ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

March 11, 2025

Golden Graduates shine at 50th Anniversary celebration

Alumni from UOW’s early years honoured for their achievements

The University of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ (UOW) hosted its inaugural Golden Graduates celebration on Tuesday, 11 March, honouring alumni aged 50 and over as part of the institution’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

The event celebrated the contributions of UOW's earliest alumni to their communities, professions, and the University's legacy over the past five decades. Around 100 alumni attended, sharing memories of UOW in the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s.

The event speakers included 1977 engineering graduate Greg Evans, who shared his memories of the 1974 New Year's Eve party to celebrate UOW becoming an independent institution when the clock ticked over to 1 January 1975.

"Fifty years ago, I attended the New Year's Eve celebrations at the Uni Hall on the eve of UOW's elevation to full university status," Mr Evans said.

"I was persuaded by a likeminded group of optimistic fellow students to mark the beginning of the University’s new status by forming the first ever UOW Rugby League Club. It signalled that UOW students were prepared to try new things and break with the past.

“The success of the University of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ has been built on a quest for excellence and innovation, supported by the pragmatism of the people and industry of the Illawarra region. The University's journey represents a great start to a fantastic future ahead."

Chancellor Michael Still emphasised the importance of UOW alumni and their ongoing contribution to the University.

“Our alumni are UOW's greatest ambassadors. Their achievements illuminate the path for current and future students, and they prove, time and time again, that a UOW degree is a catalyst for positive change.

“I am confident that as we celebrate 50 years, the future of our community is brighter than ever," Mr Still said.

UOW Vice-President (Operations) Mr Stephen Phillips, said alumni play a key role in shaping the University's story and inspiring future generations.

“Nothing makes the University prouder than its global alumni community – over 190,000 strong and growing. That is thousands of stories of positive impact. A testament to education's power and living proof that our work at UOW matters,” Mr Phillips said.

Guests also heard from UOW researchers Dr Luke McAlary and Associate Professor Kara Vine-Perrow.

Dr McAlary, a Bill Gole MND Postdoctoral Fellow, is focused on trying to find the cause and a cure for Motor Neurone Disease. He was a friend and colleague of the late Professor Justin Yerbury OAM, and as part of the Yerbury Lab, works tirelessly to understand and combat neurodegeneration. 

Professor Vine-Perrow is a Cancer Institute NSW Career Development Fellow and leads the Targeted Cancer Therapeutics Research Lab at UOW. Her research focuses on drug resistance in cancer, nanomedicines, and site-specific drug delivery.

The event also featured a display of iconic photographs spanning the University's 50-year history, and attendees had the opportunity to recreate their graduation photos at a special photo station.

Proceeds from the event will go directly to Transforming Futures Scholarships, awarded to students who have financial or social challenges.

“A Transforming Futures Scholarship allows the recipient to participate in and make the most of their higher education. It also sends a message to them that our community believes in them, cares for them, and sees great promise for their futures,” Mr Still said.