March 4 2005, Australian Edition

The University of Melbourne Alumni Newsletter, published monthly.

Alumnus wins $200 account at Bookshop

Congratulations to alumnus Vicky Au (BA, BSc Hons 2000), pictured right, who was thrilled to win a $200 account at the Melbourne University Bookshop. Vicky's name was randomly selected from a list of everyone who updated their contact details online during February.

If you would like to be the next winner, simply update your contact details during March and you will go into the draw. Every month, one lucky alumnus will receive an account valued at $200 from the Melbourne University Bookshop. Prizes are redeemable from any country. View the terms and conditions (PDF, 19k).

[top]

Public Lectures at the University

A public university must inform - and sometimes challenge - a wider audience. One important expression of this commitment is the public lecture series supported by the University. This annual program began in February and will run until Christmas.

The diversity of topics offered as public lectures speaks to the size and complexity of the University of Melbourne. In February alone, a range of international visitors presented lectures on European social partnerships, religion in public life in Indonesia and Australia, financial issues confronting housing associations, and the changing atmosphere.

Complete details of upcoming public lectures can be found online.

[top]

Alumni careers

JOB OF THE MONTH: KNOWLEDGE ANALYST
A legal firm is recruiting for a Knowledge Analyst. Working within the Workplace Relations Group, the major focus will be training new members on the knowledge management database. There would also be involvement in the development of new procedures and contribution to the overall sharing of knowledge throughout the firm. The ideal candidate will have some relevant experience and either be legally qualified or alternatively have another relevant degree such as Management or IT that assists them in understanding complex knowledge and precedent management systems.

To find out more about this job (Vacancy ID #16788) log onto Careers Online. Alumni who do not have access to Careers Online can request access by filling out the online form.

Read more about Careers & Employment Services for Alumni.

[top]

Alumni profiles

JOHN SCHAUBLE Bachelor of Arts (Hons) 1981, Bachelor of Laws 1982, Bachelor of Letters 1991 Senior Journalist, The Age, MELBOURNE Always on the lookout for a good story, journalist John Schauble's career has led him through the depths China, North Korea and Mongolia and back to Australia where he is now working as a senior journalist for The Age. John's reportage has covered an astonishing array of topics - from notorious murder trials to raging bushfires. more

AIZNIN SULAIMAN Bachelor of Laws 1985 Legal Adviser, MALAYSIA Aiznin Sulaiman realised that studying was important, but the real lessons in life come 'after you hang the scroll on the wall'. Thus he tried to change the legal landscape in the highest court in Malaysia, then joined the navy and sailed the seven seas. Aiznin is now working as a Legal Adviser. more

Alumni news & offers

COMMITTEE OF CONVOCATION
The Committee of Convocation is established under the provisions of the Melbourne University Act to contribute to the governance of the University. The membership of the Committee is provided through nomination and, where necessary, election by graduates of the University (Convocation). The position of President of Convocation and half the membership (22) of the Committee of Convocation will become vacant at the completion of their current terms of office on 31 December 2005. A call for nominations for the President's position and representatives of graduates on the Committee will be advertised in two Melbourne newspapers in the week commencing 16 May 2005. Please ensure you are able to take part in an election, should one be held, by updating your details on the Graduate role.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE ALUMNI BUSHWALKING GROUP
This bushwalking group is a non-profit organisation for alumni of all ages and from all backgrounds who wish to enjoy the Australian bush. A few experienced bushwalking leaders share the responsibility of leading monthly walks. Everyone is welcome, including friends and family. 'I would like to say how friendly and welcoming the group was', commented a new walker recently. "Everyone was happy to introduce themselves and share stories of their involvement and experiences with the group. I met some very interesting people - both young, and young at heart." The next walk takes place on March 19 at Mortimer Park to Pooley Road. Meeting place: Parks Victoria, Rangers Office Main Street Gembrook Melways 299 A10. Time: 10.30am. For more details, Bee Nah Ng.

ATTENTION: SPORTING ALUMNI
During 2004 and 2005, the Melbourne University Sports Association (MUSA) has been celebrating its Centenary, which will culminate in the celebration of University sport at the MUSA Centenary Dinner on April 30 at the National Gallery of Victoria. MUSA is inviting all sporting alumni of the University to attend the Centenary Dinner. Around 500 alumni are expected to attend the Centenary Dinner including our patron, Justice John Winnecke, President of the Victorian Court of Appeal, Mr John Landy, Governor of Victoria, numerous Olympic Medallists including Ralph Doubell and Peter Antonie and many other Australian representatives. The University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Glyn Davis will also be attending. To arrange your table, or to purchase tickets ($180 per person, incl GST), contact: Emily Gregory on (03) 9421 3000.

UNIVERSITY CLUB (GRADUATE HOUSE) MARCH KEY DATES
Lunch: 2 March, 12.30pm, Prof Frederick Mendelsohn, Howard Florey Institute.
DeBortoli Wine Tasting: 24 March at 8.00pm, discount wine to buy, book by 17 March for $5 entry.
Contact Graduate House on (03) 9347-3428.

