and science) but was “taken encouraged Anne and her sister to be or do aback by how badly history was taught” thereafter anything they wanted. Anne is proud of her four receiving “a good practical grounding from his children, who have all pursued further education excellent teachers at Sydney”. He taught for 34 years (two with degrees from the University of Sydney) at Marlborough College, a private school in the UK and are all great people with whom she enjoys and later was head of history at the Kings School, discussing life. Parramatta, and at Cranbrook School, Sydney. Anne takes pleasure in reading and writing prose Michael’s proudest achievement was collaborating and “bad verse”. She believes that more access to on the book The Collapse of British Power . If he were education for everyone would help the world and, to continue studying today, he would focus on “man’s as Professor Anderson stated in 1959 we must place in the universe”. He advises students to prepare look to the individual, not to the system, and our thoroughly for exams. own goals as to how and what to provide. In retirement, Michael volunteers in the History Her fondest memories of the University: the Department at the University of Western Australia, Women’s College and her friends, many of whom and with Guide Dogs Australia, reading books onto she still sees; the law library as a meeting place, CDs for the blind. He would like tomorrow’s world and the cafeteria below that served great coffee; to have found answers for slavery and pollution, and and Professor Julius Stone (Challis Professor of established government “with the strength to carry Jurisprudence and International Law 1942-72) out their policies”. He hopes the University will – in April 1961, during a lecture, he broadcast “encourage people to be both students and teachers”. the John F Kennedy Bay of Pigs speech from a small radio. Michael enjoys reading the latest trends in history, talking to leading historians, playing golf, listening to classical music and looking after the Trinity College Choir.

His fondest memory of the University: accompanying Aboriginal activist Charles Perkins – who was in the same year – to his first experience of theatre. “We saw [acclaimed actor] John Bell, who was delivering a wonderful rant during a dress rehearsal.”

221 Alan Priestley Dr Lyndel Prott BE(Chem) ’62 BA ’61 LLB ’64 LLD ’04

Alan was manager of the Acetate Department Two teachers at the University of Sydney had a at Courtaulds, Tomago, NSW. He is also proud strong influence on Lyndel’s choice of career: of working with Bruce Steggles at the Steggles Professor Julius Stone (Challis Professor of processing plant in Beresfield, as a production Jurisprudence and International Law 1942-72) and logistics manager. in international law, and legal philosopher Ilmar Tammelo, on the philosophy of law. “It was only in Alan recalls Professor Thomas G Hunter and the last two years of the six-year double degree that Dr Bill McManamey (his tutor for his graduation I found fascinating work to be done, and I have been thesis) as his greatest influences during his time in those fields throughout my career.” at the University. He was granted a credit for his thesis on the solvent extraction of vanadium from International law drew Lyndel into a fascinating mixtures of vanadium and iron sulphates and he career, and she was one of very few people was involved with ion exchange resins used to interested in developing international controls on recover zinc from effluent waters. the destruction and looting of cultural heritage.

Alan’s greatest passions are his basset hounds. He “I never could have foreseen the burgeoning of this attends the USA National Basset Champ Show field of international law,” says Lyndel. Her work and has travelled to Seattle, Boston, St Louis, in this area included the development of three Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Milwaukee for the significant international treaties: UNIDROIT events. He also breeds puppies. Convention on Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural Objects (Rome, 24 June 1995); the Second Protocol His fondest memory of the University: the 1999 to the Hague Convention for the Protection of relationships he developed with his fellow Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict students and staff in Chemical Engineering, (UNESCO) 1954, and the Convention on the dinners in the Union building and the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage camaraderie between his class mates from (UNESCO) 2001. Working for international 1959 to 1962. organisations allowed Lyndel to visit more than 50 countries.

Fluent in French and German, linguistics fascinates Lyndel. “I am drawn to Chinese and I am particularly interested in Australian Aboriginal languages,” she says. “To be able to learn an Aboriginal language would be a marvellous way to bind myself to this wonderful country and respect the oldest living civilisation.”

Lyndel would like to see children educated on responsibility, civics and compassion for humanity, especially for children and refugees, and hopes for effective worldwide agreement on climate change. Her days are full, with researching, reading and writing, listening to classical music, gardening, yoga and swimming, handicrafts, spending time with her family and walking the dog.

Her fondest memory of the University: the Department of Philosophy fostered a mind-bending experience and trained Lyndel to ask questions and adapt to life changes. 222 Professor Sandra Rees Ingrid Reynolds BSc ’63 MSc ’65 BA ’64 MA ’92

Sandra describes her greatest passion as “the While still a student, Ingrid was employed pursuit of truth through scientific analysis” by Professor Gordon Hammer as his research and a trailblazing academic career was in her assistant. This enabled her to earn a living while future from her first days at university. She was gaining first-class honours in psychology, which mentored by academics in the medical school, she followed with a master’s degree in 1991. An including Professor Liam Burke and Dr Bill excellent teacher, Professor Hammer opened Haylow. After finishing two degrees at the Ingrid’s eyes to the world of mental health in which University of Sydney, Sandra completed her PhD she had a 30-year research career. It covered the at Monash University in 1977, and was awarded areas of lifestyle, economics, knowledge, and the Nina Kondelos Prize from the Australasian empathy. Her aim was to improve society and Neuroscience Society as a pioneering she saw the usefulness of her degree early on in female neuroscientist. her work.

Sandra found great camaraderie with a band of Ingrid is proud that her work spread knowledge academic women at the University of Melbourne, and had a positive effect on society. Her research, who ignited her passion for ensuring that women including articles on forms of drug addiction have an equal voice with men, particularly in the treatments, has been published in leading sciences, where they have been underrepresented. Australian and international journals. She also This group of women encouraged her to strive published a book titled Psychosocial Problems for promotion in her own career, and Sandra of Sydney Adults, based on a sample of 36,000 became the first female professor in the Faculty participants. Ingrid hopes the University will of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the continue to encourage research and improve society University of Melbourne. with ethics courses, including in medicine, which she would study if she had her time again. Sandra has a passion for the arts, and loves going to the theatre, the ballet, the opera, all sorts of Ingrid enjoys travelling to beautiful places, musical performances, and to art galleries. In her architecture, art, photography, ballet, theatre and spare time she enjoys walking, skiing and tennis, the company of friends. She spends time caring experiencing nature, and travel – particularly to for friends who are unwell. She is concerned about exotic destinations. an overcrowded world and believes in a need for more empathy towards the needs of other people “Act, don’t just react to situations,” she says. “Be and countries. confident, but not overconfident in your abilities; never cease to be curious about the world, people Her fondest memory of the University: enjoying and events; where possible, choose to be happy.” sports such as tennis and discussions with other students at Manning House about the purpose Happiness for Sandra today is enjoying of life. the company of friends and family, and contributing in small ways to making their lives more enjoyable.

Her fondest memories of the University: her exposure to the arts. She sang in the University choir, acted and even tried her hand at Spanish dancing.

223 Emeritus Professor Alan Rice AM BA ’65

Having previously completed study at the Teachers’ College, Alan commenced at the University of Sydney in 1960. At the time there was a new push for secondary teachers to gain further training in the subjects in which they Vickii Anne Riette taught. Attending classes in the evening after a BA ’63 long day at school, Alan studied English, history, psychology and education. Securing a Public Service Fellowship upon graduation, he was able to complete further study at the University A love of French, a strong faith and a passion for of Alberta in Canada. reading have been lifelong sources of intellectual sustenance and happiness for Vickii, who gained Earning both a Master of Educational an honours degree in French from Sydney in Administration and a PhD in Education from 1963, before spending two years studying at the Alberta, Alan returned to Australia where he Université Grenoble Alpes in France. had a lengthy career in the NSW Department of Education. He was director of early childhood Now residing in Tasmania, Vickii taught French to education then executive director of primary and the “over 50s” in Launceston until late 2015. Since early childhood education. then, she has been able to indulge more fully in her love of poetry, art and music, and share it with her Finishing his working life at Macquarie friends and cat. University, where he served as dean of the Australian Centre for Educational Studies, Alan Her fondest memories of the University: while was made a Member of the Order of Australia fellow students and teachers are undoubtedly in 2004. Now retired, Alan is active on several among Vickii’s most treasured memories, she also educational boards and committees. recalls the chimes of the bells emanating from the Quadrangle and Fisher Library. A father and cricket fan, Alan has been involved in cricket administration for more than 50 years and is President of the Baptist Union of NSW and the ACT.

