Issue 6 - Thursday 3 April
ACU National Update is produced fortnightly for staff, students and friends of Australian Catholic University (ACU National). To submit a news article or event, please email editor@acu.edu.au or call 07 3623 7491
- Graduation season begins in Canberra
- WYD08 journey continues
- Registration opens for World Youth Day 2008
- New artwork embodies the spirit of Easter
- Theology journal hold Easter reflections
- Aboriginal history uncovered
- Holy Week liturgies at Strathfield
- Strathfield celebrates the year ahead
- ACU National and Stride Foundation launch innovative peer support program
- Catholic Identity Conference honoured with visit from Pope's representative
- Canberra staff Relay for Life
- Exercise Science Conference promotes healthy lifestyles and scientific innovation
- St Patrick's Day at Strathfield Campus
- Melbourne to showcase international talent
- Cycling for a cause
- Brisbane looks to Indigenous health solutions
- Japanese artwork to feature at Strathfield
- Upcoming Events
Graduation season begins in Canberra
The first of this year’s graduation ceremonies was held last Friday, as 127 students from the Canberra Campus (Signadou) celebrated the completion of their studies in a moving ceremony held in the Great Hall at Parliament House. The ceremony was the first presided over by new Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Craven.
Strong family ties were responsible for the success of several graduates including mother and daughter Lennette and Susan Blinksell who graduated from the Bachelor of Education (Primary) and sisters-in-law Maggie and Megan Rice, who both graduated with a Master of Education (Primary). The graduates credited their family connections with giving them the support they needed to make it through their study.
The ceremony was well attended by family and friends including one proud mother, Seija Touvinen, who travelled from Japan to see her daughter graduate. Occasional speaker Professor Mike Gaffney, speaking on You say you want a revolution, welcomed the Rudd Government’s education initiatives but cautioned that they be carefully integrated with other areas of education, social and economic policy.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Craven joins graduates on the steps of Parliament House
Occaisional speaker Professor Mike Gaffney delivers his address, You say you want a revolution
Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Craven congratulates a graduate
WYD08 journey continues
Students from the Canberra Campus (Signadou) joined with the Canberra Goulburn Archdiocese as they farewelled the WYD Cross and Icon and Message Stick. The final farewell was the culmination of a 12-day journey throughout the Archdiocese.
ACU National students made the journey via bus and chairlift, and then walked seven kms to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. Once on top of the highest peak in Australia they participated in a moving ceremony in which the cross and icon were given to representatives from Wagga Wagga Diocese.
The majestic surroundings made for a moving and inspirational experience. Education student Sarah Sams said she believed the event contributed to a growing excitement about World Youth Day 2008, as
Canberra students had carried the cross to Parliament house and walked hand in hand with other pilgrims to Mount Kosciusko.
ACU National students with Archbishop Mark Coleridge at the summit
Registration opens for World Youth Day 2008
ACU National is sponsoring more than 250 students, alumni and staff to attend World Youth Day 2008 (WYD08) from 15 to 20 July. Sponsorship includes registration fees, billet accommodation, entry to all WYD08 events and an ACU National WYD08 Jacket. A co-contribution of $100 for a full package and $40 for a weekend package is required.
Students, staff and alumni are invited to join Pilgrim Groups, led by selected ACU National staff and students. You can view the complete list of Group Leaders (Word, 48.1kb) and select a suitable group.
If you are experiencing difficulties joining a group or registering, please contact the Dean of Students for assistance at mary.evripidou@acu.edu.au or on (02) 9739 2927.
You can find out more about WYD08 by using the link on the ACU National Website or going direct to www.wyd2008.org
New artwork embodies the spirit of Easter
The Ballarat Campus (Aquinas) celebrated Easter with the blessing by Bishop Peters Connors of a new relief carving, The Crucifixion, commissioned for the redevelopment of the campus chapel.
Designed by Phil Cooper, The Crucifixion is a unique piece of modern sculpture that embodies key elements of Easter celebrations. It reminds the viewer to rejoice in all that is life giving and to celebrate the importance of community. The emotional depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus is surrounded by natural light, creating a focal point to the chapel and symbolising hope, new life and a new energy for the church year ahead.
“One’s eyes are almost irresistibly drawn up to the piece,” said ACU National Ballarat Campus (Aquinas) Rector Professor Anne Hunt. “We see Mary and the beloved disciple, standing at the foot of the cross. Jesus, his body broken, his arms outstretched, looks down on them with love and compassion. Phil has captured the cosmic significance of this intensely personal moment.”
Artist Phil Cooper with Bishop Peter Connors beneath The Crucifixion
Theology journal holds Easter reflections
The latest edition of the National School of Theology’s online journal, Australian EJournal of Theology (AEJT), has been released. With a focus on Easter, the journal contains comment from leading theologians as well as reviews of religious books.
