History showcase revealed

Dear Colleagues

In continuing the celebration of the 25^th anniversary year, the ACU history showcase and history book were launched at a cocktail event in Tenison Woods House North Sydney on 18 June 2015 by the Vice-Chancellor and the Governor-General, respectively. 

Over one hundred guests attended the launch including distinguished former staff members Professor Peter Drake, ACU’s founding vice-chancellor (1991-1997); Professor Peter Sheehan, ACU’s second vice-chancellor (1998-2007), and Sister Rosemary Lewins, ACU Dean of Students 1995-2001. 

The ACU history showcase is now available for viewing in the foyer of Tenison Woods House, North Sydney. The showcase consists of beautifully designed cathedral-shaped Tasmanian Blackwood timber and glass cabinets, displaying interesting physical memorabilia of the university collected over the last 25 years.

The showcase also features interactive digital display screens, each featuring stories and video segments depicting different aspects of our University’s rich history.  Zooming in on the timelines on each screen will reveal the over 800 photos, stories as well as video segments of interviews with key staff, students and alumni whose stories have shaped ACU’s history.

The installation of further display screens is planned for every campus so that all staff and students will have the opportunity to interact with the digital components. The showcase will continue to capture ACU’s ongoing history.

The history book, Australia’s Catholic University:  The First Twenty-Five Years by eminent Australian historian, Dr John Hirst, documents the founding years of ACU and explains how a Catholic university funded by the government came into existence, highlights the University’s commitment to students and staff working for the common good, and profiles individuals who have worked at the University, some for its full 25 years. The book is beautifully crafted and produced, and will make an excellent addition to your personal library. Copies can be purchased from the Co-op Bookshop on each campus or online (www.coop.com.au) for $35. 

We invite you to engage with the history showcase and the history book and look forward to receiving your feedback.

On 29 July, ACU’s 25^th anniversary year will be formally commemorated with a celebratory Mass presided over by Archbishop Denis Hart, President of ACU Ltd at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney. The service will include the first use of the ACU Anniversary Mass composed by Roger Hillman from the Ballarat Campus and sung by the combined ACU Student Choir.  The liturgy will be followed by a reception at the Australian Museum.  Students, Staff, Alumni and families are all welcome.

With best wishes

Professor Anne Cummins, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students, Learning & Teaching)