224 Dr John Roberts FRCPA, MIAC, FRACS, MRACMA, ACCAM (Aviation), MASAM (Aviation) BSc ’64

John has amassed a string of professional and educational qualifications, including an MBA Peter Roland in 1994 and a BA from Griffith University, BA ’62 LLB ’66 Queensland. He has also learned a number of languages, including German, French, Russian, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese, but says he is not finished yet. Along with his interests in medicine, Peter worked as a lawyer in both Sydney and John is keen on music and has been playing many Grafton, and was ordained as a Diocesan Advocate, musical instruments since he was 16. He even appearing as a legal representative in the Royal toured overseas playing the cornet/trumpet, Commission into Institutional Responses to Child even though he never received any formal Abuse, established in 2013. He was elected president musical training. of his local law society and has undertaken legal work for the Clarence Valley Council and the former During a long medical career, John has held Roads and Traffic Authority. various positions in hospitals, mainly in pathology, in Australia and London. From 1965 to “I’ve had a varied, challenging and stimulating 1969 he was a research scholar at the John Curtin career,” he says. Looking back, Peter thinks he School at the Australian National University could have explored the possibility of further law in Canberra, where he gained his PhD. While study or going into the foreign diplomatic service. pursuing other career commitments, he acted as However, on the advice of his dean, he undertook a a locum GP in NSW, Victoria and Canberra, and postgraduate course at Cambridge University. has been a deputy editor of the Royal College of “I was in my last year of university before I really got Pathologists of Australasia journal, Pathology. my head down and luckily that got me through to Now living in Melbourne, John maintains his Cambridge, but I could have started earlier,” he says. professional interests, has spent a lifetime in Peter met his wife Heather on a jazz boat on Sydney community service in medicine and is a Senior Harbour in the late 60s. “Heather and her sister Fellow, teaching part time at the University operated a catering service on the boat, and I went of Melbourne. on one night; we met by chance, ended up getting John has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. married and we’ve been happily married ever since.” He enjoys teaching, “bothering” and challenging While not “a radical greenie”, Peter lists climate young minds and still finds time to fit in travel change and overpopulation among his social with his second wife Wendy, tutoring his concerns. “I think Sydney University is approaching grandsons in French, German and English future social, and other issues, very responsibly.” grammar, and performing at jazz festivals. Peter likes to read history and listen to Bruckner, Brahms, Mahler, Mozart and Beethoven. Now retired, he spends his time at home with his wife and visiting his son who is also a lawyer in Sydney. He enjoys going on overseas trips to the United States and Canada to visit his sisters as well as to Europe and the UK.

225 Marguerite on her graduation day

Dr Jim Ryan BScAgr ’62 MAgr ’69

Jim obtained his PhD in 1972 and became leader of the Marguerite Romer Economics Program at the International Crops Research BA ’62 Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India from 1974 to 1983. During that time, he commenced a longitudinal survey of villages and households in the rain-fed agricultural areas of India. The study is still Marguerite met her husband, Joseph, at her first being conducted today and represents a unique data dance at the University – he was dancing the set that is being used by academics and scholars all jitterbug at the time. Marguerite later learned over the world. he was president of the Jazz Society. Upon his return from India in 1983, Jim was The proudest moments of Marguerite’s life appointed deputy director of the Australian Centre for were giving birth to her son and daughter after International Agricultural Research, a part of Australia’s being told by doctors she would not be able to aid program, and was made a Fellow of the Australian have children. Understandably, her family is her Institute of Agricultural Science in 1990. In 1991, he was greatest joy, especially her four grandchildren, appointed director general of ICRISAT and returned to who are best friends. Australia in 1997.

Wanting to gain a better understanding of herself Jim would have liked to study history or political and other people, Marguerite has developed an economy, and to have gained a better understanding interest in psychology, a subject she would study of the history of major religions. if she were to do another degree. She still believes in the advice the nuns at boarding school drilled “Because of the challenges involved in politicians into the girls: Carpe Diem (seize the day). She has accepting evidence-based policy advice, I think studying lived by this motto all her life and it has helped her political economy could enhance the prospects of good avoid the problems of procrastination. policies being implemented,” says Jim.

Her fondest memories of the University: Jim enjoys a good red wine, time with family and friends, Marguerite was a country girl who attended reading and watching sport, as well as playing rugby boarding school where the girls were not used to union and golf. He still reviews professional papers voicing their opinions. The association with other and attends conferences for societies of interest. university students, who were able to express His fondest memory of the University: under the themselves and voice opinions, rubbed off on her, influence of Professor Keith Campbell, then head of the and she appreciated and learned from this. She Department of Agricultural Economics, Jim became loved this new-found freedom of expression and an agricultural economist. A colleague of Professor learning new ideas on any topic or subject. Campbell’s, Dr Bruce Davidson, also showed Jim how to use simple techniques such as budgeting to address farm-management decisions.

226 Dr John Saalfeld Dr Samuel Sakker MBBS ’62 MBE, FRACS, FRCS MBBS ’63

John went into second-year medicine after As an undergraduate student, Samuel was a national studying science for two years and was serviceman in the Navy, which gave him purpose immediately satisfied with his decision – he and determination. In his postgraduate studies as a can’t imagine having done anything else. Now surgeon, he developed professionalism, acceptance a retired urologist, he ranks the welfare and of responsibility and self-reliance in making satisfaction of his patients among his great difficult decisions under wartime conditions. passions and is proud of his professional career. In 1966, on the way to Vietnam on the HMAS John is a family man who derives great happiness Sydney, under radio silence, Samuel carried out an from spending time with his children and appendectomy with little surgical experience. He grandchildren. His marriage and family are received an MBE in 1968 for his part in the 1966 his proudest life accomplishments. A keen submarine rescue of USS Tiru off Frederick Reef in sportsman, John plays golf and sails with the the Coral Sea. In 1970 he achieved fellowships of the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. Royal College of Surgeons of England and the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh three months after He is a keen advocate for the virtue of balance the primary exams, and Fellow of the Australasian – between professional, family, and sporting College of Surgeons when he returned home. In lives, but also between conflicting arguments 1971-2, he was selected in open company as resident and points of view. This is an area in which the surgical officer at St Mark’s Hospital in London, University can play a leading role, he says. which is world-renowned for its colo-rectal surgery. “We need to look for the truth and not be bound Samuel had many positive influences during and by preconceived or fashionable concepts,” John after his studies including Dr Henry Thompson, says. “Be prepared to consider alternative points a senior surgeon at St Mark’s who, according to of view. Look at the evidence – be open to people Samuel, had the “eyes of an eagle, heart of a lion and who want to learn, study, research and give them hands of a maiden”. John Reimer, Samuel’s mentor, the right to express their opinions.” also gave him a good start in surgical practice. His fondest memory of the University: his time Samuel is proud of his six children. He is as a resident at St Andrew’s College. Although passionate about music, especially opera, choir and he came into the college with a group of school instrumental; sculpting with clay, wood and marble; friends, John appreciated the chance to meet touch rugby, gardening and acrylic painting. people in different faculties and different years at the University. “Be brave and follow your dream,” Samuel says. “Walk through doors that may open to take you beyond your wildest dreams. Leave serious affairs of the heart until later.”

His fondest memories of the University: friendships and companionship in hospitals and clinics, and in sports, where Samuel played basketball and volleyball; being introduced to obstetrics and the marvel of childbirth.

227 Dr (James) Professor Emerita Ralph Salisbury Margaret Sankey Sutcliffe BVSc ’64 BA ’64 DipEd ’65 PhD ’78

Ralph was a member of the As a student Margaret was greatly get the best education you can,” editorial committee for the influenced by Professors Ian Margaret says. She advocates first edition of the national Henning, Ross Chambers, Pierre travelling widely, living in other veterinary emergency plan, Fontenay, Bill Maidment and countries and learning the AUSVETPLAN. He wrote the Bernard Martin. “They broadened language in order to understand first state animal emergency my horizons,” Margaret says. “I other cultures. Having studied plan in Australia (VADEP) and was inspired by their passion for Chinese for a year, Margaret worked as the team leader of their subjects, their creativity would also have liked to study the Eastern Islands Projects and intellectual rigour.” architecture and fine arts. (EIVSP) from 1992 to 1995. Margaret thanks her late husband, As an Emeritus Professor of the Ralph was also responsible Philip Sutcliffe, McCaughey University, Margaret is working within Indonesia for running Professor of Psychology, for on research projects exploring the Eastern Islands project, supporting and encouraging French-Australian cultural including managing Australian her career in the Department of history, including the ‘Baudin vets in Kapyong, South Korea; French Studies. Philip passed Legacy’ (examining the impact of Dili, Timor Leste; and an away shortly before Margaret Baudin’s expedition to Australia economist in Bali. was appointed to the McCaughey in 1800-04) as well as other topics, Hugh Gordon, a pioneering Chair of French. such as the establishment of Australian veterinary scientist French missions in 17th century Margaret received her first award and parasitologist, had a big Terra Australis. from the French Government, the impact on Ralph’s life. Ralph Ordre des Palmes Académiques Margaret also enjoys learning went on to develop an interest in 2000 for her contribution the piano, spending time with in parasitology and to complete to Franco-Australian cultural friends and family, keeping fit and a Master of Veterinary Science relations. She was subsequently visiting art exhibitions. She also at the University of Melbourne. promoted to Officier in the Ordre volunteers at her local Anglican Additionally, Dr D M Flynn, des Palmes Académiques in 2008 Church and Friends of Tranby, an former chief veterinary officer and, in 2015, received the award Aboriginal college that provides in Victoria, provided guidance of Chevalier in the Ordre National vocational courses for adults. throughout Ralph’s career. du Mérite. Her fondest memories of the Ralph enjoys listening to Margaret fulfilled the role of University: strong friendships; music, particularly when his teacher and researcher in French excellent lectures; discussing grandchildren play the piano. studies for more than 40 years, poetry and politics in Manning He enjoys reading a wide teaching “many wonderful House; participating in plays variety of books, photography students who have gone on to performed by the French and family activities. successful careers”. She is grateful Department (La première famille His fondest memory of the to the University for supporting by Jules Supervielle; Pauvre University: the New Zealanders her research: initially on Cyrano Bitos ou le Dîner de têtes by Jean he met were a highlight; he is de Bergerac and the French 17th Anouilh; and Cyrano de Bergerac still in touch with a few today. century and, later, on early French by Edmond Rostand); the vibrant voyages to Australia, in particular musical culture, including singing that of Nicolas Baudin. in the Sydney University Musical Society Choir; and participating “Focus on what you are in intervarsity choral festivals. passionately interested in and

