Great hall celebrates 50 years of graduate cheers
Every year more than 4,500 University of Newcastle graduates walk proudly across the stage of the Great Hall to receive their degrees. The most recent ceremonies marked 50 years since an astonishing community-led fundraising effort made its construction possible.
Brick-by-brick, pledge-by-pledge. That’s how local industry, business leaders and generous community members raised $600,000 for the construction of our iconic Great Hall in the 1960s and 70s. This huge community fundraising effort, led by former Newcastle Lord Mayor Frank Purdue, would equal almost $8.2 million today and is a symbol of the enduring impact community support has on our students and future generations.
Alumni House – building on a legacy
The latest development to call on the University’s community spirit and showcase the values of excellence, equity, engagement, and sustainability is Alumni House: a landmark new building in the heart of Newcastle and the first purpose-built alumni and community building of its kind in Australia.
Alumni House will build on the great sense of pride and community spirit present among our graduates, just like those embodied by the late Dr Bernard ‘Bernie’ Curran AM.
Bernie Curran was an integral part of our University community for more than 50 years as a sports leader, academic, mentor, fundraiser, donor, researcher and friend. To celebrate Bernie’s life and the incredible impact he had on our communities, friends are coming together to support a permanent space within Alumni House in his honour: the Bernie Curran Lounge.
Bernie Curran loved helping people both navigate and embrace life. From his devotion to equity in education to his commitment to the Rugby Club, there are thousands who have been touched by Bernie’s spirit, generosity and belief.
Alumni House is brimming with potential, and the Bernie Curran Lounge will be a space for alumni to connect and reflect on Bernie’s impact and create new memories based on the values of connection and community he shared with so many.”
Darren Turner
Newcastle Business Leader
Bachelor of Commerce, 1987
If you would like to join us in honouring Bernie and the passion and values he stood for, please visit berniecurran.donate.newcastle.edu.au
If you would like to find out more about making a gift to name a space in Alumni House, please visit newcastle.edu.au/alumni-house
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Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
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.