Uniting the inaugural class of Macquarie students who commenced their legal education journey in 1975, the first Law School Cohort Reunion not only paid homage to the past but also marked the prelude to the University's 60th anniversary in 2024.
Macquarie Law School distinguished itself from the outset, with its commitment to small group teaching and innovative distance education. The initial 1975 cohort comprised approximately 125 students, whose journey laid the foundation for the Law School’s later success. While many of the cohort went on to practice law, others pursued an extraordinary range of careers.
A group of 38 attendees were welcomed to the reunion event, with 19 giving their apologies and a further 40 sadly having passed away in the years since their graduation. Among attendees from across Australia were Justice John Burns, a judge in the Northern Territory Supreme Court, and Judge David Dunkley from the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. In reflecting on the legacy they helped build, the attending alumni shared stories of their professional journeys, and of the profound impact of their Macquarie education.
A campus tour guided by current law student ambassadors Sarah Hatton and Conor Chandler showcased the evolution of the campus in the years since the cohort's graduation. Alumni also had a chance to explore the exterior and conceptual internal designs of the Michael Kirby Building – the future home for the Law School.
“This reunion is not merely a celebration of the past; it is a testament to the resilience and impact of our first cohort," said Professor Lise Barry, Dean of Macquarie Law School. “Their journey laid the groundwork for Macquarie University Law School's success, and we are thrilled to welcome them back to witness the transformation they initiated.”
Honorary Professor S Stuart Clark AM added, “We can be very proud of what Macquarie Law School has achieved. It changed the way law is taught in Australia and its graduates have made a real difference in the community, both in Australia and internationally.”
The First Law School Cohort Reunion was an evening of celebration for a vibrant community that has thrived within the Macquarie University Law School for nearly five decades.