[top]

University news

LAW STUDENT WORKS WITH HICKS DEFENCE TEAM
University of Melbourne Law student Sarah Finnin has just returned from a three month 'tour of duty' with the US military's David Hicks defence team in Washington DC. more

TOP GLOBAL RANKING FOR HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
The University of Melbourne has received top global rankings in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. In The UK Times Higher Education Supplement (2004), Melbourne was ranked 12th globally in social science disciplines. In arts and humanities, Melbourne was placed in the top 50 universities - one of only two Australian institutions in this ranking. more

BOLLYWOOD FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT TSUNAMI SURVIVORS
A Bollywood music and dance extravaganza, featuring a performance by world class Afghani sitar player Khalil Gudaz, will be held at the University of Melbourne on March 5 to help raise money for tsunami survivors. more

AWARD TO UNI AS 'EMPLOYER OF CHOICE' FOR WOMEN
The University of Melbourne has been named an Australian employer of choice for women based on policies and programs that have seen, among other gains, women grow in prominence at senior executive level and in other academic and general staff leadership positions. more

More news from the University of Melbourne is available online.

[top]

Research news

FALLING DOWN… IT'S AN AGE-OLD PROBLEM
Understanding why older people trip, what happens to the neck in whiplash, and how the design of knee and shoulder joint replacements can be improved are just some of the projects being undertaken in a new biomechanics research program at the University of Melbourne. more

FAULTY BRAIN BRAKES MAY DRIVE ADDICTION
Melbourne researchers have put forward a new theory of addiction that suggests a faulty braking mechanism in the brain may be to blame for the lack of control addicts seem to have, even when they know the consequences of their actions could be devastating. more

CAN QUITTING REVERSE BONE LOSS CAUSED BY SMOKING?
University of Melbourne researchers are conducting a major study into how smoking affects bone health and particularly whether quitting can reverse the damaging effects of smoking on bone. more

[top]

Faculty news & events

ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND PLANNING
Adelaide EcoHousing Competition Exhibition, until Friday 8 April, the University of Melbourne, Level 5, Architecture and Planning Building.
Tuesday 22 March, Dean's Lecture Series 2005, "Ideas, Landscape and Whimsy - Projects from 7 years of Practice", by Anton James, Anton James Design, Sydney, 6.30pm at Prince Philip Theatre.

LAND AND FOOD RESOURCES
Help us promote great careers in land and food resources: We are currently collating the Land and Food Resources brochures for 2006 and it would be great if we could include your profile! Prospective students find profiles very useful when deciding on what course to choose when they finish school. It is easy to submit your story by completing the on-line form.

Faculty of Land and Food Resources celebrates 100 years with the University. Did you know that the University established the Faculty of Agriculture in 1905 and admitted the first (one only) student in 1906 and subsequently four students in 1907? The faculty plans to formally celebrate the centenary late 2005 and early 2006 with an exciting program of events. Suggestions about appropriate events are most welcome. We are calling on alumni members representing different eras, to join a Centenary Reference Group to assist in the formulation of a program that is of interest to a broad range of graduates. If you are interested, please email Chloe Rubbo or call (03) 8344 0102.

ENGINEERING
The Faculty of Engineering history book Increasing Momentum: Engineering at the University of Melbourne 1861-2004 by Dr Carolyn Rasmussen, MUP was published last year. Cost per copy: $65 for non-alumni, $60 for alumni plus post and packing. According to The Australian, 'Carolyn Rasmussen's highly readable and fascinatingly illustrated history will appeal not only to the alumni signalled in the subtitle, but also to general readers interested in the history of science and broader issues of technological development in Australia.' Contact Helen Whyte, Engineering Foundation on (03) 8344 7149 .

MEDICINE, DENTISTRY AND HEALTH SCIENCES
Tuesday 8 March, 71st Beattie Smith Lecture, 'Beyond Evidence: the moral case for mental health in poor countries', by Dr Vikram Patel, Reader in International Mental Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Clinical Research Unit, Sunderland Lecture Theatre, ground floor, Medical Building, cnr Grattan Street and Royal Parade, the University of Melbourne.

Tuesday 22 March, 'The convergence of eastern and western medicine', by Professor Yean L Lim AM, Professor/Director, Centre for Cardiovascular Therapeutics, Western Hospital, Sunderland Lecture Theatre, ground floor, Medical Building, cnr Grattan Street and Royal Parade, the University of Melbourne.

View full program details of the 2005 Dean's Lecture Series.

The February issue of Melbourne PostCard, published by the University of Melbourne Medical Society (UMMS), is available on the UMMS website. The theme of this edition of Melbourne PostCard is Indigenous Health.

Catch up on Faculty News online or visit the Faculty Homepage.

[top]

About GradNet

PUBLISHED BY:

SUBSCRIPTIONS:

AUSTRALIAN & INTERNATIONAL VERSIONS AVAILABLE:

NEXT EDITION:

DISCLAIMER & COPYRIGHT INFORMATION: