12 June 1964 saw the proclamation of the Macquarie University Act in the NSW State Parliament. 50 years later, more than 500 staff celebrated the launch of our Golden Jubilee, reflecting on highlights of our first 50 years and sharing ideas for the 50 to come.
“Governor Macquarie would be proud,” began Deputy Chancellor Elizabeth Crouch. “His legacy and the vision of our founding fathers positioned us well.”
Crouch then paid respect to our pioneering students, including those involved in wider social movements such as gender and racial equality, emerging environmental issues, and their powerful stance against the war in Vietnam, holding political debates, discussions on pacifism, screening anti-war films and conducitng protest marches.
“Macquarie continues to promote these ideals of equality, and remains at the vanguard of science and technology,” she said.
Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton took time to consider and acknowledge the accomplishments the University has made and reflect upon his past two years here. “When I joined Macquarie, it was very clear to me, that this was a University of enormous potential; a university on its ascendant trajectory, capable of becoming one of the greatest Australian universities, and competing with the best in the world. All this remains true today, and I believe that we have well and truly set our course for greatness in the past 24 months.”
Looking forward, Professor Dowton says that the size and the shape of Macquarie is a long-term goal that will not be realised in the near future, but the work we do now will lay the foundations for the Macquarie of the future.
“Since our foundation 50 years ago, we have grown at an incredible pace and in every direction, to the credit of everyone involved,” said Professor Dowton. “We must now consider, deeply and carefully, how we shape ourselves for the years to come and capitalise on opportunities for growth that will help us achieve our long-term objectives, but we must not grow for its own sake, nor allow ourselves to follow paths that lead us from our ultimate goals.”
Following the Deputy Chancellor and Vice-Chancellors’ speeches, guests were treated to bagpipers honouring the 93rd Scottish highlands regiment, a sea of celebratory golden jubilee cupcakes and the chance to sign a giant canvas, destined to be buried in a time capsule on campus, and opened again at our centenary. Other opportunities to sign this campus will occur throughout the year – watch this space.
As the sod turns
Earlier in the day, staff and students took part in a sod-turning ceremony – signifying the first step of our campus Master Plan and the start of our next 50 years – using soil gathered from the Macquarie Lighthouse.
Professor Dowton said it was symbolic of a new beginning and a different road for the University. “We started out as a University on a road that others had not trod before, but we now use this symbolism of the launching of the Master Plan with the creation of a more accessible, vibrant and safe campus, enabling a stronger sense of community, to make the campus more welcoming, not just to internal members of our community, but also visitors to the University. This land and site will be protected and reserved as a place of welcome, learning and discovery for the very long haul.”
Visit the Jubilee Hub for a look back at Macquarie’s history and share your story.