nota bene

Spring Back ’38-08

cool and occasionally showery day did For early birds there was a pancake breakfast not dampen spirits or enthusiasm for the before visitors fanned out in all directions. As annual alumni reunion Spring Back to well as catching up, popular events included the Above left: A faculty and building tours, heritage tours and Daphne Buckley Sydney, which this year called graduates from of Queensland and the “8” years – 1938 to 2008. especially the cultural program. Thomas Sheahan They came from all over Australia and town The Nicholson Museum was busy with of Victoria,both BSc and country NSW to meet or rediscover friends visitors and for curator Michael Turner’s talk on ‘38; and above right: the Portland Vase; the Macleay Museum was class of the future and colleagues and to take part in the wide with friends variety of activities around the campus. the destination of choice for younger visitors including those fresh off the jumping castle, with painted faces and minds full of the Great Physics Air Show. Hugh Mackay’s (BA ’62) Sydney Ideas lecture was standing room only for the topic “Arts Participation: Key to a Healthier City”; while the current exhibition at the university gallery surprised visitors with the foresight of purchases of early works by then unknowns such as Emily Kngwarreye, Shaun Gladwell, Bill Henson and Michael Riley. Sausages were sizzling at a number of locations and a barbecue on the front lawn sustained the audience for the Sydney ConArtists, led by Chair of Jazz Studies, Craig Scott. Music was also provided by the Graduate Choir whose 30-minute medley in the Great Hall was a highlight. And the Taste of Italy festival of pasta and gelato tempted strollers on the front lawn. The Comedy Debate was again a great success with alumni and current students moderated by Kerry Chikarovski (BEc ’77 LLB ’79) in a witty stoush on the topic “Can you really have friends without a Facebook page?” A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY Vice-Chancellor Dr Michael Spence hosted LATIN AMERICA a morning tea for the graduates of ’38-’58 and Latin America specialist, BFirst Travel, offers an outstanding and refreshing choice of tours and stopovers recalled famous events in 1968 including the in Latin America - from Central America to the breathtaking wonders of Patagonia, from the amazing wildlife of the Pantanal to fascinating Antarctica. BFirst Travel tours are designed with a more personal assault on the VC’s offi ce. “The barricade is still approach allowing you to explore and discover this amazing continent. there in case I ever need to use it again,” he told Whether you prefer to take part in an organised trip, or let us design your personal itinerary, BFirst Travel will provide you with a trip of a lifetime! guests. The jacaranda in the Quadrangle had hung BFirst Travel (ABN 13110975936) Phone: 1300 763 338 on to its canopy of purple and it provided a WWW.BFIRSTTRAVEL.COM much-loved backdrop to many souvenir photos NSW Travel Agents Licence 2TA5659 and a happy day.