228 Emeritus Professor William George (ANU) Ben Selinger AM ‘Haggis’ Shackleton BSc ’60 MSc ’61 BSc ’62 MSc ’67

Ben says Dr Gilbert Bogle (of the 1963 William was encouraged by Ken Glasson, lecturer Bogle-Chandler case), a brilliant physicist at in economic geology at Sydney, to study for his CSIRO, along with his co-supervisor for the master’s degree. Ken arranged a position for him as Master of Science, were his greatest influences a research assistant in the geology department in during university. After this, he says, a range of 1966, while he completed the course. This helped different people and personalities impacted on him. William to be accepted into the postgraduate mineral exploration course at Imperial College Ben wrote Chemistry in the Marketplace, a London. Apart from his Sydney qualifications, reference book that explains the chemistry we William holds a Diploma from Imperial College encounter in our daily life. With a sixth edition London, a Master of Science from the University coming up for print, the book has been in press of London, and a Diploma of Education from the for almost 40 years. However, he would have also University of South Australia (Salisbury Campus). liked to study law, and advises today’s students to be flexible and receptive to change. “Don’t settle William’s academic qualifications and industrial on one area too soon,” he says. experience helped him achieve his goal of obtaining a senior lectureship in economic and He hopes the world will be more environmentally applied geology at the Salisbury Campus of and socially responsible in the future, and says his Adelaide University, where he rose to head of the passion is consumer protection – Ben was on the Department of Geology. He is satisfied with his board of consumer advocate Choice for 12 years career progression, and attributes this to taking and is now a life member. opportunities when they arose. He would advise Ben likes to spend his time with family as well young people to do the same, maintain contact with as writing and bushwalking, and says “having a friends and colleagues and retain memberships wicked sense of humour” keeps him happy. of professional associations. William believes universities should concentrate on the educational His fondest memories of the University: experience rather than the vocational. “Going to student pranks, the Science Society, being university in the 50s was an end in itself,” he says. an SRC representative, and SUSS – the Speleology Society. William enjoys spending time with his family and friends, cooking a great meal, and the odd bottle of red wine, painting, learning French and travelling.

229 Professor Donald Mervyn Sheldon MBBS ’60

Donald was born in January 1937 at Dulwich Hill, brother to Marie June Brown (page 57) Dr Rampal Singh and Bruce Henry Gilbert Sheldon (page 130). MBBS ’61 He attended Earlwood Public School and Canterbury Boys High School in Sydney, where he was vice‑captain. Donald enrolled at the University of Sydney in the Faculty of Medicine, graduating in 1960 before undertaking surgical training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA). He commenced a year of training with surgeon Starting life in Fiji, Rampal graduated in medicine Rodney Smith before becoming an honorary from Sydney and, along with friends and family, has surgeon at RPA in 1969. Donald topped his served the community as a GP. With the support of primary surgical fellowship exam and won the his wife, Judith, who was practice manager, Rampal Gordon Taylor Prize for the best candidate worked in a general practice with two of their from Australia and New Zealand. children who also graduated in medicine.

Donald led a surgical unit of volunteer doctors Rampal believes in acquiring as much knowledge from RPA to Vietnam in 1967, forming the as possible and using it wisely, but also enjoying third Australian surgical aid team. He also sports. He is interested in the arts and the worked for years to provide surgical seminars history of the world, and thinks the University in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Donald could help make the world a better place by lectured in medicine at Sydney Medical School producing diplomats suited to a career in world and, with renowned surgeon Dr Chris O’Brien, politics – perhaps leading to a less hostile and was involved in establishing the Chris O’Brien nuclear-free world. Lifehouse cancer treatment centre in Sydney. He is happy to be able to enjoy whatever life throws Donald passed away in March 2007, after his way, to be at peace with everyone and to have running a medical centre for 31 years and a healthy, united family. Rampal spends his time working at RPA during that time. travelling, reading and visiting family and friends.

His fondest memory of the University: playing soccer for the University and inter-varsity teams, captaining first grade soccer and being awarded a University Blue in soccer.

230 David John Smyth BSc ’60 DipEd ’61

Completing his mathematics study in 1960, David went on to train as a high school mathematics and science teacher, meeting his wife (a home science teacher) in his first year of work. Teaching in the public system for 39 years, David then taught gifted students at Gosford Selective High School for a Kevin Skelsey further eight years. BA ’66 MEd ’88 Still calling the NSW central coast home today, David currently tutors two high school While neither his parents nor techniques and the history of students living on a remote his two siblings completed education at Sydney Teachers’ property through Volunteers for secondary schooling, Kevin College, Sydney College of Isolated Students’ Education, of passed the Intermediate Advanced Education, the which he has been a part since Certificate at 15 and became an Institute of Technical and Adult 2008. Besides allowing him to apprentice in the building trade. Teacher Education, and at the continue teaching, the job also At 18, with the encouragement University of Technology, Sydney. necessitates his love of open-road of his family, he qualified for driving, with David and his Returning to Sydney in the matriculation, and was granted wife aspiring to cross the Anne 1980s, Kevin took courses a four-year scholarship at the Beadell Highway between Coober in historical archaeology, Sydney Teachers’ College. Pedy and Laverton, WA, in the completing his Master of second half of 2016. Kevin gained his NSW Teachers Education in 1988. Upon Certificate and an Associateship retirement in 1996, he and his David’s hobbies include kayaking, of the Sydney Technical College wife, Wendy, established an golf and walking, as well as (ASTC). With his course antiques, old wares and fine visiting his three children and completed at both the University arts business in Beverly Hills, 12 grandchildren who are spread of Sydney and at the University Sydney. They were invited by throughout Australia in Darwin, of NSW he taught in country, Lady Joyce Black (wife of Sir Mildura, Brisbane, Mudgee then city, secondary schools. Hermann Black AC, Chancellor and Sydney. from 1970 to 1990) to become In 1961, Kevin studied for a His fondest memory of the stallholders at the University’s Bachelor of Arts as an evening University: “The entertainment annual Antique Fair, which she student, graduating in 1966. “As at Wallace Theatre, especially the established in 1996, held for a Sydney graduate my teaching day Professor Room leapt onto many years in the Great Hall. status progressed rapidly, and the back of a retreating interloper in 1970 I was invited to join Kevin thanks the University for who strolled across the stage in the academic staff at Sydney its role in his personal, family the middle of the lecture.” Teachers’ College,” he says. and professional life. “Our children have studied at, and Until his retirement in 1995, graduated from, the University, Kevin designed, managed and and we expect our grandchildren lectured in education, teaching will follow,” he says.

231 Alma Stearn Eric Stockdale Dr Gerald MA ’65 BA ’60 Stone BVSc ’62

Working as a high school Representing the University Gerald spent his working life teacher for 20 years, a highlight in both first-grade cricket and as a partner in a veterinary for Alma was the time she baseball during his time at practice along with his wife coached a debating team to Sydney, Eric supported himself of 54 years, Jennifer, also a victory in the Karl Cramp Year while studying by working University of Sydney graduate. 11 Trophy at the Opera House. as an electrical technician. A passionate rugby player Bringing his equipment to a and fan, Gerald received a Alma undertook her Master lecture one day, he remembers Rugby Blue in 1960 and was of Arts while pregnant and sitting down for coffee after the a member of the “first XV” a mother to three children. class with Professor Woodward for the Sydney University Unable to study her first choice of the French Department, Football Club from 1968 to of Irish poet and novelist who he says helped him make 1971. He also represented the James Joyce, she focused peace with his less affluent Australian Universities team on English novelist D H background, compared with and competed for Hawke Bay Lawrence, whom she found some of the other students. (NZ) against England (in 1963) “somewhat exasperating”. and the British Lions (1966) Going on to a career in Alma now writes novels centred after leaving university. teaching, Eric was appointed on themes of murder, love and by a former headmaster of A father of seven, Gerald drama. She has recently written Cranbrook on the basis of now has 15 grandchildren about her deceased daughter his economics training and and lives in Wellington. His and hopes one of her books will sporting background. Before passion for New Zealand spans be published. his retirement, he also taught from its geographical beauty Alma is immensely proud of her at Newington College and the to pride in its international six children, one of whom was King’s School. sporting success. awarded a scholarship to the Now 90 and living in Sydney’s Gerald hopes the world will Conservatorium High School. southern suburbs, Eric says his be a more peaceful place by “Set high standards for family is his most important 2050 with a strong United yourself,” says Alma, adding responsibility, and he also Nations and a recovering, that anyone considering enjoys seeing proper care being cared-for environment. teaching as a profession should paid to animals and the land. His fondest memory of the study the finer points of His fondest memories of the University: victory with the pedagogy and learn how to gain University: every aspect of Sydney Uni rugby side over the respect and authority while university life, from playing New Zealand Universities team still maintaining excellence cricket and baseball to studying 16 to 14 at Sydney University in communication. and attending lectures. Oval in 1960.

“The University was a much more memorable experience than connecting electrical wires atop power poles,” he says.

