From the Vice-Chancellor (Alumni Newsletter - May 2019)

The June graduation ceremonies will be my last as Vice-Chancellor. I have nine years of wonderful memories of smiling students posing with their families, proud parents and fidgety younger siblings. The atmosphere on graduation day is always charged with optimism and excitement at the possibilities of the future. No matter how long ago it was (and for some of us the memories are becoming decidedly sepia toned!), it is a milestone we remember forever.

In June, Deakin will graduate its 250,000 graduand – a quarter of a million Deakin graduates all making a difference in the world as in some ways - as innovators, as professionals in education, business, the sciences and the arts. Our most important role as a university is that through our graduates we transfer knowledge and innovations to the world beyond our campuses, impacting on our communities locally and around the globe.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our alumni and volunteers who give so generously of their time sitting on alumni committees and School Advisory Boards. In sharing your expertise in this way, you help ensure Deakin continues to provide an education that is contemporary and relevant. I know many too have helped us bridge the gap between lecture theatre and career by mentoring or by facilitating internships and work opportunities.

In this month’s dKIn Times you’ll see a request for help in naming some of our Deakin roads. A shortlist of names will be submitted to the University Council for endorsement before being submitted to the Register for Geographic Names for approval. I encourage you to give it some thought – it’s a great way to acknowledge people or issues of importance at Deakin.

I do hope you’ll enjoy this month’s dKin Times – as always it’s an excellent read.

From me, it is farewell, go safely in the world and always remember to do good as it will always make you feel better.

Jane den Hollander AO

President and Vice-Chancellor