Ceremony Opens University for 2005

Friday 11 February 2005

The University of Newcastle will celebrate the official start of the academic year next week.

A Commencement Ceremony will be held on Monday 14 February 2005 from 9.30am in the Great Hall, Callaghan Campus.

This year's ceremony will be particularly special as it will also mark the beginning of the University's official 40th Anniversary celebrations. It is 40 years since the University was first recognised as an autonomous tertiary institution and celebrations are planned throughout the year.

More than 8000 students will commence study in programs at the University of Newcastle this year. When they complete their degrees they will join the University's alumni network of almost 100,000 students, graduates, staff and friends of the University.

The Commencement Ceremony will start with the traditional Academic Procession followed by the National Anthem. Sandra Griffin, representing the Awabakal community, will welcome the assembly to Awabakal land and Mick Davison will give a didgeridoo performance.

The Chancellor Professor Trevor Waring, Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Saunders, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Services) Dr Sue Gould, will address the congregation.

Laura Brisbane, who has completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University and is commencing Honours in History this year, will speak to new students about getting involved in University life. Laura is actively involved in the Newcastle University Students Association, is a student representative on the Board of Directors of UoN Services Limited and is a member of the University's Women's Rugby Team.

Around 10am the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor will cut a 40th Anniversary cake which will be shared with new students, graduates, University staff and special guests.

The Commencement Ceremony is the first event of the University's annual Orientation Week (O Week) program.

Orientation Week runs from Monday 14 February - Saturday 19 February 2005. For further information contact Gail White on 4921 5313.