Celebrating our 50th year
It is 50 years since Murdoch University’s inauguration on 17 September 1974, a date that coincided with the 100th anniversary of Sir Walter Murdoch’s birth.
When Sir Walter was told by the government of the day that Western Australia’s second university would be named after him, his typically wry response was: “It had better be a good one.”
And so Murdoch University, in our 50 years, has strived to be a “good one” - and more.
Over our five decades, Murdoch University has graduated more than 100,000 students; built a thriving Veterinary School now ranked in the global top 50, and opened campuses locally in Mandurah and Rockingham, and globally in Singapore and Dubai.
We are undertaking world-leading research through our Phenome centre; and helping solve critical issues regarding food security, our environment, health care, and the Indo-Pacific. Engineering, science, mathematics, law, business, allied health, IT, humanities, Indigenous Knowledges, education, the arts, media and social sciences … we continue to expand our knowledge and that of our students across all major disciplines.
Universities are far more than just a place or a collection of buildings. They exist to share knowledge for the benefit of all. Where curiosity is paramount, research is our lifeblood and teaching our mission. A place where independent thinking is informed by evidence.
At heart, universities are about people and the communities they serve.
Our second Chancellor Sir Ronald Wilson said in 1980: “Murdoch belongs to Western Australia, and it is good to have an opportunity when the community of interest that binds the university and the community together can find expression ... I have no doubt that the health of Murdoch in future years will depend in no small respect on the health of its community relationships.”
One of Murdoch’s strengths built up over these 50 years is our collaborative ecosystem, and I wish to thank the many government agencies, business and industry partners, research organisations and sister universities around the world who have partnered with us to deliver positive outcomes for our society.
To the Western Australian community, thank you for your support.
While there is always conjecture about the future of universities and their role in society, they are resilient, adaptable institutions. And they need to be.
As a planet we face massive challenges – the environment, climate change, food security, political upheaval and even pandemics.
Yet, every generation has faced challenges – and universities and the people within them have always risen to those challenges.
For as long as there are complex problems to solve, and a striving by humanity for better ways to live, prosper and nurture our shared planet, universities will not only exist but thrive.
At 50 years old, Murdoch University is coming of age. We look forward to continuing to adapt, to learn from – and to serve – our community. In return, we look forward to sharing all we have learned, for the betterment of humankind, for a very long time to come.
Professor Andrew J Deeks
Vice Chancellor and President