More than 260 people witnessed the investiture of the first ANU graduate as Chancellor at a ceremony at University House on 28 February.
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Dr Allan Hawke is the first ANU alumnus to be appointed Chancellor of the University. |
After an outstanding 32-year career in the Commonwealth public service, most recently as High Commissioner to New Zealand, Dr Allan Hawke has been installed as the tenth Chancellor of ANU.
Among the high-profile guests at the ceremony were senior academics and public servants, former Federal MPs and ACT Assembly members, a High Court judge, and the Governor-General Major General Michael Jeffery and Mrs Marlena Jeffery.
Prior to installing Dr Hawke as Chancellor, the Governor-General said he was “absolutely delighted” to see such an eminent person and personal friend appointed.
“Dr Hawke will prove a major asset to the University, which you may have heard … he sees as a truly national institution,” he said.
Indicating that he intends to supplement his dedication to the role with a sense of humour, Dr Hawke began his acceptance speech on an amusing tack.
“In accordance with my physical stature, I’m pleased to provide a short address,” he said.
Self-deprecation aside, Dr Hawke is regarded as one of the giants of the Australian public service. He was named one of the nation’s top 30 true leaders by the Australian Financial Review’s Boss magazine in 2001.
Dr Hawke reminded all present at the installation of the original mission of ANU as a national resource, urging the University to continue setting the standard for the nation in teaching and research.
The speech was also something of a homecoming, with the new Chancellor outlining his lengthy personal connection to Queanbeyan, the ACT region, and ANU.
“I humbly and proudly accept the great honour of returning to my alma mater as Chancellor,” he said.
Dr Hawke studied at ANU between 1966 and 1976, graduating with a Bachelor of Science, First Class Honours, and a PhD studying plague locusts.
ANU staff can access a transcript of Dr Hawke’s speech at: http://www.anu.edu.au/cabs/anuonly/InstallationSpeech.pdf
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