8 SAM Summer 09 Indonesian visions By Adrian Vickers*

his year’s celebration of enrolments, have put Indonesian 50 years of Indonesian Studies in a healthy position. T Studies at the The Department has some University of Sydney was capped illustrious alumni: the late off in August with an alumni Glenda Adams, one of Australia’s reception held to coincide with leading novelists; Les Murray, Prime Minister Kevin Indonesian Independence Australia’s foremost poet; Rudd with President of the USU Fabian Day. More than 160 people Angelo Gavrielatos, President PM praises Society, Simon attended, with entertainment of the National Education Theobald provided by a musical Union; Professor Toru Aoyama, ensemble from the Indonesian Tokyo University of Foreign Whitlam community and a Central Studies; Prof Michael Laffan Javanese dance performance of Princeton; academics from by current student Tabitha most of Australia’s universities Williams. Dr Doug Miles, (such as Prof Harry Aveling, formerly of the Anthropology Prof Barbara Hatley, Dr Department of the University Angus MacIntyre, Associate of Sydney, represented the Prof Richard Chauvel and Dr rime Minister Kevin Rudd be our ambition for ourselves. original class of 1958. George Quinn); Terry Rolfe visited the University on There is no alternative for the It was gratifying to see the from the UN; Dr Helen Jarvis September 11, 2008 as the 21st century when knowledge- strong expressions of support at P who is now a state secretary in guest of the Fabian Society and intensive industries will all levels. The Vice-Chancellor Cambodia; federal civil servants the University of Sydney Union determine the wealth of nations. Dr Michael Spence, Deputy in Immigration, Education, (USU). The occasion was the “It is not in my view a Vice-Chancellor International, Defence, Foreign Affairs and annual Gough Whitlam dinner, coincidence that, two centuries Prof John Hearn, and Prof Jeff other areas; political advisors; held in the Refectory of the USU. ago, the author of the original Riegel, Head of the School missionaries; journalists in The Prime Minister’s address Wealth of Nations, Adam Smith, of Languages and Cultures, SBS, the Sydney Morning to the mainly student gathering deemed education should always spoke of the University’s Herald and elsewhere; and be a public good. To achieve an continuing support; and the was, appropriately, a rather importantly, teachers who have personal history lesson featuring education revolution requires Indonesian Consul General, Pak in turn had a major impact a revolution in how much we Sudaryomo, gave a very warm the life and times of University of the lives of successive alumnus E. G. Whitlam, AC invest as well as how we invest and heartfelt appreciation of generations of Australians. it. It requires a revolution in our our links. Most impressively, QC. In ranging across the former PM Kevin Rudd recently said prime minister’s career amid quantitative investments. And our alumni described how in Singapore: “I am committed in our qualitative investment. the study of Indonesia had many of the most tumultuous to making Australia the most social and political events of the An emphasis on the resources changed their lives, and Asia-literate country in the we put in to education as well expressed the importance of 20th century in Australia, the collective West. My vision is for Prime Minister observed of a as an emphasis on what comes maintaining the Department. the next generation of Australian famous Whitlam reform: out in the form of educational Indonesian has had its ups- businessmen and women, outcomes for our young people. “… Education is the engine and-downs — at its height in economists, accountants, From early childhood education. room of equity. Education is the the mid-1960s there were more lawyers, architects, artists, Through schools. Through engine room of the economy. than 500 students studying fi lmmakers and performers to vocational education and Therefore to invest in education the language, but less than develop language skills which training. Through universities. is to invest in our future – as fi ve years ago the program open their region to them.” Through research. Through individuals and as a nation. was threatened with closure. Happily, the University innovation. Through investing in “The galvanising vision of Fortunately the new curriculum of Sydney had the vision 50 the knowledge-based industries the government is to become initiated by Dr Michele Ford, years ago. of the future …” along with signifi cant grant the best educated, best trained, achievements, good honours *Professor Adrian Vickers (BA ’80 best skilled workforce in Listen to a podcast or read a and postgraduate numbers PhD ’87) is Professor of Southeast the world. This must be our transcript of the Prime Minister’s and steady undergraduate Asian Studies at the University. ambition for the nation. It must speech at www.usu.usyd.edu.au. SAM Summer 09 9 nb

Con scores at the Arias

he Sydney Conservatorium and love of their instruments ... and international institutions and two host of Music again featured an inspiration to the many young conservatoriums to take part. T prominently at the 2008 music students who aspire to follow in ARIA Music Awards with Neal Peres their footsteps.” Perfect Presets da Costa (BMus ’87) and Daniel Peres da Costa, who held academic Further recognition for the Yeadon winning the award for Best posts at the Royal Academy of Conservatorium came at the ARIAS Classical Album of 2008. Music, Trinity College in London when alumni Julian Hamilton The pair worked with and the University of Leeds before (BMusEd ’99) and Kim Moyes (BMus Conservatorium alumnus and joining the Con, has recorded 13 ’99) – better known as the Presets – Australian Chamber Orchestra leader internationally acclaimed CDs and won three Aria Awards. Richard Tognetti to produce the is regarded as one of the world’s best The pair began making music album, Bach Sonatas for Violin and harpsichord players. together after they met by chance Keyboard. Yeadon (a part time cello while studying classical soundscapes Dr Peres da Costa, who is Chair of lecturer at the Conservatorium) and jazz respectively at the Con in Early Music and also plays with the is a graduate in physics at Oxford 1995. They won Best Group for 2008, Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, University, a graduate of the Royal Best Dance Release and Album of the said that he was “over the moon.” College of Music, and a former Year for their album Apocalypso. “For Danny and myself to have member of the Florilegium chamber They had already picked up three played with Richard on this album music ensemble. He is considered wins in the Artisan Awards, including was a fabulous treat ... to win an ARIA Australia’s fi nest baroque cellist. Producer of the Year and Best Video. is an absolute bonus.” Peres da Costa and Yeadon Hamilton told the ARIA awards The Dean and Principal of Sydney were also part of a team of faculty audience in Sydney: “We’re stunned. Conservatorium of Music, Professor and students from the Con which Six years ago Kim and I started Kim Walker, paid tribute to the trio played in Musicathlon, the pre- making this weird music just because Neal Peres da Costa for a “collaboration made in heaven. Olympic Games cultural festival it was fun. We’re so thrilled you guys and Daniel Yeadon It is a credit to their craft, diligence in Beijing in July 2008, one of nine seem to love it too.” in concert SAM Summer 09 11 Celebrations: Ag Science ’58 Mat Med ’58 By Tom Biegler

