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Issue 9 - 14 May 2009
ACU Update is produced fortnightly for staff, students and friends of Australian Catholic University (ACU). To submit a news article or event, please email editor@acu.edu.au or call 07 3623 7491.
Melbourne and Ballarat Graduations
Heads of Schools Workshop
The Margaret Balint Award
ACU Inauguration Ceremony in India
Philosopher receives University of Antwerp hon doc
ACU Staff achieve over 30 years in Catholic Education
Community Engagement staff survey
Building Business Professionals workshop
Inventors of the future
Fair trade stall
ACU makes an impact at Indigenous Jobs Market
Scholarships strengthening nursing education
Get involved globally
Writing for the web
Upcoming Events
Melbourne and Ballarat Graduations
The Melbourne and Ballarat Graduation Ceremonies and Masses were held recently, with a total of 1312 degrees conferred, 17 doctoral candidates and two University Medallists.
The Melbourne Graduation Ceremony saw AFL legend Kevin Sheedy become an honourable doctor of the University in recognition of his contributions to the community and youth work in sport.
Reverend William James Uren SJ and Mr Brendon Dooley were also given the honour at the Melbourne Ceremony, while Mr Terry Synan was honoured at the Ballarat Ceremony.
Education Lecturer and Researcher, Professor Ann Gervasoni was awarded the ‘2008 Outstanding Community Engagement Award’ at the Ballarat Ceremony. This was in recognition of her work with The Smith Family, The Ballarat Clemente partners and The Learning for Life project. Professor Gervasoni was also awarded the Vice-Chancellor's Award for Oustanding Community Engagement as a member of The Ballarat Learning for Life Program.
Both of the Graduation Masses were a huge success, with over 450 people attending the Melbourne service.
Professor Ann Gervasoni (left) with Michelle Anderson of The Smith Family Ballarat, Education Lecturer Karen McLean and Arts Lecturer Beatrice Johnston.
The Melbourne Graduation Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Heads of Schools workshop
The biannual Heads of Schools workshop was recently held at the North Sydney Campus (MacKillop), with most Heads of School, Deans and Associate-Deans attending. Lead by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Gabrielle McMullen, the workshop was focused on strategic issues for the University and sector.
Attendees of the biannual Heads of Schools workshop.
The Margaret Balint Award
At a recent ceremony at the Strathfield Campus (Mount Saint Mary), Mary Evripidou and Wendy Spooner were named this year’s recipients of the Margaret Balint Award for their personal contributions to the life of the University.
Mary Evripidou received the award in recognition of her work in co-ordinating World Youth Day activities at the University, while Wendy Spooner was awarded the prize for her continual caring and professional service in the Student Office.
Presented annually, the Award is in remembrance of the late Margaret Balint for her devotion to Australian Catholic University. It is believed the current strength and success of the University’s primary education programs is a result of Margaret’s hard work and vision.
“I was shocked and completely speechless when I was told I was nominated,” said Wendy.
“Having had the opportunity to work with Margaret when she was based at Strathfield, it is an honour to be presented with this award in remembrance of her,” she said.
Mary said receiving this award was very special.
"I knew Margaret quite well and she really was an endearing, kind and respected woman," said Mary.
Mary Evripidou (left) and Wendy Spooner
ACU Inauguration Ceremony in India
Associate Professor Pam Gibbons and Mr Tony Reeder from the North Sydney Campus (MacKillop) recently attended a ceremony in India to celebrate the inauguration between ACU and Naipunnya International, an organisation within the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly in the south Indian state of Kerala.
The inauguration has involved the University supporting major education projects in the region, such as the establishment of an educational and career resource centre. The funding will also allow for the sponsorship of 400 students per year, a careers guidance program and a number of other initiatives.
The project is presided over by Bishop Thomas Chakiath and Bishop Sebastian Adayanthrath of the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly in Cochin, India.
Bishop Sebastian Adayanthrath opening the Resource Centre, with Bishop Thomas Chakiath (left), ACU’s Mr Tony Reeder and Professor Pam Gibbons.
Philosopher receives University of Antwerp hon doc
Professor Raimond Gaita, Foundation Professor of Philosophy at Australian Catholic University, was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Antwerp, for his exceptional contribution to contemporary moral philosophy and for his singular approach to the role of the intellectual in today's academic culture.
He was bestowed the honour on 29 April 2009 by the Rector of the University of Antwerp, alongside genetics expert Richard Dawkins, artist Jan Fabre, chemist Henk Timmerman and legal expert Robert Alexy.
Professor Raimond Gaita (centre) at the awards ceremony.
ACU staff achieve over 30 years in Catholic education
A group of ACU Ballarat Campus (Aquinas) staff members were recently recognised at an awards ceremony for their dedication to Catholic education in Victoria.
Dr Peter Morris, Dr Mary Nuttall rsm, Dr Marian de Souza, Dr Annette Schneider rsm and Joanne Rix have each given over 30 years of service to Catholic education.
The group was acknowledged along with 21 other dedicated workers.
Dr Mary Nuttall rsm, Dr Marian de Souza, Dr Peter Morris and Joanne Rix.
