Deputy Vice-Chancellor's message

For all of our 149 year-history, philanthropy has played an invaluable role in supporting the core needs of our students and researchers, enabling them to make ground-breaking contributions.

Last Monday, we were thrilled to announce that philanthropist Pamela Wall has donated $5 million to establish the Ian and Pamela Wall Chair in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

As well as making a significant contribution to our future research and education offerings, the Wall Chair will strengthen our reputation as a globally recognised leader in electrical and electronic engineering.

This extraordinarily generous gift kickstarts the University’s 150th Anniversary fundraising campaign, which will continue with our first ever Giving Day on 31 October. During this 24-hour fundraising challenge, we will raise awareness of the positive benefits of philanthropy and encourage members of our community to make a gift to the cause they are most passionate about at the University.

The University’s Alumni Council supports a dynamic alumni program, for the mutual benefit of alumni and the University. I want to acknowledge the enormous contribution of outgoing Chair of the Alumni Council, Louisa Rose, who concluded her term last week after eight years.

I am pleased to announce that the incoming Chair is Ms Robyn Mudie, a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Australian Ambassador to Vietnam from 2019 to 2022. Robyn became interested in foreign policy and world affairs while studying at the University of Adelaide and I look forward to working with Robyn and the Council during this important phase for alumni relations and philanthropy for our University.

Dr Jessica Gallagher
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (External Engagement)