Whilst December 10 marks the end of the Q150 celebrations, it also signifies the 100-year anniversary of the State’s premier university, The University of Queensland.
On this date in 1909, The University of Queensland was established by the Queensland State Government in celebration of its Golden Jubilee on Proclamation Day.
“There is this difference between the youngest University in the Empire and the oldest: Oxford was established by a King; the University of Queensland is established by the people,” the Premier of the day, William Kidston, told the crowd at the UQ inauguration.
Since opening its doors to the first students in 1911, UQ, as it has become affectionately known, has continued to not only deliver teaching and research to the people of Queensland, but also to Australia and the world.
“UQ has touched the lives of many people who have perhaps never even thought about the University,” UQ Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Greenfield said.
“For instance, girls and women who have received the anti-cervical cancer vaccine, families that have benefited from the practical advice of the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program, patients who have been treated by UQ-trained health professionals, and readers who have enjoyed the work of a UQ-educated writer.
“One aim of the centenary celebrations is to give people a better awareness of the variety of services, facilities and activities that we offer to the public.”
Amongst a line-up of other events, on April 18 2010, UQ will host a free event for the whole community.
“Community connections will help define UQ in its second century, so I look forward to welcoming a great diversity of people to the campus on April 18,” Professor Greenfield said.
“I hope there will be many first-time visitors to UQ, who may be pleasantly surprised to see that we offer not just teaching and research, but also sport and recreation facilities and free cultural assets like the UQ Art Museum, the Antiquities Museum and the Anthropology Museum.”
The community day will have activities and entertainment for all ages and interests, including live bands, market stalls, food stalls, kids’ games, and information sessions and workshops on health and wellbeing, sustainability, innovation and the arts.
For a full list of activities and events running throughout 2010, visit the UQ Centenary website: www.uq.edu.au/centenary
Media: Centenary Secretariat Executive Officer, Ellen Juhasz (07 3346 7705) or Centenary Communications Officer, Shannon Price (07 3346 7660)