n reading out the list of system and this was extended to n September 4 this year, impressive achievements. Of apologies received from four years in 1997. The 1958 Mat members of the group of the 30, no fewer than 17 earned I’58 alumni absent from the Med-ers trained as apprentices, Oyoung men and women a PhD and all had successful Materia Medica (Pharmacy) 50 earning £3/3/9d a week in their who embarked on their four-year careers in research, academia, Year Reunion, Laurice Jones fi rst year (approximately $125 Agricultural Science degree teaching, business, industry and (nee Evans) noted that one per week measured against course at Sydney University in farming. Their contributions alumnus was unable to attend equivalent retail price index). 1954, gathered in Melbourne cover a wide range of fi elds, “because of failing eyesight.” Professor Iqbal paid tribute to to celebrate the Jubilee of refl ecting the diversity of From the back of the room those pharmacy alumni who their 1958 graduation. Of the subjects then taught under the came the comment, “I hope have since donated to the 30 graduates that year, 27 have umbrella of Agricultural Science. he’s not still dispensing!” Pharmacy Faculty in gratitude survived, all were successfully The Class of ’58 produced The joke and warm laughter for the gifts of learning and the contacted with invitations, and a Vice-Chancellor, four other were typical of the event: a skills they acquired as students. 19 made it to the reunion. senior academics who reached joyous celebration for attendees Dr Michael Spence, Vice- Five of the class of the ranks of Professor or and organisers alike. On a Chancellor and Principal, visited ’58, long-time Melbourne Dean, and many research sunny spring day in November, the gathering and spoke of the residents, organised the event scientists, two of whom became 55 alumni of 1958 and their role of the University of Sydney at Melbourne University’s CSIRO Divisional Chiefs. It guests were invited to join the in producing academics and Graduate House. Their fellow also produced one priest. Dean of Pharmacy, Professor leaders in their fi elds and of his graduates travelled from as They were and are an pleasure in becoming the Vice Iqbal Ramzan, in the Pharmacy far afi eld as Perth, with most exceptional group, even when Chancellor of the University of Common Room for drinks and coming from NSW, Queensland considered in the light of the Sydney, with its long standing canapes. A tour of the new and the ACT. The enthusiasm stringent selection processes commitment to excellence. Pharmacy Building followed, and of the response was matched by and relatively small proportion The director of Alumni then all alumni were rounded up the enjoyment of the occasion. of young people entering higher Relations, Tracey Beck, joined for a group photograph before The group’s CVs detail some education in that distant era. the celebratory lunch and spoke lunch in the Holme Building. of the critical importance of Sue Brown (nee Tingle) all alumni to the University, began planning the event in encouraging those present February 2008 and enlisted to join in the many activities the research assistance of organised for them and to be Laurice Jones whose forensic part of the University family. and investigative skills and Mat Med-ers travelled from persistence proved to be as far away as England, Darwin, crucial to the turn out. Victoria and Queensland to Professor Ramzan spoke be at the reunion and laughter of the history of the Pharmacy and a few tears made for a Course as taught at Sydney very special occasion. It was University since 1899 to observed that there have been students who were apprenticed many changes in the past 50 for three or four years to a Master years: in pharmacy and in Pharmacist and allowed to attend fi nances. But for all present the University lectures. In 1960 changes did not really matter. a full time three-year course The friendships forged 50 replaced the apprenticeship years ago made the day rich. 12 SAM Summer 09 nb engraved Doctoral Sword Queen’s Counsel appointees, symbolising truth, right and at age 36. More recently he goodness. The ceremony was has been a judicial member of followed by a procession to, and the Administrative Decisions service in, Helsinki Cathedral Tribunal, sitting on disciplinary and a splendid Conferment matters in the Legal Services Dinner in the evening. The Division. third day, a boat trip with a NSW Attorney General brass band playing on deck John Hatzistergos congratulated took them around the lovely Justice Macfarlan on his Helsinki harbour to