Senior alumni gather to celebrate 150 years

There was a buzz in the Great Hall on Monday 13 November 2006 as 255 senior alumni of the Faculty of Medicine (with friends and partners) gathered for lunch. The occasion, one of the last events of the 150th Anniversary of the Faculty of Medicine, saw many alumni catching up with class-mates and friends they had not seen in many years. The lunch, co-hosted by the Medical Graduates Association, the alumni association of the Faculty of Medicine, attracted one of the oldest living graduates of the Faculty, Sir Keith Jones who graduated from the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 1933 and many former members of staff.

Many alumni arrived before the lunch for a walk down memory lane by visiting the Anderson Stuart Building and the Wilson Anatomy Museum. The Anderson Stuart Building was formerly the main location for classes for the medical students of yesteryear.

The audience was welcomed to the University by Deputy Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Ann Sefton, also an alumna, and was addressed by Professor Bruce Robinson, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dr Barry Catchlove, President of the Medical Graduates Association and by medical student Ryan Downey. The former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, now Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Community), Professor Andrew Coats, was also in attendance. Musical accompaniment was provided by the multitalented first year medical student Ms Lisa Daniels.

“The event was a huge success”, said Professor Robinson, Acting Dean. “In this our 150th year it was an honour to host so many of our most senior alumni and have an opportunity to speak with many of them. We plan to hold similar events over the next few years, drawing our diverse alumni together to celebrate our rich history and to inform them of our future plans. Anyone who has studied at the University of Sydney has a soft-spot for its built and cultural heritage; it is a privilege to invite our alumni back to reconnect with it.”

More Senior Alumni Lunch photos