Every year, the University of Adelaide is proud to welcome back alumni to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their graduation. On Friday 20 October we celebrated the Class of 1967. Graduates were invited back to Bonython Hall for a Commemoration Ceremony followed by a Luncheon.
This year, one of the 1967 Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Sciences) alumni contacted the university to arrange a tour of the Waite campus after the ceremony. From the graduating class of 17, we were delighted to have nine alumni visit the Waite, many who travelled from Victoria and Queensland.
It was an honour to have the opportunity to meet them, hear their stories and show them around the campus and how it has changed in 50 years. The day was a great success with old friends catching up, the first time in five years, learning about the new and innovative ways of research within Agricultural Science and creating more memories.
After lunch at Aroma Café in Lirra Lirra, Dean of the Waite, Professor Mike Keller welcomed the group and gave them a tour through the Waite building. Now home to research labs for the University, the FOODplus Research Centre and SARDI, the Waite building would have also housed a cafeteria and library when the Alumni were students here in the 1960s.
1967 Agricultural Science Alumni with Professor Mike Keller.
Pictured (L-R):Meredith McBratney (nee Porter), George Reeves, Peter Schroder, Thomas Cootes, Adrian Tiller, Lewis McMaster, Peter Freeman, John Steward, Mike Keller, Peter England.
Dr Stuart Roy and Professor Diane Mather then gave the group a look at some of the newest technology on campus in the Plant Genomics Centre, and discussed the plant genomics and molecular breeding work of the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine. The view over the vineyard from the balcony was as enjoyable as the animated discussions about the research!
The Plant Accelerator was the next stop, where a tour and demonstration of the smart houses by Scientific Director Dr Bettina Berger impressed the group. Several of the alumni commented on how their own studies years ago would have been transformed by the technology available today.
A look at the Hickinbotham-Roseworthy Wine Science Laboratory and winery finished the tour.
Alumnus Meredith McBratney said the celebrations and tour was “the most enjoyable day for quite a while. The day ran very smoothly for us and I think all of us would say it was a great success. It really gave us a buzz!”
“Friday was a wonderful day for our small group on Ag Scientists. We could have gone on for a few days!” said alumnus Peter Schroder. “The changes at the Waite over the last 50 years are amazing. It is hard to believe they could be so dramatic. The automatic glass houses, wow!”