an island appointment, saying, “Mr for lunch at a Victorian villa, Macfarlan has practised across the only event in casual dress. all jurisdictions in NSW The celebrations concluded during his 31 years at the Bar. I with a grand Conferment Ball congratulate Mr Macfarlan on that fi nished with an informal his appointment and wish him midnight champagne-fuelled well for the next chapter of his academic procession through the already stellar career.” city park, with the new doctors Justice Macfarlan graduated toasting the many statues of with fi rst class honours in law in Finn doctors Helsinki to fi nally welcome the 1974. He joins another alumnus, sunrise lighting the golden dome The Hon Justice James Allsop By Peter Lord of the cathedral at 4.17am in the (BA ’74, LLB ’80), who was morning. appointed as President of the Professors Twink Allen (left) and Peter Lord The award of Honorary Court of Appeal earlier this year. Doctorate status simultaneously They are two of many to three Sydney Veterinary Sydney alumni to hold t the University of from 1997 to 2008, sadly died School graduates refl ected the Helsinki in May this year, in February,2008 so received prominent positions within academic excellence of that the Australian legal system. Aa striking coincidence his Honorary Doctorate institution and the enthusiasm They include the Hon James occurred when no fewer than posthumously. In addition, and dedication of its teachers. three of the 10 senior veterinary three of the newly promoted Spigelman, AC (BA ’67, LLB academics, who were awarded Finnish doctors had received ’71, LLD ’04) Chief Justice Honorary Doctorates by the Master of Veterinary Science of NSW. The Hon Justice Faculty of Veterinary Science at degrees from Sydney University Virginia Bell, SC (LLB ’77) has this fi rst Conferment Ceremony before continuing their research been on the Supreme Court as a Faculty within Helsinki in reproductive physiology Legal of NSW bench since 1999, University, were former at Helsinki University. They having previously served both graduates of the University of were Juha Virolainen, MVetSc as a public defender and in Sydney Faculty of Veterinary from Sydney in 2004, PhD private practice; the Hon Justice eagles Terence Buddin, SC (BA ’69 Science. Professor W.R. from Helsinki in 2005, Olli (Twink) Allen, who retired in Peltoniemi, promoted as Doctor LLB ’72) was appointed in 2005, December 2007 from the Jim Ultimus in the conferment, while the Hon Justice Peter Joel Professorship of Equine MVetSc from Sydney in 1995, By Oscar Ware McClellan QC (BA ’71 LLB ’74) has been a Supreme Court judge Reproduction at Cambridge PhD from Helsinki in 1999, and ydney University alumnus since late 2005. University and Directorship of Anssi Tast, MVetSc from Sydney Robert Macfarlan QC Three Sydney alumni were the Thoroughbred Breeders in 2001, PhD from Helsinki in (BA ’71, LLB ’74) has S also appointed as judges to the Association Equine Fertility 2002. All three were supervised been appointed to the bench Unit, and Professor Peter Lord, by Drs Gareth Evans and Federal Court of Australia in of the Supreme Court of NSW Professor of Clinical Radiology Robert Love of the Faculty of June 2008. The Hon Justice and the Court of Appeal. His at the Swedish University Veterinary Science. Jayne Jagot (LLB ’91), has appointment took effect on of Agricultural Sciences in The Conferment celebrations practiced law since 1991 and has Uppsala, Sweden, graduated in Helsinki, which ran over September 8, 2008. since been a judge of the Land from Sydney Veterinary School three full days, included a Justice Macfarlan represented and Environment Court of New in January, 1965. Professor ‘Sword Whetting’ dinner the the Australian Securities and South Wales, as well serving as Peter Waller, who graduated night before the Conferment Investments Commission during an acting judge of the Equity MVSc from Sydney Veterinary Ceremony in the historic court proceedings against failed Division in the Supreme Court School in 1971 and who was Senate House of the University. telecommunications company of New South Wales. Her fellow the Senior Veterinary Research The Honorary Doctors each One.Tel in 2003. He also served appointees are Lindsay Foster Offi cer in the Department of received a splendid Doctoral on the Council of the NSW Bar (BA ’73, LLB ’76) and the Hon Parasitology of the Swedish Hat symbolising academic Association, and, in 1986, he Justice Nye Perram (BA ’90, National Veterinary Institute freedom and a beautiful became one of the youngest LLB ’92). SAM Summer 09 13 Got nb what IT takes?

