Pictured above: The Lord Mayor's Committee inspects the proposed site for the University, 1962.

Towards UoN50

The University of Newcastle has a rich history. In 2011 we launched a major project for staff, students and the community that captures our unique past. Towards UoN50 chronicles and celebrates the milestones, as well as the little known facts, that have made the University what it is today.

As we approach our 50th anniversary in 2015 we want to work with students, staff, alumni, volunteer and support groups, and the community who have all had a hand in shaping the institution.

Towards UoN50 will be celebrated in many ways. There will be permanent and temporary displays across campuses of historical objects and photographs that showcase the University. All current schools and divisions will be involved and can nominate key people, achievements and objects that they consider are an important part of their history.

A working party, chaired by Emeritus Professor Adrian Page, has been established to guide the project. In addition to the on-campus displays, the Working Party will commission a writer to document the past 50 years. The Herald will also regularly feature highlights from Towards UoN50.

Soon you will see Towards UoN50 taking shape with displays in our libraries, and in the School of Education and the School of Environmental and Life Sciences.

Take a look at some of the early photographs on Flickr photo sharing application where over 10,000 images related to the University have been uploaded by Peter Longworth, who volunteers with the Cultural Collections. The Conferring of Degree (Graduation) Booklets (1959-2009), the University Gazette (1966 to 1988) and University News (1970 to 1974) have been digitised and are also available online.

We want to hear your stories

This is an exciting and important project for the University and the community. If you have a story to tell about the University and its history, an idea for the project, or feedback, let us know at UoN50@newcastle.edu.au.