232 Ann Sutherland Henri Szeps OAM BScAgr ’61 BSc ’64 BE(Elec) ’66

Ann was inspired by friends at the Women’s Henri loves life, admits to an infatuation with College (“Dot Bell who kept us together after the miracle of life and would study anthropology we left”), various lecturers, and her parents and if he could to find out how humans have “come to sister. A self-confessed “poor student who worked be as we are”. really hard, but who was poorly organised”, Although graduating with a Bachelor of Science Ann says she always liked science, and spent her and a Bachelor of Engineering, Henri became an career as a teacher. actor, best known for his decade-long role as dentist She is “truly proud” of trying to care for the Robert Beare in Mother and Son (alongside Garry environment, having met many influential people McDonald and Ruth Cracknell), and was honoured in the process. Ann would like people to see the in 2002 with an OAM for services to the arts and the impact they have on the Earth, take responsibility community. Henri has also written a book on acting for their actions and be proactive in restoring titled All in Good Timing and received the Penguin a balance. Award for best actor in a mini-series for Palace of Dreams, 1984-85. In future, Ann hopes the world will be greener; that wildlife ecosystems will be restored and the Henri has two sons, Amos and Josh, with his wife human population will be smaller “of their own of 47 years, Mary Ann, and enjoys being with his volition”. She also hopes for peace, with people family for picnics, movies, barbecues and dinners; working for the common good. and discussing life.

Ann believes the University can help in this “I believe it will actually take a superhuman effort respect by offering a degree in peace studies and for us humble humans to emerge unscathed from says it “would be great if most students could the terrible bonds of tribalism,” he says. live and mix with people from different faculties Henri is happiest when looking at the night sky and and countries”. is rejuvenated by the thought of being part of it. In her spare time Ann enjoys the visual arts, “Given that every element is forged inside a solar having been a painter, and she helps children with object, we truly are star dust,” he says. learning difficulties. The world of nature and her Along with his family, he credits George Sparks family make her most happy, along with music (acrobatic teacher and life guide) and his drama that has been inspired by nature. teacher, Hayes Gordon AO, OBE (director and Her fondest memories of the University: founder of Sydney’s Ensemble Theatre) as being wandering around the grounds taking photos the greatest influences on his life. of gargoyles with Di Swan and Robbie Harbutt; His fondest memory of the University: Professor music camps and singing in the Sydney University Messerle stopping him in the corridor and asking, Musical Society and Pro Musica choirs; yarns “Henri, did I see you on television last night?” over coffee breaks with students from different (He had). faculties; Betty Archdale, widely respected principal of Women’s College from 1946 to 1957 – “an inspiration”; an excursion to Ku-Ring-Gai National Park to see Aboriginal rock carvings; zoological and botany excursions; and rowing practice “at dawn with a magical mist coming off the harbour”.

233 Dr Alexander Tahmindjis Nigel Tanner MBBS ’63 DipCrim ’70 DipEd ’61

At university, Alexander appreciated the Nigel taught English and modern history at opportunity to get to know students from Wollongong and Bulli high schools from 1961 faculties other than Medicine through the to 1972, with classes of up to 40 students. Given Athletics Club. He excelled in sports, and the another opportunity, Nigel would study theology Athletics Blue he earned at Sydney remains a and had intended to become an Anglican minister. source of pride. “Don’t fritter away any opportunities,” says Alexander graduated from medicine and has had Nigel, who follows the adage: pro bono publico – to great satisfaction helping others in his medical contribute to the greater good of the public. Nigel career. He appreciates his medical training and also believes the University is in a position to applying the competencies he learned at the contribute to making the world sustainable and University of Sydney for the benefit of others is would like to see sustainability by 2050. one of his great pleasures. Nigel currently enjoys gaining enlightenment and Later in life, he discovered a passion for the useful knowledge from the internet, singing in humanities, and graduated with a Bachelor choirs and playing in an amateur orchestra. of Arts at the age of 74. He would love to do a His fondest memory of the University: Joyce Wylie master’s degree or even a PhD in the humanities, in the Faculty of Education, who was very helpful. and thinks basic knowledge of such areas should be a requirement for all faculties. He is currently writing a book, but gets the most satisfaction from the company of his wife and friends.

“My greatest source of happiness has been the presence of a wonderful wife, who stuck with me through difficult times,” he says. He also values the friendship of other people.

His fondest memory of the University: graduating from medicine alongside his fellow classmates.

234 Hon. Judge Kenneth Victor Taylor AM, AM(Mil), RFD BA ’67 LLB ’71

Attending the University to study an Arts/Law Frances Taylor degree in the early 1960s, Ken also joined the BA ’66 DipSW ’66 Naval Reserve while studying in 1963. Over the subsequent years, he rose up in both his naval and legal careers, being called to the bar in 1981, appointed a Judge of the District Court of NSW in 1991, and assuming the rank of Commodore.

He has twice been honoured with membership of the Order of Australia. First, in 1995 for his role Taking up her first social work position at in helping integrate the Navy and Navy Reserve Sydney’s Crown Street Women’s Hospital (now Force, and secondly, in 2012, for his service to closed) after graduation, Frances went on to tutor the judiciary. in social work at the University of NSW before assuming a role at the Benevolent Society. Moving A long husband and father, Ken’s four children have across to St Vincent’s Hospital in 1985 as the also carved out successful careers – a source of social worker attached to the Heart Transplant great pride for him and his wife, Frances (page 235, Unit, she became head of the Social Work at left). Department in 2002. Sadly, Ken passed away in 2014, leaving a legacy of Serving eight years in the role before her service to the community and an indelible imprint retirement in 2010, Frances still wanted to of love on Frances, whom he met at the University, give to the community, lending her experience and his children. as a community representative to a number of committees.

Frances is mother to four wonderful children who also studied at the University. Her husband, Ken, passed away in 2014 after 45 years of marriage. The pair met at the University in 1962 and married in 1969.

Her fondest memory of the University: for both her and Ken (at right) it was both the place they found their calling and where they found the loves of their lives.

235 Robin Tobler Ford Topham (née Card) BEc ’61 BA ’61 DipEd ’61

Originally from an area where few students Ford never imagined he’d become an accountant, completed school and where the subjects required but was influenced by Professor A Chambers, a for university entry were not offered, Robin’s professor of accountancy and economics, who Ford school recognised her potential to succeed at says was “ahead of his time”. Following an honours university. During a “momentous visit” to the year with the professor, Ford went into accountancy. University of Sydney with a school teacher, she After working in the corporate arena for many fell in love with the Quadrangle. years, Ford started his own practice as an At the University, under the guidance of accountant, which he says “was the best decision Miss Jacobs in Asian History and Mr Nish in I ever made”. His primary purpose was to be Ancient History, Robin says she blossomed. She of service to others and he looked for every also recalls the support she received through opportunity to develop his skills. the Student Christian Movement and their Now retired, Ford spends his time “keeping conferences, which helped her to develop out of mischief” by volunteering as a trustee written and presentation skills. of a charitable foundation and auditing for the Now in retirement, Robin keeps herself busy with Uniting Church. a range of activities including aqua-aerobics, Ford has been happily married for 53 years, pilates, a stimulating reading group and support having met his wife in South Australia while from the Autism Association. he was posted with BHP as a cadet. Her fondest memory of the University: spending “The best experience has been living in South time there and the opportunities, learning and Australia and raising a family,” Ford says. “South friendships that changed her life. Australia breeds some pretty good people. It’s a smaller community and it enables people to give their time to great things, like medical research. Whatever I’ve been involved in, South Australia has pulled more than its weight.”

His fondest memory of the University: Ford formed good friendships and met the best man for his wedding, with whom he is still in touch today. University was a turning point for Ford, who was exposed to a wide spectrum of opinions.

236 Suzanne Opening of the Malayan Club in Sydney; from Vaughan left, Malayan Trade BA ’62 Commissioner Inche Abdullah bin Ali; former Governor-General of Australia Sir William McKell; president of the Malayan Students Association Victor Suzanne was the first in her Vadiveloo; and the High family to go to university. Despite Commissioner for Malaya, being offered a Commonwealth Dato Gunn Lay Teik Scholarship, she initially passed up the opportunity to work for a year. However, with the support and encouragement of her co-workers at the biochemistry department, she decided to pursue psychology. She married Victor Vadiveloo fellow alumnus Peter Vaughan, BDS ’60 MDS ’86 now deceased.

After her studies, Suzanne became the first female psychologist at the Callan Park Psychiatric Hospital in Sydney’s Rozelle before taking Victor is a retired maxillofacial specialisation and becoming on various roles in the United surgeon living in Victoria where a consultant maxillofacial States and Canada. Her time he continues to enjoy his greatest surgeon to the teaching hospitals overseas included working as a joy in life: his family. He fondly in Melbourne from 1972 to psychometrist at the University remembers the influence of the 2007. At the same time, he of Toronto and later as editor Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, admits he would have liked to of the Canadian Journal of Professor Alwyn James “Gil” study medicine and become Behavioural Science. During Arnott, and Professor Noel a neurosurgeon. He says his this time she also crossed Martin, whose impact on the greatest accomplishment in paths with one of her tutors at study of preventive dentistry life was being able to complete the University. is also warmly remembered by his course at the University of Her greatest passion is language Victor’s colleagues. Sydney “with the assistance and, given the opportunity, of Professor Arnott” and his While enjoying the fellowship Suzanne would love to study subsequent ability to repay the and camaraderie of the dental linguistics or anthropology. financial assistance he received students of his day, Victor also from the faculty. Suzanne’s advice to her younger participated in sport, winning self would be: don’t interrupt a place on the Combined That experience led him to your studies for a man. Australian Universities Hockey encourage the University to Team, which toured New enrol and assist disadvantaged Today, Suzanne enjoys an active Zealand. However, it was not and marginalised students to social life that includes yoga, until 2008 that Victor received complete their degrees. Today, trivia nights, going to concerts, his Hockey Blue at a Blues Victor enjoys life with his family, travelling and crossword puzzles. Awards ceremony and dinner playing with his grandchildren, She is also part of the digital club in the Great Hall. spending time on the golf course of her local council. and playing bridge. Victor is justifiably proud of Her fondest memory of the completing his dental surgery University: Professor John Maze, who taught psychology.