he Basser Department of Computer Science (now Tthe School of IT) at the University of Sydney was established in 1958, the fi rst computer science Keeping past present department at an Australian university. Over the past 40 years, By Libby Jones the School has helped advance information technology in Australia through research and education, with more than 4000 students graduating from faculties across the University he University of Sydney the University Medal in History in having studied IT. has a fi ne reputation for ’04) and 1st class Honours in Law In 2008, the University of Sydney Tits strength in languages. (’06). He now works in a busy city IT Alumni Association (USITAA) was Whether it’s a classical language legal fi rm. For Hilbert, the weekly formed. Mark Webb, the President (Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Sanskrit and reading group he leads in Medieval of USITAA is hoping to boost the Chinese), medieval (Middle English Latin is an enjoyable way of visiting a number of IT graduates in touch or Old French), or a modern language, much-loved scholarly world and a way with the School and strengthen the there are courses, scholars and to introduce others to authors such association. interested students to be found at the as Geoffrey of Monmouth, Roger “IT has such a broad appeal, you University. Bacon, Gregory of Tours and Isador can major in IT across many degrees, Add to the mix the growing of Seville. so we are trying to remind alumni Sydney University habit of language that they are connected to the School, reading groups, which warmly as well as their Faculty and the welcome interested parties, from Interested? University,” he said. those with a PhD in the area to those Make contact: Identifying yourself as an IT with a beginner’s curiosity. graduate is not as easy as it sounds: The reading texts vary from “Until 1998 there were no specifi c IT well-known to those less often read. MEDIEVAL LATIN: 7pm Thursdays, degrees – you just did a Bachelor of In Old English, for instance, readers Woolley Building, room N305. Science or Bachelor of Engineering. have enjoyed the famous poems The Contact Hilbert Chiu at I want to make it easier for graduates Wanderer and The Seafarer, and in [email protected] like myself who majored in computer Middle English, Piers Plowman and LATIN CHARTERS: usually Mondays, science to fl ag it with the University.” the works of Chaucer. There is time, Woolley Building, room N306. Associate Professor Judy Kay, too, to explore the lives of the saints Basser alumna and the School’s in Old English or Scottish medieval Contact Jenny Green on 0432 153 890 Alumni Coordinator says, “IT texts. OLD ENGLISH: 1pm Thursdays, graduates go everywhere, and this Reading groups are very much Holme Courtyard. Contact Melanie diversity will be an asset to our an expression of the tradition of Heyworth at [email protected] association.” a community of scholars, where IT graduates who would like to graduates, undergraduates, staff MIDDLE ENGLISH: 1pm Wednesdays, check their status with the University and former staff meet to share their Holme Courtyard. may register their details at enthusiasm and knowledge, as well Contact Kathy Watson at www.it.usyd.edu.au/alumni or email as coffee or wine and cheese, in a [email protected] friendly atmosphere. [email protected]. The School OLD NORSE: 7pm Tuesdays, location will check your details on the alumni For some graduates, too, it is a varies. Contact Hannah Burrows at database and fl ag you as an IT way of keeping their wider academic [email protected] graduate. interests alive. Hilbert Chiu, for example, who loved Latin and Greek OLD FRENCH: being formed; for Old Norse group at Sydney Boys’ High School and expressions of interest, contact Interested? Make Contact: meet over mod Oz Mark Webb, BSc (’94), BEng (’96) wine and cheese university, graduated with 1st class Stephanie Downes at stephanie. Email: [email protected] (above) Honours in Arts (he was awarded [email protected]

SAM Summer 09 15