Our Stories
Our Stories
Our Stories is a project for the University of Adelaide’s 150th year, capturing the stories of our community – past and present – and celebrating the achievements and memories of people from all over the world who are connected to the University.
Dr Gavin Quek
In 2017, I left Malaysia to pursue a degree in Dentistry at the University of Adelaide, driven by a curiosity that had once frightened me.
Dr Sarah Cannard
It was an easy decision to study at the University of Adelaide because Sir Andy Thomas, Australia’s first member of NASA’s elite astronaut corps, went there. I was following in the footsteps of one of my heroes.
My story begins post-graduation when I was privileged to be married in the Soldiers' Memorial Chapel at Roseworthy Campus and hold the reception in the historic Roseworthy Main Building Dining Room. That was 30 years ago and realised a longtime dream to be married in the Roseworthy Chapel at the institution that gave me a head start to a wonderful career in agriculture.
Dale is now officially retired after a 34 year professional career in agriculture. However, he continues serving on the Roseworthy Old Collegians Association, where he severed as a committee member continuously for the past 42 years. He has spent three separate terms as President, a title he currently holds. He also served a term on the University’s Alumni Council.
Dale Manson JP
R D A 1976, R D A T 1977, Grad Dip Ed 1990, M App Sc (ag) 1998.
My grandfather, Graham Wilkinson, received his M.Sc and D.Sc from the University of Adelaide. Following an "outstanding" global career he was awarded the Pitman Medal, which is a gold medal awarded by the Statistical Society of Australia, and has been awarded only 25 times since its creation in 1978. The medal is awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement in, and contribution to, the discipline of Statistics.
His bio from that award notes: "His work has genuinely and fundamentally changed the way we do statistics". His paper "Statistical estimations in enzyme kinetics" has been nominated as a Citation Classic. Amongst peers, his work and approach was regarded as "profound and lasting".
I believe he is one of two University of Adelaide graduates to be awarded a Pitman Medal for their contribution to their field.
My grandmother, Gwen, received her Bachelor of Science in 1948, and her M.Sc in 1951, both at The University of Adelaide. She was amongst the earlier woman in science.
Graham Wilkinson and Gwen Wilkinson
Graham: B Sc (Hons) 1953, M Sc 1958, D Sc 1980
Gwen: B Sc 1948
As told by their granddaughter, Sophie Wilkinson, Alumni Council Committee member and alum.
B Des St 2008, B Com (Mgmt) 2009, Grad Cert Proj Mgmt & Org 2009.
Started Ag Science in 1994 and on my first excursion to Port Gawler mangroves I met a fellow student for the first time. He threw an apple core so I 'told him off'. Apparently he was smitten afterwards but it may have been my short shorts.
We were truly best of friends spending many lunch breaks on the Barr Smith Lawns before realising there was more to it. Thirty years later we are happily married with a growing family, working together professionally in Viticulture. There may be many other 'interesting' stories of our days as students, and we wouldn't change a thing. Definitely Adelaide Uni has had an amazing impact on our lives, and we are so grateful for how it shaped our future for the long road ahead.
Kerry-Anne is a Senior Viticulturalist at Growers Supplies McLaren Vale.
Kerry-Anne March
B Ag Sc (Hort Sc).
The following is a series of excepts taken from Dato’ Lee’s memoir “Think Malaysian Act Global” (2nd Edition 2021), detailing his time as a Colombo Plan scholar in the 1950s.
1956 was most memorable for me. First, it was my very first time away from home. Secondly, it was also the first time I lived in a foreign country that was predominantly Anglo-Saxon and quite advanced and developed. Thirdly, it was my first year in University…
Unlike Sydney or Melbourne, Adelaide was in the backwater and did not have a large Asian student population, maybe about three hundred mostly from South-East Asia. We were rather close to one another, especially the Colombo Plan students.
In the summer of 1956, the Murray River was in flood. Adelaide University Student Union organised flood relief teams of volunteers. I can still see in my mind’s eye the Murray in ravaging mood, with flood water reaching the top of the telegraph poles and sandbanks poised precariously against the water.
There was a great camaraderie amongst the student volunteers. Most of them were surprised to see two Malayans amongst them but deeply appreciative of our attempt to help. Our motivation was very simple. We were privileged to have a university education by the generosity of the Australian people under the Colombo Plan. I cannot help but repay even to this day.
Dato’ Ir Lee Yee Cheong has held many high-level leadership, academic and advisory roles throughout his long and illustrious career. He is an Honorary Advisor with the Malaysian Australian Alumni Council.
Dato’ Ir (Dr) Lee Yee Cheong AO
B E (Elec) (Hons).
Share your stories
Our 160,000+ alumni are found right across the globe and in all walks of life. Whether you’re a member of staff, student, alumni, researcher or partner, we want to hear how your connection with the University (past or present) has made a difference!
In 200 words or fewer, share your memories of the University of Adelaide and what impact your time here had on your history. An image or a short video or audio message may also be uploaded. Shared stories may be published digitally and/or in print.