The Week in Review

Recent graduations celebrated the success of our students, alumni and staff.

UNSW Honorary Doctorate: Judith Neilson AM was awarded an honorary doctorate for her philanthropy and visionary role in furthering knowledge in architecture and contemporary art. The Judith Neilson Chair in Architecture, was established in 2015 with a $10 million endowment, to develop research and design of better housing for people displaced by natural disasters, geo-political conflicts, economic and environmental factors. Congratulations Judith.

Judith is photographed here with another great BE supporter, Penelope Seidler.

The graduates were addressed by inspiring eminent alumni. Architecture Alumnus Annie Tennant, General Manager of Sustainability and Culture at Barangaroo South gave the occasional address at the morning graduation ceremony.

"Great ideas come from connections and partnerships, sometimes across continents, sometimes between villages and global companies".

You can read Annie's address here.

In the afternoon, another eminent BE Alumnus, Jacinta McCann from San Francisco where she is Executive Vice President of AECOM gave the occasional address. She had some pithy advice for the graduates.

"Treat people with respect, always show up, say yes to opportunities, volunteer, take risks, make mistakes and learn from them, believe in something big – the bigger picture, be curious, be confident even when inside you are shaking, hire people who are better than you, and always have mentors."

You can read Jacinta's address here.

Jacinta was photographed with PhD Graduate Dr Natalie Galea and me.

BE Staff Awarded: Our Educational Developer, Dean Utian was honoured with a Vice-Chancellor's Award For Teaching Excellence. From the Pro-Vice Chancellor's citation:

"Dean has made a significant contribution to student learning, through innovative use of digital tools and educational technology, as well as building the expertise of other academic staff."

BE Graduate Comments: It was affirming for all our committed academics to hear the many wonderful comments from the new graduates. 

“The highlight of Architecture at UNSW was building strong connections with those who share the same creative and social passions!"

Paige Kodesh, Bachelor of Architectural Studies.

"Studying Industrial Design at UNSW has given me some incredible experiences. Visiting factories, working with designers and creating products from the ground up have all contributed towards my understanding of design today."

Rohaan Taneja, Bachelor of Industrial Design (Honours), with Renee Aquilina, Bachelor of Industrial Design.

"Measure twice. Then measure again."

Connor Watson, Bachelor of Construction Management & Property.

BE Academic’s Comments: 

"So great to see UNSWCoDe computational design students graduating today - many are already hard at work in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. They are the future of work! Congratulations."

Dr Nicole Gardner (words), Associate Professor Matthias Haeusler and Bachelor of Computational Design graduates.

"This graduation sees the largest number of MUPS graduates ever! Many students who started their degree part time in the first semester it ran in 2014 are now graduating. Congratulations to all these graduates!"

Practice Professor Sue Holliday, (words) & Master of Urban Policy and Renewal graduates.

Finally, a special family moment for me last week. It was a great pleasure to share the celebrations with Master of Planning graduate Anna Bardsley, my son Alexander and grandson Lachlan, who seemed to enjoy the outing.

Until next week,
All the best,
Helen