University celebrates its 20 year anniversary

Southern Cross University is inviting former students and staff, as well as members of the community to help celebrate its 20th anniversary, on Saturday, August 30 at the Lismore campus.

SCU became an independent University on January 1, 1994, when legislation passed in October, 1993, became law. To mark this milestone, the University is holding a special celebration.

Dan Sloan, alumni relations manager, said that everyone was welcome. The celebration is not only for staff, students and alumni, but also for the communities in which the three campuses are based.

“Southern Cross University has had a huge impact in the Lismore, Coffs Harbour and now Gold Coast communities,” he said.

“As a regional university, Southern Cross University has really lived our vision of being recognised for enriching our communities through the excellence of our scholarship and the achievements of our graduates. In addition SCU has contributed economically to our regions and enhanced the social fabric in a variety of areas.

“The 20th anniversary is a great opportunity to reunite with fellow alumni, past friends and classmates and discover SCU’s plans for the future. It will be an opportunity to celebrate our achievements since becoming Southern Cross University in 1994.

“There will be something for everyone on the day, from campus tours and live music right through to stimulating talks and the opportunity to take a quirky photo or video with friends. People interested in studying with Southern Cross University are also invited to explore study options for 2015.”

The highlight will be the presentation of the 2014 Alumni of the Year Awards and a special presentation of the Alumnus of the Past 20 Years.

“The Alumni of the Year Awards have grown into a great event but the Alumnus of the Past 20 Years will be something special,” Mr Sloan said.

“This will take into account more than 55,000 graduates not only from Southern Cross University, but also from its predecessor institutions – the University of New England Northern Rivers, the Northern Rivers College of Advanced Education and the Lismore Teachers College.”

The nine finalists for the Alumnus of the Past 20 Years include former Page MP Janelle Saffin, Summerland Credit Union CEO Margot Sweeny, WWF - Australia CEO Dermot O’Gorman, Greenpeace lawyer Leanne Minshull, paralympian Ben Newton, Konica Minolta CEO David Cooke, Aboriginal social worker Kathy Mokaraka, academic Nerilee Hing and Major-General (ret) Liz Cosson.

Other activities on the day include a SCU history display, a visual arts exhibition, live music featuring students and staffs across a range of music disciplines, creative arts performances, and a ‘fashion flash’ 20 minutes stage show of wearable art from two textile artists. Other highlights include activities at the SCU Australia-Japan Centre, activities in the University’s health and lifestyle precinct including free massages and health checks, photo and video booths, free barbecue and coffees, children’s activities and much more. Register and attend for your chance to win a holiday!
20years.scu.edu.au