Message from the Vice-Chancellor

One of my most gratifying duties as Vice-Chancellor is to participate in graduation ceremonies, both in Australia and offshore. As new graduates step up to receive their parchments, it is gratifying to remember that a good many of them will go on to receive international recognition in their respective fields.

The alumni featured in this Winter issue of Lumen are no exception. Each has made his or her mark in their profession and, in many instances, irrevocably changed the lives of others-for the better.

This month's cover story is a case in point. The cardiovascular researchers profiled are all world-renowned in their field. Their research is literally saving thousands of lives and adding to the international bank of knowledge on heart disease.

Likewise, the work of PhD student Darren Plett and his colleagues at the Waite campus in Adelaide is providing solutions to one of the world's most pressing problems-soil salinity.

The University's commitment to excellence continues to produce graduates who are outstanding ambassadors for their alma mater. Rhodes Scholar Ben Allgrove and Fulbright Scholar Bradley Ferguson already have a track record of impressive achievements in their respective fields-law and engineering-and neither has reached his 30th birthday. Their best is yet to come.

An increasing number of our graduates enjoy a high profile in South East Asia, reflecting both the career opportunities in that part of the world, and the makeup of our student profile-which is 25% international.

Recently Lumen caught up with Anita Donaldson in Hong Kong and Lim Soo Hoon in Singapore. The former is relishing the challenge of her new role at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and the latter is earning the respect of women across Asia for her political nous.

All our alumni's achievements are grounded in the quality of education they receive at the University of Adelaide. To show your appreciation for the gift of education, please consider making a donation to the University. Details are on page 23.

I hope you enjoy your Winter issue.

PROFESSOR JAMES A. McWHA
Vice-Chancellor and President