Farewell to Lumen

Lumen has been a wonderful workhorse for the University of Adelaide for more than half a century. 

Over those decades, it has changed its form many times and even taken a rest from time to time. 

It began in October of 1972 as a simple internal newsletter, hand-Roneod and distributed in small numbers to offices on campus. Those of you old enough will remember well the smell those pages would have carried with them! 

It was created, in part, to establish better communications in advance of the 100th anniversary of the University in 1974. It was “The University of Adelaide Newsletter”. Last year it helped us celebrate our 150th. 

Then, as now, the University was growing up, and changing, and, as the Editor of the day, Mr Ian Leggoe, stated in the first issue: “Accompanying this growth in numbers has been increasing diversification and specialisation in the many areas of study throughout the University. 

“Gone is the day when everyone knew each other, and interesting activities were known to those outside the department involved. 

“This breakdown in communication within the University is reflected in the general public’s lack of knowledge of the positive activities of the University. The result is that the more newsworthy – though frequently less worthy – activities are the main factors on which the public builds its opinion of the University.” 

Our University is now changing again. It has been a constant evolution during our 151 years, driven by changing technologies, knowledge and societal needs. 

Lumen took its name from the words on the crest of the University of Adelaide – Sub Cruce Lumen. Now it will take its place in our shared history as Adelaide University moves us forward to our future. 

In recent years, Lumen has been very popular with our 100,000+ readers as we increased our focus on telling the stories of our University to our many communities in more accessible and interesting ways. We have appreciated the feedback received, and the many kind letters and emails. 

That story-telling spirit of Lumen will certainly live on in our future. Adelaide University will have even greater scope to tell our stories in new ways as we develop and advance. 

We look forward to this opportunity to bring our University, and the amazing life-changing teaching and research we do, to life for alumni, staff, students and our other communities.

Thank you, Lumen. 

Mark Douglas is Editor of Lumen.