237 Professor John Walker-Smith MBBS ’60 MD ’71

John’s fondest memories are of his clinical training in medicine by Dr Dick Harris at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. “He was a formidable, albeit young, physician,” John says. “He was of the old school of Dr Peter bedside teachers, as exemplified Wakeford OAM by Sir William Osler [physician and co-founder of Johns Hopkins MBBS ’62 Hospital in the United States]. He in fact was portly, and looked a bit like James Robertson Justice in the filmDoctor in the House.”

Commencing in Engineering on passed,” Peter says. “But I feel I John received classical instruction a Commonwealth Scholarship, have seen the best of it medically. in the clinical art, was taught Peter’s initial goal was to study In a world run by privilege, the right approach to the Aeronautical Engineering. wealth, IT and technocrats, patient and demonstrated the However, his time with Sydney people are being increasingly practical techniques for clinical University Football Club was sidelined. I hope people, not examination: close observation, a lifeline and the friendships systems, rule in 2020.” auscultation (using a stethoscope he formed there led to Peter to listen to the heart and lungs) Peter now enjoys being involved starting medicine in 1956. and palpation of the abdomen with family, friends and his (feeling with the fingers). Peter supplemented his community, and is delighted scholarship with vacation work by his three grandchildren. He “From the first, he [Dr Harris] at CSR Chemicals, Mosman likes to keep things simple after taught us to pronounce the word Council and Eastern Suburbs a career in “crisis management” ‘abdomen’ with the emphasis Legion Club, and “a spell” in and finds gardening therapeutic on the ‘O’,” John says. “He had national service. along with seeing a memorable a subtle sense of humour and sunset or the smell of fresh rain. he helped our clinical group Upon graduation, he completed cement together. This medical training at Sydney Hospital His fondest memory of the group proved to be of enduring followed by a registrar year at University: Peter believes importance to me through the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital education is the key to our remainder of the course.” in the Clinical Research Unit, national success. “We need where he gained membership people from across the with the Royal Australasian social spectrum studying at College of Physicians (MRACP). university,” he says. “Too often we have in authority A highlight for Peter was people without a ‘lived life being awarded a Centenary of experience’. The ability Medal in 2003 for Services to to think critically and with Rural Medicine. compassion is what is required “Sitting my MRACP was quite of a tertiary education.” traumatic: only 30 percent

238 Amber Marie Wellesley-Smith BA ’64 DipEd ’65

Amber is passionate about music. During her time at Sydney, she was active in the Sydney University Musical Society (SUMS) and sang with Pro Musica, as well as representing the University at inter-varsity John Ward choral festivals. She helped BA ’65 organise the festival when it was held in Sydney.

Moving to Leeds in Yorkshire after she finished her degree, for more than 40 years Amber has been a piano teacher, committed John studied part time at School Management from the to passing on her knowledge Sydney as an evening student University of NSW. John was and love of music – and the while teaching at James Ruse director of Narrabeen Lakes piano – to generations of young Agricultural High School and Fitness Centre (later Sport and people. Amber loves teaching, Vaucluse Boys’ High School. Recreation Centre) from 1973 and watching the progress and John gained a Diploma in to 1977 and Secretary of Sydney success of her students is one of Recreation in 1977 while University Sports Union in 1978. her greatest pleasures. pursuing a teaching career. He was also the first licensee “I would like education to be John enjoyed “every course” of the Sydney University (No.1 the birthright of every child, he took at the University and Oval) Sports Union Bar from everywhere,” she says. was impressed by his teachers, 1978 to 1979. He was awarded including economics lecturer Active Life Membership of Besides music, Amber enjoys Sir Hermann Black AC (who the NSW Teachers Federation languages, and is studying became Chancellor from in 2000 and became a Life Hungarian and German. She 1970 to 1990), Professor Ted Member of the Metropolitan likes to visit art galleries and Wheelwright (economist and North Secondary Schools Sports exhibitions, both at home and anti-war activist) and Professor Association in 1999. abroad, and follows politics and Harry Edwards (federal Liberal current affairs. However, she still John’s motto is never give up, MP from 1972 to 1993). likes to make time for the simple reflected in his interest in the things – a family meal, a cup of In his final year, John married University of the Third Age tea, a sunny Yorkshire day, and Pam Coates who, in 1991, (U3A), and volunteering for Hugh, her husband of 46 years. graduated from the University the Australian Labor Party. He with a Graduate Diploma in enjoys social tennis, reading Her fondest memory of the Education and Health. history, trivia, and travelling University: the friends she made. with his wife to visit their John was principal of Randwick children in Norway and Canada. Boys’ High School from 1987 to 1990, and subsequently John would like to see “a fair principal of Barrenjoey High go” for East Timor and the School from 1991 to 1999. While posthumous promotion of First at Barrenjoey, he obtained an World War military commander MEdAdmin and a Diploma in Sir John Monash.

239 Dr Harvey Arthur Lyndsay Westbury Westley BVSc ’65 PhD (Vet Science) ’76 DVSc ’16 BSc ’61

Harvey cites several “Get rid of erroneous thoughts When Lyndsay applied to be veterinarians who have had and shyness that can inhibit a pharmacy apprentice, the a significant influence on his meaningful interactions local pharmacist refused her career. They include Steve Hunt, with humans of all types,” application because he said that who introduced him to intensive Harvey says. “Doing this will she “wouldn’t make enough poultry farming and the impact accelerate you becoming a money as a pharmacist”. She of contagious disease in farming thoughtful and mature person decided to do science instead, as systems, which set the direction able to interact positively and her father had a science degree. of his career, and Beri Sinkovic, productively throughout life.” Lyndsay translated books into who guided him during his PhD braille for the Royal Blind The University can assist this at Sydney. “I greatly admired his Society and also worked in the goal, says Harvey, by providing openness, trustworthiness, good haematology department at community leadership and humour, and his never-ending ICPMP in Lidcombe. fearless advice based on optimism: characteristics that knowledge and experience Lyndsay loves to spend time with I tried to emulate throughout of the respective fields of her family and has many hobbies, my career,” Harvey says. academic expertise. including crosswords, playing Robin Cumming, Bill Snowdon the clarinet, cross stitch craft Marriage, the rearing of and Suchinta Tangchaitrong and lots of reading. If she were two boys, and a wonderful were three more veterinarians to give advice to her 20-year-old family life have given Harvey who influenced Harvey and self, it would be to travel before great fulfilment. provided him the opportunity settling down. to enhance and expand his His fondest memory of the “I hope the University can make veterinary horizons. University: Harvey only ever sure it is an environment that is wanted to be a veterinarian Today, Harvey would like to safe to learn in and study, and and exhibited considerable see a culture that recognises where there is no religious or tenacity to do so. He has four all humans are worthy and racial prejudice,” Lyndsay says. veterinary degrees and his entitled to respect, equality of proudest moment came when Her fondest memory of the opportunity, freedom from fear graduating from the Doctor University: studying in the and exploitation, and the ability of Veterinary Science, as it Women’s Union – the top floor to achieve their full potential. “provided peer recognition had a wonderfully relaxing room and acknowledgement of my that few people used; it was career as a veterinarian”. peaceful and comfortable.

Above: Harvey at Uluru National Park

240 Dr Gregory Whelan AM Wendy Wilkinson MBBS ’62 BPharm ’65

Greg initially considered studying law but he was Wendy’s favourite part of pharmacy was her first- discouraged by his lawyer father who inspired year lectures in genetics with Challis Professor of him to pursue medicine due to his awareness of Biology Charles Birch in 1962. family ill health. Then, as now, Greg believes in She met her husband of 50 years, Frank, at the being a “self-directed, self-generating learner”. University – they were both members of the Sydney During his time at Sydney as a medical student, University Settlement volunteer students group. Greg was most influenced by John Hickie, (The Settlement was a University of Sydney and Professor of Medicine and Cardiology (page 32). community endeavour providing programs for Greg has remained involved with the Faculty children, young people and families.) The pair took of Medicine at Sydney and he applauds student memorable bushwalks with local children from the programs that assist students to be socially Settlement, also taking them for weekends to the aware, socially involved and adopt an Settlement holiday house on the beach at Thirroul, evidence-based approach. near Wollongong, south of Sydney.

