Past VCs, 2020 and a long weekend

Dear Colleagues,

This week, JCU’s past Vice-Chancellors visited the Douglas campus to help celebrate the University’s 38th birthday. Four of the six Vice-Chancellors were present, with the other two sadly unable to join us. Past Vice-Chancellors Ray Golding and Martyn Forrest sent warm messages to us all, indicating their support for JCU and their sorrow that they could not be present on the day.

It was very special to have JCU’s inaugural Vice-Chancellor Emeritus Professor Ken Back present. He served the University for more than 20 years, stewarding the University College of Townsville through to University status and serving until 1986. It was wonderful to hear from him about the development of the campus, stories of the early days, including the Queen’s visit to sign personally the University into life.

Emeritus Professor Ken McKinnon whose short time at the University was very impactful said he was amazed at the University’s achievements and Emeritus Professor Bernard Moulden enjoyed the day, was pleased to see the University moving forward and found out about some new developments as well. In speaking to the gathered group at the special morning tea, Ken Back said on behalf of the other Vice-Chancellors how pleased they were to see the University fulfilling its early promise.

Writing as a participant, the 2020 Summit was a terrific event. Was it a talkfest? Well, certainly there was a lot of talking – but that’s what you need to generate and test new ideas and to reconsider existing ideas. In my opinion, the event was very worthwhile, although of course the true test of its utility will be in the Government’s response to the ideas generated. In the final session, Prime Minister Rudd committed to acquit the ideas – indicating what would be done, what would not be pursued and why and what might be modified for implementation – by the end of 2008. His commitment was very clear and I expect to see this realised. In the meantime, the interim report is available at the 2020 website where the debate continues.

The University 5 year plans, actioning our strategic intent, are being finalized as I write. The next iteration will be available soon on the web for your review and comment. These are close to final now and I hope we’ll be in a position to sign off on them in early May.

Have a good, long weekend. It is a special one. I don’t know about you, but I find the ANZAC day holiday a time to pause and reflect on the sacrifices and events of war, certainly at Gallipoli but at other times and places too, and on the doggedness with which we should pursue peace. Lest we forget.

Cheers,
Sandra