Mr Nick Badcock and Mr Ross DayThe year 2006 was a significant one for the School of Psychology at UWA. It marked the 75th anniversary of the first intake of students to he newly established Department of Psychology, and also the 50th year since the commencement of the Master of Psychology (Clinical) degree.

On 6th October the School held a day-long celebration of these events at the University Club, to which past students and staff were invited. It kicked off with a conference: "Standing on the shoulders of giants: Celebrating 75 Years of the School of Psychology", which was run by the School’s graduate students and provided a showcase of their research. Attendees enjoyed impressive research papers and posters and the opportunity to talk with the researchers during refreshment breaks. They also enjoyed the post-lunch diversion – PhD Idol – a professionally produced parody of Australian Idol. There is clearly a future in the entertainment business for some staff and students if they ever tire of psychology!

After post-conference drinks a reunion dinner was held in the banquet hall. Past and current staff and students enjoyed the opportunity to catch up and reminisce over an excellent meal. To help jog memories, there were displays of old laboratory equipment, early research papers and photos of staff and students across the years. There was a lot of laughter around the photo boards at the metamorphosis of current senior staff members from the hip young tutors of the 70’s. Another highlight of the evening was an entertaining address by Emeritus Professor John Ross in which he provided stories of some of the past School members who helped shape the School in its growth into one of the foremost schools of psychology in the country.