His proudest career achievement was becoming The Settlement children sparked Wendy’s interest Head of Addiction Medicine at the University of in primary school teaching and this eventually Melbourne, the first of two such appointments led her to qualify in primary school teaching from within a medical faculty in Australia. the University of Western Sydney. She regards universities as places that “help produce people A proud father of three boys, Greg’s greatest with open minds towards others of different races passion is his involvement with his sons and and religions and who can strive for a greener world grandsons’ sporting activities – he is the scorer for future generations”. of the “dads and sons” cricket competition initiated by one of his sons. Other interests Wendy occupies her time with bushwalking, include reading for pleasure, bird watching tennis and golf with her husband and friends, and amateur astronomy. and entertaining their two lovely daughters, Sally and Jenny. She is also a member of Zonta (an His fondest memory of the University: three international organisation supporting women). things stand out for Greg from his time at the University: playing billiards, lunch time on the grass near the library, and being number 625 in the lecture morning roll-call because “if you weren’t in your correct seat, you were marked as absent and 90 percent attendance was a course requirement”.

241 Mack Williams Ann Wilson BA ’61 HonFellow ’96 BA ’62

Mack’s entry into international returned as ambassador years Ann came to university to affairs started at University later. “I maintained a number commence a degree in psychology. when he applied to participate in of the Philippine contacts She is grateful for the influence a travelling conference to Japan until I returned – by then of Professor Bill O’Neill, whom advertised by the Students’ two were cabinet ministers, she met in first year, and who Representative Council in the one a senior diplomat (later took it upon himself to make sure student newspaper, Honi Soit. Secretary General of ASEAN, all his first- year students had the Association of South East the foundations to succeed. Ann “I wasn’t going to apply, but Asian Nations) and a couple benefited from his diligence, and mates urged me to on the grounds were businessmen.” went on to complete an honours that I headed the Geography year in psychology. Student Association and the Mack joined the Department International Affairs Society, I of Foreign Affairs, working for At the same time, Ann began was studying Japanese history about 40 years. In that time he working for the state government and taking basic Japanese held a wide range of positions in the area of vocational guidance language classes outside around the world, assisting and, after completing her degree, of university,” Mack says. negotiations in Belgium on she remained in the civil service. Britain joining the European Ann worked within vocational The SRC selected Mack to go as Union, moving to the Indochina guidance and similar areas until half of a two-person delegation region, where he led the civil the department was closed, and the pair developed a good aid program in Vietnam, and at which time she moved into friendship through the trip. from there to Cambodia, where private practice. They were subsequently he represented US interests in Ann is enjoying this period of her requested by the international the region. life, as she finds private practice non-communist student Mack was called to Washington allows her to move at her own federation in Holland to travel via for his expertise in Indochina. pace and enjoy her work. She still Manila to “see if we could assist Based there for nine years, loves psychology, and if she were in bringing three rival national he witnessed the Watergate to do another degree she would student bodies into some form scandal of 1972 and Nixon like to pursue a PhD. of union”. losing power in 1974. Mack Her fondest memory of the “A saga ensued with us being went to Papua New Guinea to University: its intellectual hijacked at the airport by one work as High Commissioner atmosphere. “That enquiring, of the local unions and put into for two years followed by a learning, scholarly atmosphere,” a hotel under guard – ‘for your sabbatical to London where she says. “I loved being own safety’,” he says. “Manila he was taught at the London challenged, and in turn was certainly a wild place in Royal College of Defence challenging those around me.” those days.” Studies, a college focused on up-and-coming generals. This was his first practical lesson He was, by far, the youngest in the “Asian way” and proved in the room. valuable for Mack when he

242 Paul Wilson Adjunct Professor MateriaMedica(Pharmacol) ’63 Lindsay Wing MBBS ’62 DipLarynOtor ’68

Paul is proud of making the most of his pharmacy Following his time at university, Lindsay undertook degree and for the amount of time, capital and a two-year residency at Sydney’s Royal Prince enthusiasm he has put into developing four Alfred Hospital (RPA), after which he was a pharmacies, all of which he is still heavily involved demonstrator in the anatomy department for a in. Paul credits his master pharmacist, John year in order to sit for his surgical fellowship. Betros, to whom he was apprenticed, for looking “That was a good year,” Lindsay says. “You only after him following his move from Newcastle and got paid about 10 bucks a week – not a lot to live on, introducing him to Lebanese food and a little but you could concentrate on studying, learning Arabic language. physiology, pathology and anatomy.” Paul says his professional achievements pale in Returning to RPA for general and ear, nose and comparison to his marriage and four children, throat surgery, Lindsay graduated at age 30 and who are all graduates of the University. The within six months had his own head and neck looks in his 14 grandchildren’s eyes when they surgery unit, students and residents. He joined the see their ‘Poppy’, and the loving kisses his wife Federal Council of the College of Surgeons at the gives him are some of the things that make age of 40, the youngest person to do so. Paul the happiest. Lindsay has come full circle, now teaching in his If Paul were to undertake another degree it role as Associate Professor of Surgery. would be in psychology, having been curious about the many aspects of human behaviour. “All my students call me Lindsay,” he says. “In Paul believes it would give him “a practical my day, no one talked to the professors, they were insight into relating better with my many family, seen as gods. You had to come to uni in a sports friends and acquaintances”. coat, tie and clean shoes. I remember a professor of surgery who once kicked a student without a tie His fondest memory of the University: Paul’s out of the class. He wouldn’t teach someone who friends, with whom he had lunch and beers daily, didn’t have properly polished leather shoes. It was went to parties and attended balls, who made very different.” his life away from his hometown of Newcastle “more than just OK”. Lindsay’s advice to his students today is to do something you like doing and to invest 10 percent of your income. “As doctors you get paid quite well, you get a lot of money going through your hands, and the clue is to keep it,” he says.

243 Emerita Professor Diana Wood-Conroy BA ’66

Diana has combined an academic career with being an artist, having fostered and developed courses in the visual arts at the University of Wollongong, and supervised nearly 40 doctorates. “My artwork in woven tapestry is held in national and private collections,” she says.

Influenced by her lecturers in archaeology, Diana cites the disciplined scholarship of Alexander Cambitoglou, Professor of Classical Archaeology and former curator of the Nicholson Museum, together with archaeology professors Richard Green and Vincent Megaw, and Associate Diana Wood-Conroy, right, Professor Judy Birmingham as being particularly with Mary Ann Meagher significant. “Richard Green’s belief in a place for art in archaeology had a huge influence, and in 1996 he invited me to participate in a core team of people involved with excavating the ancient Paphos theatre in Cyprus,” says Diana.

Working at the Nicholson Museum between 1964 and 1966 while completing her degree in archaeology, Diana was trained by Professor Cambitoglou, a “bright young professor from Europe”, in investigating the contents of storage boxes – some of them going back to the time of Sir Charles Nicholson, the University’s second chancellor (1854–62), who founded the museum in 1860 by donating his private collection of antiquities and curiosities. “It was breathtaking to discover fragments of third-century sarcophagi,” Diana says. “I was just left to get on with it, and the analytical skills stayed with me.”

However, Diana would also have liked to have studied visual arts, combining art practice and art history. Today she is deepening her interest and agency in Aboriginality, and Greco-Roman art, archaeology and philosophy, with both feeding into her ongoing work as an artist and writer.

“Have the courage of your convictions,” says Diana. “Look at your deepest intuitions and quietly persist.”

Diana also enjoys her time with her grandchild, and maintaining rich relationships with family and close friends.

244 Janice Woodward (née Rutledge) BA ’65 DipEd ’66

During university, Dr Rouse, a history lecturer, instilled in Janice a lifelong love of history, while Dr Gabby Zipser Dr William O’Neil set her on the right path and MBBS ’61 gave her the skills to achieve a satisfying career. Working as a psychologist in the area of disability has been a highlight of Janice’s career, but so too were all the steps along the way, including teaching and counselling.

Family, school and friends were formative A specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, as influences in Janice’s life growing up in the 50s. well as general surgery, Gabby was influenced by Her greatest influence however, has been her tutor Billy Bye, who he says gave “common sense education. In 1961, as a young woman from a poor deliveries” of the subject matter. family, six years of university was an impossible dream. No one in Janice’s family had ever Winning the inter-varsity boxing championship completed school and she fought to continue when he was just 20, and awarded a University Blue her education; eventually her parents were for boxing, Gabby says his greatest achievement very proud. in life was finding his wife, who he says is “the best wife one could have”. Her greatest life accomplishments, Janice says, are her family and her friendships. “Enjoy and Residing in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, family comes benefit from every experience you are both first for Gabby, whose other hobbies include playing offered and can grasp,” she says. tennis, golf, and bridge; sailing; spending time with the dog and regularly attending the opera Her fondest memories of the University: and theatre. Gabby also credits another tutor, Max cross-discipline enthusiasm for lecturers Lake, for teaching him about fine wine, which he – if a friend had a great lecturer, such as leading enjoys in combination with fine food. geneticist and Challis Professor of Biology, Charles Birch, in zoology or Dr Rouse in history, His fondest memories of the University: “I really they would all attend. Going to Manning House enjoyed the camaraderie with my fellow students, to meet boys, demonstrations, Commemoration some of whom have remained lifelong friends, and Day, meetings on the front lawn and the gentle I greatly appreciate the freedom I had to follow pace of life. a variety of different pursuits,” Gabby says. “I was an average student more interested in fun than studying, but I appreciate and admired good tutors.”

245 246 What will tomorrow bring?

