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Wednesday, 30 November 2011

As this is my last UWA News column as Vice-Chancellor, I want to confirm what a privilege it has been to lead this University - an institution with such a strong history of support for the social and economic well-being of our State, and which has played such an important part in the personal growth and development of generations of young Western Australians.

I have been a very fortunate person. I am fortunate to have been raised by parents who placed a very high value on education; fortunate to go to an excellent government high school where I met my wife Gwenda; and fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with the outstanding staff of this University over so many years and to share so many success stories.

I am confident that the University is well placed - and in good hands - to move forward to achieve our bold ambition of joining globally-excellent universities in the top 50 in the world by 2050.

I consider the quality of education to be the measure of a civilised society and it is why I believe that high quality education is essential for social cohesion, and why I have put such emphasis on diversity, equity and access.

We should all aspire to a society in which individuals can fulfil their potential.

In this, the quality of the student experience at the University plays a significant part. Students must be engaged with the University not only in the classroom but also across sporting, cultural and social activities.

In creating such a learning environment we must continue to place great emphasis on recruiting, developing and retaining the highest quality staff.

Much is made of our wonderful campus - its grounds and buildings - for which we must thank our founders and benefactors.

However, we need to be mindful that this University is not a just a collection of buildings: it is a community made up of staff, students and graduates, and we are all responsible for ensuring that we play our role in meeting and serving the needs of the wider community.

We must always aim at meeting the needs of all Western Australians; we must be an accessible, flexible, creative and intellectual resource for all.

I remain confident that we will best meet the needs of the State by being internationally excellent and reaching out to the world in advancing knowledge, research and scholarship.

On a personal note, I have always been impressed with the view that: If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.

It's a statement written by Isaac Newton in a letter to Robert Hooke, and was first told to me by the late Harry Perkins, a dear friend.

Throughout my career, I have been surrounded by just such ‘giants' - my excellent and supportive colleagues at this University and throughout the Western Australian community.

Our University's motto is "Seek Wisdom". I would like to thank all of you - friends, colleagues and associates - for having joined me over many years in working to ensure that the wisdom we seek helps create a better and more civilised society.

Also, thank you all for your efforts in 2011. I wish you a safe and pleasant festive season ahead and the very best for the future.

Vice-Chancellor Alan Robson

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