A highlight of the journal is Ballarat Campus Rector Anne Hunt’s poignant reflection on the place of the Pascal Mystery in our lives and the life of the Church.
The AEJT is produced on the Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo) and can be viewed at http://www.acu.edu.au/faculties-schools/schools/theology/ejournal
Aboriginal history uncovered
A Concise Companion to Aboriginal History, a book detailing the history of Indigenous Australians , has been released.
Written by ACU National Arts and Sciences Lecturer Associate Professor Malcolm Prentis, the book encompasses creation stories involving Dreaming, Aboriginal political activity, historical events and controversies, literature and sport, and includes wide ranging photography.
Dr Prentis has highlighted all regions of Australia and the Torres Strait Islands, as well as all periods of recorded history. The book follows Dr Prentis’s earlier book, A Study in Black and White: The Aborigines in Australian History and The Scots in Australia.
Cover of Associate Professor Malcolm Prentis's book A Concise Companion to Aboriginal History
Holy Week Liturgies at Strathfield
The Strathfield Campus (Mount Saint Mary) marked Holy Week with a moving enactment of the Stations of the Cross, in addition to a Holy Thursday Servant Liturgy, a reflection group session on the Easter Sunday Gospel and weekly Eucharist.
As part of preparations for Easter, the campus community also raised more than $500 for Project Compassion, Caritas Australia’s major annual fundraising and education campaign.
A special thank you must go to those students who assisted in preparing the Holy Week Liturgies, in particular Teresa Georges, Adam Chioatto, Cello Georgouras, Vanessa Forcella, and Dory Zaouk.
Fabian Amuso, Zachariah Duke, Cello Georgouras and Dory Zaouk count Project Compassion Donations
Strathfield celebrates the year ahead
The Strathfield Campus celebrated the beginning of the academic year recently with the Opening of the Academic Year and Commissioning of the 2008 Student Association in the Gleeson Auditorium, with the theme This is your time; Don’t hold back!
Those who attended were inspired by the words of Marianne Williamson to “let their light shine” and to use their time at University to get involved and make a contribution.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and International) Professor Peter Wilson commissioned the new student leaders during the ceremony and awarded students who had volunteered their time and talents during Orientation Week with a certificate of appreciation.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and International) Peter Wilson with representatives from the Strathfield Campus Student Association
ACU National and Stride Foundation launch innovative peer support program
The Ballarat Campus (Aquinas), in collaboration with Stride Foundation, recently presented awards of recognition to students from the newly-established Peer Leadership Network, which aims to ease the growing pressures on tertiary students.
The Peer Leadership Program enables students to recognise peers who are experiencing difficulties with self confidence, work pressures, social isolation and schooling deadlines, and trains students to offer practical advice to peers on seeking assistance from student services.
Ballarat Campus Rector Professor Anne Hunt was joined by Stride Foundation’s Sonya Tufnell to present 33 ACU National students with an award badge in recognition of their participation in the Peer Leadership training program.
“Stride Foundation is proud to have worked collaboratively with ACU National to create a new model of our program for the needs of tertiary students” said Ms Tufnell. “It’s fantastic to see the enthusiastic students participating in the program and encouraging their peers to seek help.”
Stride Foundation is a not-for-profit, non-government organisation dedicated to improving the physical, mental and social well-being of young people and their communities.
Stride Foundation's Sonya Tufnell with peer leaders Andrea Monsour and Justine McIntosh and Ballarat Campus Rector Professor Anne Hunt
Catholic Identity Conference honoured with visit from Pope’s representative
The Apostolic Nuncio, the recently arrived representative of the Pope in Australia, joined ACU National’s Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Gabrielle McMullen, Archbishop Coleridge of Canberra and Archbishop Hart of Melbourne at the opening of the Catholic Identity Colloquium last week at the Melbourne Campus (St Patrick’s).
The Apostolic Nuncio will be in Australia for six years, having previously served six-year terms in Ireland and Iraq.
The Colloquium addressed the future of Catholic Identity in many different organisations from the health, education, religious, business, and social service sectors. It emphasised a Catholic culture which focuses on values-based leadership, honesty, humility and addressing the marginalised.
Apostolic Nuncio with Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Professor Gabrielle McMullen and Archbishop Mark Coleridge
Canberra staff support Relay for Life
A team of 25 staff and students from the Canberra Campus (Signadou) put on their walking shoes to show their support for the fight against cancer by participating in a 24-hour Relay for Life.
As part of a 1,500-strong crowd, the ACU National team walked, jogged or ran around the clock to raise more than $3,500 for the Cancer Council, contributing to more than $200,000 raised by the event for cancer research, information, support and education.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to help bring to realisation ACU Nationals commitment to engaging staff and students in support of the wider community,” Mission Engagement Facilitator and Team Manager Carolyn Heath said.
Several staff and students chose to participate as a result of their lives being touched by cancer in some sense, and all expressed their keen desire to make an even bigger impact at next year’s event.