For more than 150 years, the University of leading and managing our University; celebrating of Sydney has sought to define and shape our performance and our diverse community, and strengthening policies and practices. its public role. And we continue to do so. We are proud of our new facilities, including the Following extensive collaboration, we recently Charles Perkins Centre which has a pioneering launched our 2016-20 Strategic Plan, which design intended to facilitate both multidisciplinary outlines our vision and strategies to achieve research and new models of technology-assisted this vision over the next five years. laboratory teaching. The Abercrombie Building provides extraordinary teaching facilities for the It is our aim to be the leading research-intensive Business School, and the Australian Institute for university in Australia, with outstanding Nanoscale Science and Technology has delivered researchers, networks and partnerships facilities that are recognised as among the best in that improve the lives of our local and global the world for nanoscale research. communities. To this end, we are investing in research excellence to attract and develop With more than 3400 academic staff and 70 outstanding researchers. research and teaching centres, we offer the widest range of academic programs of any Australian We are transforming our undergraduate curriculum university. We are attracting the best and brightest and transforming the learning experience for our students, both in Australia and from overseas, academics and students. We will do this by enabling with our range of entry pathways and scholarship our academics to foster excellence and innovation programs. Our variety of research grants are also in teaching, and by developing a full suite of attracting the best researchers. experiential learning within aligned physical and digital environments. We are excited about our future. At the University of Sydney we are adapting tertiary education to Our undergraduate education will equip our respond to the needs of changing world markets, students for the next generation of careers in new conditions and the variety of ways we work demand, creating graduates who are flexible, in the 21st century. With Australia’s attention on versatile, adaptable and ready to work in exciting innovation and technology, we aim to create and new roles in rapidly developing fields. These range sustain a university in which, for the benefit of from science and technology to health, music, both Australia and the wider world, the brightest medicine, engineering and agriculture. researchers and the most promising students, whatever their social or cultural background, can We aim to foster an aspirational culture that thrive and realise their full potential. Every day, enables each member of the University to our students, researchers, teachers, staff and thrive. We will do this by developing our leaders, associates work towards achieving this mission embedding our values and breaking down in all that we do. institutional barriers. We are improving the ways

247 The University of Sydney today

248 249 Index

Graduates of the 1930s John Alexander Brown ��56 Dr Owen Johnston ��89 Eleanor McSwan OAM �� 15 Marie June Brown (née Sheldon) �� 57 Dr Ronald Keir ��89 Dr Allan Stewart �� 16 Dr Malcolm Bulluss RFD ED �� 57 Alan Kennedy OAM ��90 Dr Lloyd Whitten FACVSC ��17 Sue Camden ��58 Patricia Kennedy ��90 Max Carey ��58 Robert H Kerrigan �� 91 Dr John Yok Hong Chong ��58 Robert (Bob) King �� 91 Graduates of the 1940s Beverley Anderson ��23 Emeritus Professor Graeme Clark AC ��59 Dr Donald Kinsey AM �� 91 Jean Ashton ��23 Dr Neil Conn AO ��60 Jocelyn Kirby ��92 Dr Alan Barcan AM ��24 Dr Thomas Connelley ��60 Rodney Knock ��92 Dr Peter Benson ��24 Marion Corrigan ��61 Norman Lamerton ��93 Margaret Burkitt ��25 John Costigan ��62 Dr Joyce Law ��93 Howard Carey ��25 John Crocker ��63 Trevor Lawton ��94 Neville Davies ��25 Dr Joan Croll AO (née Holiday) ��63 Peter Lazar AM ��96 Dr Marie Josephine Delaney Douglas Cullen ��64 Judy Lee �� 97 (née Crowe) ��26 Associate Professor William Dr Jean Valerie Leyendekkers Eryl Dow �� 27 Cumming AM ��64 (née Hudson) �� 97 Helen Dufty ��28 Dr Arthur Davies ��65 Professor Anthony William Linnane AM, FAA, FTSE, FRS ��98 Hilma Ellis Russell Davis ��65 (née Gladys Hilma Vaughan) ��28 Patricia Degens ��66 Margaret Lowe (née Davidson) ��98 Patricia Elliston ��29 Kenneth Dobinson ��66 Dr Noel Lucas ��99 Alwynne Fairweather ��29 Dr William Vytas Doniela �� 67 Dr William James (Jim) Mackie ��99 Leslie Free ��30 Valerie Donlon �� 67 Arch Mackinnon �� 100 Stan Gibbs ��30 Br. Francis Donohoe �� 67 Dr Peter H Makinson �� 100 Vernon Gilbert ��31 Mary Doughty AM ��68 John Mandelson �� 100 Pamela Heydon ��31 Dr Kenneth Doust OAM ��68 Dr Richard Manning ��101 Emeritus Professor John Hickie AO ��31 Dr Barrie Eggins ��68 Vasilia Margetis ��101 Helen Horton OAM ��32 Dr Robert Everson ��69 Geoffrey Andrew Markham �� 102 Joan Kelly ��32 Dr Ruth Annette Fink ��69 Barbara Ivy (Murphy) Marks �� 103 Peter Philip Kidd ��33 Dr Frank Fisher ��70 Dr Albert McKay �� 104 The Hon. Dennis Mahoney AO, QC �� 33 Janet Flint ��70 Lloyd Melhuish �� 104 Dr Eleanor Mallinson Dr George Franki ��71 Josephine Mercer �� 105 (née Richardson) ��34 Dr Lester Fuller ��71 Emeritus Professor Jacques Miller AC FRS FAA �� 105 Audrey Mathers ��34 Professor Katherine Georgouras OAM � 72 Dr Philip Minter AM �� 106 Dr Robert Munro FRCS (ED) ��36 Dr Clifford Kwan-Gett �� 72 Betty Moore �� 106 Dr Bruce Noake ��36 Professor Emerita Faith Gibson Gerry Nutter �� 37 (née Alleyne) �� 73 Ian Muir �� 108 Peter Reuben �� 37 Dr Keith Godfrey AM �� 74 John Mulford �� 108 Beryl Ricardo (née Gray) ��38 Dr Douglas Golding �� 75 Dr Edward (Frank) Munro �� 109 Dr Donald Richards ��38 Dr Veronica Goldrick (née Medak) �� 76 Alex Neil �� 109 Margaret Miller Robinson Phillip Goldwyn �� 76 Marjorie Niccol (née Rider) �� 109 (née Whitwell) ��39 Ronald Goodwin OAM �� 77 Alison Nicholls �� 110 Enid Sefton ��39 Dr Raymond Gordon �� 77 Marie Christina Nicholls �� 110 Walter John Stamm ��40 Dr Owen Graham �� 78 Dr Rita Niedra ��111 Ian Stevenson ��40 Dr James Grainger �� 78 Sir Gustav Nossal AC CBE ��111 Malcolm Stewart AM �� 41 Dr William Greenhalgh �� 79 Dr David Nott RFD �� 113 Dr Neville Webb AM ��42 Robin Gregor �� 79 Gretta O’Brien (née Sculthorp) �� 113 Emeritus Professor Neville Wills ��43 Valerie Grogan AM (née Jenkyn) ��80 Dr Kevin Bridson Orr �� 114 Dr Ivan Wilson ��43 Robyn Gupta (née Williams) �� 81 Diana-Rose Orr �� 114 Margaret Gutman OAM �� 81 Associate Professor Douglas Parbery � 114 Dr Patrick Harvey ��82 Dr Howard Peak OAM �� 115 Graduates of the 1950s Keith Pearson AO �� 115 Gladys Jessie Agius (née Camilleri) ��49 Dr Allan Healy ��82 Virginia Pearson-Smith �� 116 Helen Barker ��49 Dr John Kevan Healy FRACP ��83 Philip Peters �� 116 Dr Peter Barnard OAM ADM, JP ��50 Vince Helby ��85 William Pitty �� 117 Dr Geoffrey Barnes ��50 Dr Alan Hewson AM ��85 Johanna Platt (née Bishop) �� 117 Professor The Honourable Professor Paul Hockings ��86 Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO �� 51 Greg Hodgson ��86 Ann Poidevin �� 118 Dr David Samuel Bell ��52 Dr Jann Hunt ��86 Dr Graham Pont �� 119 Dr John Beston ��54 Colonel John Hutcheson �� 87 Frances Pulford OAM �� 120 Dr James Biggs AM ��54 Dr Ray Hyslop OAM RFD �� 87 Dr Eva Raik AM �� 120 Dr Patricia Birch ��55 Emeritus Professor Laksiri Reverend Barry Rainsford �� 121 Peter Bishop ��55 Jayasuriya AM ��88 Karam Ramrakha ��122 Dr David Bliss ��56 Mr Kenneth Johnson AM ��88 Anna Jane Ranken ��123

