Vice-Chancellor's message

This week the University will host seven graduation ceremonies in Bonython Hall, and more than 1,500 new graduates will join our alumni family. Graduation ceremonies recognise our students’ hard work and talent, as well as the unique contributions to their learning by our academic and professional staff.

The ceremonies provide a great reason for celebrating the culmination of what is often years of learning and discovery. Each of our graduates is now empowered to use their knowledge and experiences from the University of Adelaide to contribute to the community, and make a valuable difference to their lives, and the lives of those around them. They will join our 164,000-strong alumni family who are our ambassadors of impact in Australia and indeed all over the globe, and have been pioneers and leaders in many fields.

During their time at the University, our new graduates benefitted from the talent, care and support of many academic and professional staff. On behalf of the University, I extend my sincere thanks for your contributions. Each of us has a role to play to ensure that the University’s values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery form the bedrock of our culture, and that our students leave here with the capacity to make a difference in their communities, wherever they may be.

At this week’s graduations, we will also award Honorary Doctorates to Mr Simon Hackett, Ms Louisa Rose, and The Honourable John Basten KC, each of whom is an alum of our fine institution and have made considerable contributions to their professions in technology, oenology, and justice respectively.

I look forward to what we can continue to achieve, together.

Professor Peter Høj AC
Vice-Chancellor and President