Graduates relive golden memories

Fifty years ago, a group of new University of Adelaide graduates left Bonython Hall with their fresh qualifications and the opportunity to make an impact on the world around them.

In October, about 100 people from this group returned for the University's Golden Jubilee celebrations with a lifetime of experiences and the opportunity to catch up with old friends and share memories of their student days.

Held annually, the Golden Jubilee reunion celebrates the 50th anniversary of the relevant year's graduation and features a commemoration ceremony in Bonython Hall, followed by a lunch - not to mention much reminiscing, story-telling and laughter.

Graduates from as far away as the United States and Kenya, as well as across Australia, made the special effort to attend.

Emeritus Professor Deane Terrell AO, who graduated with an Honours degree in Economics and was also the University's Rhodes Scholar in 1959, gave the Golden Jubilee address. After graduating, Professor Terrell went on to have a distinguished academic career, including being Vice-Chancellor at the Australian National University in Canberra.

"Today is a wonderful opportunity... to meet with fellow graduates of 1959 and to recall the academic, social and sporting adventures and interactions that were such a rewarding part of those times," Professor Terrell said in his address.

Vice-Chancellor Professor James McWha commended the Golden Jubilee graduates for the distinction and service they had brought to the University and the community over the last 50 years.

"This event also reaffirms that the reputations of universities are largely built on the quality of the graduates they produce - not only at the time of their graduation, but what they go on to achieve, and how they use their education to better the lives of others," Professor McWha said.

STORY BEN OSBORNE