250 Brian Rathborne ��123 Associate Professor Robert Bauze �� 161 Dr Robert Gumbrell ��192 Harris Redhead ��124 Paul Bayliss ��162 Louis Haddad ��193 Dennis Reed ��124 Dr Alison Beard ��162 Caroline Hall (née Kimberley) ��193 Dr George Dimitri Repin AM ��125 Dr Francis Bellingham AM �� 163 Elisabeth Hawkins (née Potter) ��194 Reverend William Robertson ��126 Frances Bentley (née Fallins) �� 163 Associate Professor Roslynn Dr James Barry Roche OAM ��126 Dr Jules Black �� 164 Haynes FAHA ��194 Dr John Vincent Roche OAM ��127 Dr Frederick Blake �� 164 Jeffrey James Hickey ��195 Walter ‘Mick’ Ryan AM, FTSE ��127 Judge Brian Boulton �� 165 Helena Hicks ��195 Graeme Sanders ��128 Nigel Bowra �� 165 Joy Hicks (née Grant) ��195 Gordon Sanson ��128 Dr John Boyd ��166 Dr Paul Tyrrell Hines FANZCA ��196 Dr Donald Scott-Orr ��129 Dr David Bradford AM ��166 Associate Professor Michael Horsburgh AM ��196 Nigel (Leonard) Seton ��129 Dr Stuart Braga FACE ��167 Dr John Hosking ��197 Dr Bruce Henry Gilbert Sheldon �� 130 Trevor Brew ��167 Edward James Howe ��197 William Shelley OAM �� 131 Lindsay Brown �� 168 Gary Ireland ��197 John Barry Simpson ��132 Professor Thea Brown �� 168 Naelo Jenkins (née Trist) ��198 Sheena Simpson ��132 Dr Tony Brown ��169 Robyn Jessiman ��198 Dr John Skalla �� 133 Hugh Brownlee ��169 Arthur Johnson ��199 Joan Smith �� 133 Dr Robin Burns ��170 Philip Jones ��199 Betty Smith (née Redman) �� 134 Dr Robert Callaghan ��170 Peter Keesing ��199 Stephen Smyth ��135 David Cameron ��172 Judith Kelly ��200 Dr Ronald Speechley ��136 Penny Cameron ��172 Wayne Keys ��200 Associate Professor David Robyn Cameron ��173 Garry Kimble �� 201 Standen AM ��136 Brian Carlin ��173 Harry Lamb �� 201 Dr Edwin Sullivan ��137 Gilbert Case ��175 Dr Geoffrey Lane ��202 Leslie Sullivan ��137 Associate Professor David Champion 175 Dr Paul Lendvay ��202 Professor Francis Graham Swain AM �� 138 Rosemary Christmas ��176 Dr William Lew ��203 Dr Margaret Tebbutt ��139 Emeritus Professor John Chudleigh ��176 Dr Jim Loke ��203 Byron Theodore �� 140 George Clark �� 177 Professor Ray Lowenthal AO ��204 (Thelma) Madge Thornton �� 140 Raymond Clayton �� 177 Dr Clive Lucas OBE ��204 Reverend Father Brian James Professor Neville Clouten ��178 Hume Tierney �� 141 Dr Jan Lyall ��205 Julie Cole (née Johnsen) ��178 Dr Charles Toh �� 141 Hugh Mackay AO ��205 Dr David Collinson ��179 Geoffrey Travis ��142 The Hon. Judge Barry Mahoney QC ��206 Eunice Condon ��179 Richard Turner ��142 Dr Kevin Marks ��206 Dr Christopher Cooper ��179 John Valder CBE ��142 Dr Roy Mason �� 207 Margaret Cooper (née White) �� 180 Professor Paul Vincent �� 143 Dr John Matthews Barry Craig �� 180 Judith Wallace �� 143 FRCOG, FRANZCOG ��208 Dr Mervyn Cross OAM �� 181 Jenny Wanless OAM �� 144 Peter McGinley ��208 Dr Beverley Ann Czerwonka-Ledez Diana McIntosh ��209 Emeritus Professor Geoffrey (née Bird) �� 181 (Peter) Webber �� 144 William McKenna�� 209 Nancy Darby ��182 Joan Westerholm �� 145 Dr Neroli Merridew �� 210 Leslie Denham ��182 Dr Marguerite Weston �� 145 Dr William (Bill) Molloy RFD ED KLT �� 210 Joan Dillon �� 183 Dr Judy White (nee Crossing) AM �� 146 Dr Carolyn Morris �� 211 Carl Doring �� 183 Joan Wilcox ��147 Dr Francis (Frank) Murphy ��212 Dr Michael Dowsett AM, FRACDS �� 184 Oscar Allen Wilson ��147 Penelope Nelson ��212 Peter Durham �� 184 Patrick John Wilson �� 148 Dr Romney Newman OAM ��213 Gay Emmerson (née Thomas) �� 185 Professor George Wing AM �� 148 Jan Noakes (née Prothero) ��213 The Hon. Justice Arthur Emmett �� 185 Audrey Woodland �� 150 Frances Orr ��215 Major Harry Engel �� 186 Dr Thomas Woolard OAM �� 150 Professor John Overton AM ��215 Dr Graeme Evans �� 186 Dr James Edwin (Jim) Wright AM �� 151 Associate Professor Lawrence Peak ��216 Dr Neville Exon ��187 Timothy (Tim) Peken OAM ��216 Mary Anne Fishbourne (née Meagher) �187 Selga Pesudovs ��217 Graduates of the 1960s Keith Furniss �� 188 Dr Haralds Petersons ��217 Professor Murray Aitkin ��157 Dr David Gibb �� 188 Dr Arpad Phillip �� 218 Dr Nicholas Anastas ��157 Phillip Gibbs �� 189 Denise Playoust �� 218 David Anderson �� 158 Merri Gill �� 189 Dr John Pomeroy ��220 Alexis Antonia (née McKenzie) �� 158 Patrick Goddard �� 190 Judy Potter ��220 Jan Aveyard ��159 Dr Barry Gow �� 190 Anne Powles ��221 Peter Barclay ��159 Dr Julienne Grace (née Grey) �� 191 Michael Preston ��221 Barbara Barraclough AM �� 160 Dr Alexander Grady �� 191 Alan Priestley ��222 Professor Roger Bartrop �� 160 The Hon. Peter Graham QC ��192 Dr Lyndel Prott ��222 Dr Fernando Basili �� 161 Richard Gulley AM RFD ��192 Professor Sandra Rees ��223

251 Index Glossary

Ingrid Reynolds �� 223 ACCAM Australian Certificate of Civil Aviation Medicine Emeritus Professor Alan Rice AM �� 224 AM � Member of the Order of Australia Vickii Anne Riette �� 224 AO � Officer of the Order of Australia Dr John Roberts FRCPA, MIAC, FRACS, MRACMA, ACCAM (Aviation), CBE Commander of the Most Excellent Order MASAM (Aviation) �� 225 of the British Empire Peter Roland �� 225 CEO chief executive officer Marguerite Romer �� 226 Challis Professor The first seven Challis professorships were established Dr Jim Ryan �� 226 by a bequest from John Henry Challis (1806-80). To this day, the University recruits Challis professors to academic Dr John Saalfeld ��227 chair positions to conduct advanced research into the Dr Samuel Sakker MBE, FRACS, FRCS ��227 world’s most critical issues. Each chair is funded by Dr (James) Ralph Salisbury �� 228 donor gifts to the University’s Challis Bequest Society. Professor Emerita Margaret Commem Day From the 1880s, Commemoration Day featured the annual Sankey Sutcliffe �� 228 conferring of degrees ceremony and became a notable academic and social event involving a procession with Emeritus Professor (ANU) Ben floats through the city. In the 1920s it was renamed the Selinger AM �� 229 Students’ Festival (or ‘Commem’). Known for the students’ William George ‘Haggis’ Shackleton �� 229 irreverent, playful humour, it often attracted media Professor Donald Mervyn Sheldon�� 230 attention. The last procession was held in 1975. (see photo, page 62) Dr Rampal Singh �� 230 FACC Fellow of the American College of Cardiology Kevin Skelsey �� 231 David John Smyth �� 231 FACE Fellow of the Australian College of Educators Alma Stearn �� 232 FACOG Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians Eric Stockdale �� 232 and Gynecologists Dr Gerald Stone �� 232 FACVSc Fellow of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists Ann Sutherland �� 233 FAHA Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities Henri Szeps OAM �� 233 FANZCA Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College Dr Alexander Tahmindjis �� 234 of Anaesthetists Nigel Tanner �� 234 FRACDS Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Frances Taylor �� 235 Dental Surgeons Hon. Judge Kenneth Victor Taylor FRACP Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians AM, AM(Mil), RFD �� 235 FRACS Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Robin Tobler (née Card) �� 236 Ford Topham �� 236 FRCOG Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Victor Vadiveloo ��237 Suzanne Vaughan ��237 FRCPA Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Dr Peter Wakeford OAM �� 238 FRCS Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons Professor John Walker-Smith �� 238 MRACMA Member, Royal Australian College of John Ward �� 239 Medical Administrators Amber Marie Wellesley-Smith �� 239 OAM Medal of the Order of Australia Dr Harvey Arthur Westbury �� 240 OBE Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire Lyndsay Westley �� 240 Probus a club for retired or semi-retired business and Dr Gregory Whelan AM �� 241 professional people Wendy Wilkinson �� 241 RAAF Royal Australian Air Force Mack Williams �� 242 RAAMC Royal Australian Army Medical Corps Ann Wilson �� 242 Paul Wilson �� 243 RACP Royal Australasian College of Physicians Adjunct Professor Lindsay Wing �� 243 RACGP Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Emerita Professor Diana RANZCOG Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians Wood-Conroy �� 244 and Gynaecologists Janice Woodward (née Rutledge) �� 245 RCOG Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Dr Gabby Zipser �� 245 RFD Reserve Force Decoration Rotary an international network of professional, community and business leaders who collaborate to make a positive difference. SUMS Sydney University Musical Society Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) is a globally recognised University Blue an honour awarded to a sportsperson who represents the certification overseeing all University of Sydney at the highest level of competition fibre sourcing standards. This provides guarantees for U3A University of the Third Age: a movement that encourages the consumer that products retired and semi-retired people to take up studies for the are made of woodchips from pleasure of learning something new well‑managed forests and other controlled sources with strict environmental, economical and social standards.

252

Stories from graduates of the 1930s to the 1960s