Provost's message

This week our North Terrace campus will host seven graduation ceremonies in Bonython Hall. Graduation ceremonies are times of celebration, of joy, of personal accomplishment, and an opportunity for us all to share in the success of our most recent graduates. I personally find the ceremonies moving, and the scenes of families and friends taking photos around our campus heart-warming.

Graduations are not only a celebration of many years of hard work; they also signify the start of a new relationship as 1,850 graduates join our alumni family this week. We currently have more than 175,000 alumni living around the world in 151 countries. From 2026 their ranks will swell as we unite with the alumni family of the University of South Australia and, collectively, we will have more than 400,000 alumni, representing a huge community of supporters and mentors.

Each of them has been the beneficiary of the hard work, talent, and personal commitments of our academic and professional staff. Each of us can take pride in the parts we play to transform lives.

At our ceremonies this week we will also recognise the significant career achievements of three of our alumni:

• Emeritus Professor Tony Basten AO, who will be awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Medicine (honoris causa) for his significant services to medicine, immunology and the University
• Nukunu Elder Kym Thomas will be admitted to the Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University (honoris causa) in recognition of his exceptional contribution to society as an advocate for Indigenous voices and health
• Emeritus Professor Graeme Koehne AO, one of Australia’s most distinguished composers, will be admitted to the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music (honoris causa). Graeme will also give a performance as part of his award ceremony on Tuesday morning.

• Their success in such varying fields is testament to the breadth of educational opportunity the University offers. I congratulate all our new graduates this week and wish them similar success in their futures.

Their success in such varying fields is testament to the breadth of educational opportunity the University offers. I congratulate all our new graduates this week and wish them similar success in their futures.

Professor John Williams AM
Provost