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Secretaries to Senate

Walter Albert Selle

Walter Albert Selle (1883 - 1968) was the University of Sydney Registrar from 1924 to 1947. The position of Registrar included being Secretary to Senate.

Profile

MA HonLLD Sydney
Registrar: 1924 - 1947

The University's fifth Registrar was Walter Albert Selle, the son of a German coach builder. Selle was born in Albury on 24 February 1883 and educated at Albury Superior Public School. He spent several years working as a clerk before moving to Sydney in 1902. After completing a teacher training course Selle taught for some years at Croydon Public School and then at Fort Street Boys High School. In 1907 he enrolled at the University of Sydney as an evening student, obtaining his BA in 1913. Selle was very much involved in student affairs and was during this period Vice- President of the Undergraduate Association and President of the Evening Students' Association.

In December 1913 Selle was appointed clerk of examinations at the university. His administrative skill and tact in dealing with staff and students did not go unnoticed by the Senate; in 1922 he was appointed Assistant Registrar, Acting Registrar in 1923, and Registrar in 1924, the year in which he took out an MA.

Even during his own lifetime Selle was to become a legend. Professor Holme was to claim that "of his prodigious memory perhaps some exaggerations may become current, but nobody will ever be able to say that Selle could not quote to him or to her the full name recorded in the baptismal register, however difficult or copious that naming may have been". A kind and considerate man with unfailing good will, he was greatly esteemed by his colleagues, students and parents. The Senate and the Professorial Board found his wise counsel and almost encyclopaedic knowledge of University matters invaluable.

Students and graduates also appreciated his continued interest and involvement in University life . He was Director of the Union 1916-17 and for over fifty years was associated with the Swimming Club. He was also a founder of Lodge University and its first Director of Ceremonies.

For many years Selle represented the University on the Bursary Endowment Board (1924-1961) and the Soldiers ' Children Education Board. During 1932- 33 and again in 1948 he was Acting Vice-Chancellor. In 1960 he was appointed CBE in recognition of his services to education, and in 1967 he was awarded an honorary LLD by the University he had served so faithfully. Selle died in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on 18 January 1968.

(From an article by Ursula Bygott, University of Sydney Archives 'Record", September 1990)