Vice-Chancellor's message

We are in the middle of one of my favourite annual events at our University: the Children’s University graduations in Bonython Hall. Over a three week period, more than 3,000 excited young children will visit the North Terrace campus, dressed in their graduation robes and accompanied by their proud families and supporters. This month we will have 12 graduations, and I wish to thank all my colleagues whose contributions to the many aspects of this program make it a reality, and a success.  

On a personal note, it was such a pleasure to attend a graduation event for Children’s University last Thursday, where Chancellor Branson and I shared the joy of handing out certificates to each of the 280+ graduands individually.  

Children’s University is a remarkable program operated by the University that aims to support all children, but particularly those in the most vulnerable communities, to see their future as bright, promising, and exciting.  

It focuses on providing learning experiences through a passport system. When children have collected the necessary hours in their passports, they are eligible to attend a graduation – complete with cap and gown. 

To me, this represents a core tenet of what a university should stand for – equity and access, and the pursuit of knowledge to improve the world, and to change the lives of people for the better. The value of such a program – where children get to see and experience something that might otherwise be considered out of their reach – is very clear: education has the power to transform dreams into reality. 

We were founded on the principle that leaders should be those with the best education, not those who are born into the greatest privilege. The future Adelaide University will continue this commitment to making higher education accessible to everyone, and a place where our students can feel empowered, able to explore their passions, and discover their purpose.  

The graduation ceremonies continue until the 18th of November; consider offering a word of congratulations to our youngest alumni if you see them on campus.  

Finally, the Farewell event for our University is scheduled for Friday 28 November at the North Terrace campus, with transport options available for colleagues based at Waite and Roseworthy campuses. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to register for what I anticipate will be a wonderful celebration of our achievements.  

Professor Peter Høj AC 
Vice-Chancellor and President