Open Foundation celebrates 40 years of changing lives
The University of Newcastle's (UON) Open Foundation program is celebrating 40 years of providing pathways to university and helping thousands of Australians change their lives and realise their dreams.
Since its inception in 1974, the UON Open Foundation program has become the largest of its kind in Australia, and is looked to as the industry benchmark.
UON English Language and Foundation Studies Centre Director, Associate Professor Seamus Fagan, said that after four decades of achievement, the program had proudly become part of the local community.
"Open Foundation looks forward to continuing to work with our community to support the education aspirations of individuals in the Hunter and Central Coast regions into the future," Professor Fagan said.
"A big thank you to all those involved with the program during the last 40 years, including teaching and administrative staff, students, families and other supporters who have helped shape and change the lives of thousands of students."
To mark this milestone, the centre will host a range of events at both the Newcastle and Central Coast campuses, including a 'Transformations' art exhibition launch on Wednesday 5 November, showcasing the works of Australian artists who have moved up through the Open Foundation program.
This will be followed by the Inaugural Brian Smith Lecture on Monday 10 November, honouring the work of Open Foundation founder Dr Brian Smith, through a presentation by Professor Sally Kift on enabling equitable access, participation and success in education.
The celebrations commenced on Wednesday 22 October with a 'Towards a Smarter Central Coast Symposium' featuring key-note speaker, ABC Central Coast's Scott Levi, and an Open Foundation discussion panel with former students that highlighted the success of the program during the last 25 years at UON's Central Coast campus.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.