Community engagement staff survey
A survey to assess the community engagement activities of ACU staff was launched recently.
With a strong commitment to community engagement and social justice, ‘third stream’ activities are an important aspect to life at the University.
The anonymous survey hopes to provide an overview of activities staff are involved in and also suggest possible data collection methods for the future.
To participate in the survey, please visit the following link: http://survey.peoplepulse.com.au/display.php?s=939021e842f425672.
Building Business Professionals workshop
Australian Catholic University business students were recently selected to take part in the three-day Building Business Professionals workshop at Macquarie University in Sydney.
Accompanied by conference facilitator and ACU Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences, Theda Thomas, the four students were joined by a further 31 students from seven universities across the country.
The workshop investigated the integration of critical thinking, teamwork, ethical practice and sustainable practice to the business curriculum taught at universities.
North Sydney Bachelor of Business student Simone Senkyrova said the workshop was a great opportunity to develop professionally.
“The workshop gave me a lot to think about and inspired me to work harder in the future,” said Ms Senkyrova.
“It was great to meet so many wonderful people – both academics and students – who are so talented, committed to study and excel in their work,” she said.
The Building Business Professionals workshop group, including Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences Theda Thomas (fifth row, far left).
Inventors of the future
Late last year, three students from ACU’s Canberra Campus (Signadou) received Silver CREST (Creativity in Science and Technology) Awards for carrying out a science/technology investigation and applying it to the real world.
Kristy Reid designed and built an automatic dog walker, Trent Wilson created a reusable shopping bag which protects fresh produce and Aimee Nye built a wheelbarrow that can attach to a motorbike for transport goods on a farm.
This is the first time the highly regarded Silver CREST Awards have been awarded to ACU students, with previous students winning Bronze-level awards.
Kristy Reid (left), Trent Wilson, Science and Technology lecturer Nola Shoring and Aimee Nye.
Kristy Reid with her design, the 'Woofa Walker'.
Fair trade stall
The Melbourne Campus (St Patrick’s) Students for Awareness group recently held a stall to raise money and awareness for Fair Trade Fortnight.
In a period of only three hours, the students raised $950.
All proceeds from the store will be donated to The Trading Circle, a Fair Trade Good Shepherd project aiming to empower women in Africa, Asia and South America to earn a living for their families.
Hannah Francis (left) and helping a student at the fair trade stall.
ACU makes an impact at Indigenous Jobs Market
ACU Indigenous Employment Officer Shani Galleghan and Marketing Officer Andrew Profilio recently attended the Indigenous Job Market in Mt Druitt, Sydney.
Advertised as Sydney’s biggest Indigenous Employment and Training event, the day attracted large crowds and many enquiries from prospective students and employees.
Crowds expressed particular interest in the establishment of the Centre for Indigenous Education and Research, as well as ACU Indigenous Employment Strategy.
Past Yalbalinga graduates showed interest in postgraduate study, with a long term view to work in the University’s Indigenous programs.
It was a great opportunity for ACU to strengthen its connection and commitment to the Indigenous community.
For more information regarding Indigenous employment at ACU, please contact Shani Galleghan on (02) 9701 4174 or email shani.galleghan@acu.edu.au.
Scholarships strengthening nursing education
Ballarat Campus nursing students, Nicole Lemos and Kathleen Zibell, were recently awarded scholarships for their commitment to and excellence in nursing practice.
Donated from St John of God Health in Ballarat, the scholarships will go towards further improving the girls’ nursing practice.
Nicole said she was extremely excited and honoured to receive the award.
“It shows that all the hard work I have done has paid off and is appreciated,” she said.
“I will put the money towards my graduation year and something practical that I can use in the job.”
Other awards presented at the ceremony were sponsored by the Ballarat South Rotary Club, the George Alexander Foundation, Ballarat Diocesan Schools Board, Diocese of Sandhurst and the Michael Myers Scholarship Fund.
Kathleen Zibell (left) and Nicole Lemos.
Get Involved Globally
Catholic Mission, in conjunction with North-East Deanery Youth Ministry, is currently accepting applications for an upcoming mission trip to Timor-Leste.
As the world’s newest independent nation, Timor-Leste is an ideal destination for young people to ‘Get Involved Globally’, while considering issues of social justice and mission engagement.
The first of the two trips for 2009 departs on 28 June and returns 10 July.
For a free information pack, including itinerary, country information and health guide, please contact trip facilitator, Lana Turvey, on (02) 9411 4611. Alternatively, the Brisbane Catholic Mission office can be contacted on (07) 3336 9239.
Writing for the web
A “Writing for Web” roadshow will soon be conducted across all campuses of ACU.
The workshop is designed to assist the University's web content managers and will introduce a guide specifically designed for this process. All staff members are welcome to attend and invitations will soon be sent to content managers.
If you would like more information, please contact Sue Falkner on 03 9953 3851 or sue.falkner@acu.edu.au.
North Sydney Social Justice Youth Forum: 27 May
Brisbane Social Justice Youth Forum: 29 May
National Symposium on Religious Education: 29 June
Details on this and other upcoming events can be found on the events page of the website. Promote your event by emailing details to editor@acu.edu.au.
