University anniversaries

The University of Sydney's Sesquicentenary celebrations, 1999 - 2002

The University of Sydney's Sesquicentenary celebrations lasted from 1999 to 2002 and included a series of major Sesquicentenary projects supporting research and teaching and a number of events that allowed its many communities to join in the celebrations.

The main events being commemorated were:

• 6 September 1849: the speech made in Parliament by W C Wentworth advocating a university for Sydney
• 1 October 1850: the passage through the NSW legislature of the Act of Incorporation
• 3 February 1851: the first Senate meeting
• October 1852: the arrival of the first students and the presentation of the first lectures
• 11 October 1852: the inauguration of the University

Guests at the formal dinner held on 3 February 2001 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first meeting of Senate on 3 February 1851.

1999

6 September 1999:

7.00pm: The University's Sesquicentenary celebrations began with a Sesquicentenary Dinner at NSW Parliament House which commemorated the speech made in Parliament on 6 September 1849 by William Charles Wentworth, advocating a university for Sydney ... details.

2000

1 October 2000

Greetings were sent to some 136 Universities around the world, marking the 150th anniversary of the passing of the Bill through the Colonial Parliament that established the University of Sydney.

2001

3 February 2001

6.30pm: A Sesquicentenary Senate Dinner held in the Great Hall celebrated the 150th anniversary of the first meeting of Senate ... details and gallery.

2002

11-20 October 2002

A week of "Students and teaching", involving re-enactments and celebrations, marked the Sesquicentenary of the first students and lectures.

Friday, 11 October 2002

4.00pm: A Sesquicentenary Ceremony was held in the Great Hall to mark the Sesquicentenary of the inauguration of the University of Sydney ... details and gallery.

Saturday, 12 October 2002

6.00pm: A Sesquicentenary Colloquium Dinner was held in MacLaurin Hall for students and staff, alumni and friends ... details and gallery.

Sunday, 13 October 2002

12 noon - 5 pm: The University's Sesquicentenary Celebration Day was held on Sunday 13 October 2002 ... details and gallery.