Murdoch University is celebrating 50 years since its foundation as Western Australia’s second university with a commitment to conservation and the environment, social justice and inclusion.
Last night, WA Premier and Murdoch alumnus Roger Cook officially launched the 50th anniversary celebrations in Boola Katitjin – Murdoch’s multi award-winning academic building – before 180 dignitaries from government, business, industry, academia and the community.
Premier Cook told the audience Murdoch “broke the mould” as the first WA university to open the doors to higher education for people from diverse backgrounds, including mothers, working men and women, First Nations people and regional people.
Also present at last night’s launch were descendants of Sir Walter Murdoch’s family. Murdoch University was formally inaugurated on 17 September 1974 – a date which coincided with the 100th anniversary of Sir Walter, after whom the University is named.
Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks said Murdoch had much to celebrate, including the graduation of more than 100,000 students; a Veterinary School ranked in the global top 50; and 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 and in health care." Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks, Murdoch University
“One of Murdoch’s strengths is our collaborative ecosystem, and I thank the many government agencies, business and industry partners, research organisations and sister universities who have partnered with us to deliver positive outcomes for society.”
The University is kickstarting a year of celebrations with several events, including:
-
A public exhibition at the Geoffrey Bolton Library on Bush Court called 50 Years of Murdoch University: The place, people and stories.
-
The Sir Walter Murdoch Lecture – Legacies of Leadership – delivered by the Hon. Tony Buti MLA, Minister for Education, on 25 September.
-
A new website featuring stories, archival photos and video from across Murdoch University’s 50 years.
Feature Image: Pro Vice Chancellor First Nations Chanelle van den Berg, Foundation Professor of Education Brian Hill, WA Premier Roger Cook and Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks.