Chancellor's message

Much of our enduring value as an institution resides in the strength of our community with its culture of respect for all. Indeed, we attract and retain remarkable staff and students at this university because they know that they are welcome and respected here. It is within such a cohesive community that most people find they can do their best work.

This is a treasured legacy we will carry forward, together, in the University’s evolution.

Our culture of respect was evident during this week's second annual Kaurna Day when many of us came together to celebrate Kaurna people and their enduring culture. I am so pleased that this year activities were held not only on our North Terrace, Waite and Roseworthy campuses, but also at UniSA's City West campus. This bodes well for the future of Kaurna Day, in some form, on Adelaide University’s annual calendar of events.

In another show of respect for all, this Friday 7 March, from 10am, the University will host a ceremony to unveil the first statue on any of our campuses commemorating a woman — a statue of one of our remarkable scholars and leaders.

The statue of Emerita Professor Fay Gale AO will stand on the Barr Smith lawns, near the new entrance to the Library. It is timely that it will be unveiled the day before International Women’s Day on Saturday 8 March.

We have named our event Stand Tall: A celebration of female scholarship. I hope you will attend (register here).

Female scholars have shaped our University throughout its long history — pushing boundaries, challenging stereotypes and inequities, and leaving enduring legacies.

This statue will be a tribute not only to Professor Gale’s achievements, but to all the women who have walked the University of Adelaide’s halls and changed the world in their own ways. It will provide, we trust, lasting inspiration, particularly to female staff and students.

I believe that by valuing and respecting diversity in these and many other ways, we can all feel part of the one cohesive community; a community in which we are supported to perform at our best and inspired to contribute to the betterment of our world.

The Hon. Catherine Branson AC SC
Chancellor