ACU National's Relay for Life team
Exercise Science Conference promotes healthy lifestyles and scientific innovation
The Melbourne Campus (St Patrick’s) recently hosted the 2008 Conference of the Australian Association for Sport and Exercise Science (AAESS), which brought together a range of international and Australian experts to present the latest scientific research in the areas of exercise and chronic disease, exercise science, sport science, professional practice and sports nutrition.
The Annual Cotton Lecture was given by Professor Bruce Elliot of the University of Western Australia, who spoke of injury prevention and elite athletic performance, saying that “when you have the science behind it” optimal human performance and a reduced injury rate are possible.
Professor Elliot used the example of a 200 km serve in tennis and also spoke on the biomechanics of cricket players’ shoulders. He also had advice for AFL coaches, saying exercise science provides evidence to provide an effective plan for team training.
ACU National Professor Dr Elizabeth Bradshaw, Lecturer Christian Lorenzen, Dr Anna Murphy and Dr Devin Netto speaking on biomechanics at the AAESS
St Patrick’s Day at Strathfield Campus
ACU National was cloaked in green on Monday 17 March, as the Strathfield Campus (Mount Saint Mary) celebrated St Patrick’s Day in style. Green cordial was served and staff and students dressed in green as the campus community was entertained by a talented student and Irish dancer, Joanne Griffin. Clever comedians and students Andrew Profilio and Adam Chioatto kept the crowd laughing with some Irish joke-telling, as well as some energetic attempts at their own interpretation of Irish Dancing.
Strathfield students get into the spirit on St Patrick's Day
Melbourne to showcase international talent
Staff and students from the Melbourne Campus (St Patrick’s) are invited to attend the first ever International Student Cultural Performance in the Central Hall at 3pm on Friday 4 April.
The free performance will include traditional Indian, Nepalese and Japanese dancing, a Chinese Tai Chi display as well as a number of vocal items in various languages.
To assist in preparation for numbers, please collect a ticket from the St Patrick’s International Office.
Cycling for a cause
A team from ACU National will again participate in the annual Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay, a 24-hour cycling event which raises funds for hospitals and health-related organisations, on 5 and 6 April.
Coordinated by Nursing Lecturer Joe Perry, the ACU National team will be donating funds raised to a medical centre in Baucau, East Timor.
The ACU National team will begin at Echuca and travel more than 500 km through Victorian rural towns, including Charlton, St Arnaud, Dunkeld, Hamilton and Port Fairy.
Rather than being designed as a race, the event aims to motivate participants to strive to fulfill a goal which is a major personal and team achievement. It inspires people of different fitness levels and abilities, especially those who would not normally participate in such events.
The 2007 ACU National Murray to Moyne team
Brisbane looks to Indigenous health solutions
Solutions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health problems will be sought when the Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo) hosts an Indigenous Health Symposium on Monday 7 April.
A partnership between ACU National’s Weemala Indigenous Unit and the School of Nursing and Midwifery, the Symposium, responding to the theme “Challenges in Indigenous Health – Contributing to a solution”, will focus on how universities should contribute through teaching, research and community engagement.
ACU National Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Quality and Engagement) Professor John O’Gorman said he was proud of ACU National’s support for Indigenous health initiatives.
“The Indigenous Health Symposium is a timely reminder of the University’s ongoing concern to improve the well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Professor O’Gorman said.
“I congratulate the staff involved in this practical expression of the University’s Statement on Reconciliation; it will assist in building the capacity of Indigenous communities to manage their health more effectively.”
For further information, please contact Stephanie Jacob at stephanie.jacob@acu.edu.au or on (07) 3623 7195.
Japanese artwork to feature at Strathfield
The Strathfield Campus (Mount Saint Mary) is proud to welcome a major art exhibition by the Sydney Sogetsu Group of Ikebana Artists.
From Monday 7 April to Saturday 12 April, the Gallery @ Strathfield will display the Sogetsu ikebana artwork, which encompasses three-dimensional artistic expression composed of flower and plant material, recognised as a sculptural form of art.
Sogetsu promotes the use of plant materials of any type, to be displayed anywhere and in any circumstance. It is up to the aesthetic awareness of the individual ikebana arranger to compose the materials, choose their most beautiful aspects, order them, and aim to endow them with a value or feeling transcending their natural state.
The Consul-General of Japan Mr Nobuhito Hobo will be present at an opening ceremony for the exhibition on Tuesday 8 April in the ACU National Gallery @ Strathfield.
An example of ikebana artwork to be on display at Strathfield
Upcoming Events
- 7th Apr 2008 - 7th Apr 2008: Challenges in Indigenous health - contributing to a solution.
Details on these and other upcoming events can be found at www.acu.edu.au/events
Promote your event by listing it on the myACU events section and by emailing details to editor@acu.edu.au.
