Bond students, staff, alumni and supporters came together to celebrate a major milestone in the University’s history today with the official launch of its 25th Anniversary Celebrations.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Brailsford said the University had many reasons - and will have plenty of opportunities - to celebrate.
“Twenty-five years ago we changed the face of education in Australia by becoming the nation’s first private, not-for-profit university,” Professor Brailsford said.
“Bond and its people are unique and special. We’ve paved a path for others to follow, and carved out our place in history as the only genuine, truly independent university in Australia.
“We are incredibly proud of the fact that Bond is Australia’s highest-rating university for educational experience; and equally proud of our thousands of students and alumni who are now working to realise their ambitions all over the world, as part of Bond’s greater global community.
“2014 will be a huge year for Bond and we’ll be marking our 25th year with a host of fantastic events and celebrations, culminating in the Gala Ball weekend and homecoming activities in the middle of May.
“I urge every Bondie and member of the Bond community to join in our celebrations and by doing so, become part of the next chapter of the Bond story.”
Also speaking at the flag raising event and BUSA-hosted barbeque, was Peta Fielding, Chair of the Bond University Alumni Board and a member of Bond’s first ever cohort of students in September 1989.
Ms Fielding said returning to Bond, 25 years since the first day it opened, was an incredible experience.
“It’s wonderful to be maintaining an engagement with the University, 25 years on. The arms of the Bond embrace just get wider and stronger with each passing year to make room for us all,” she said.
“The 25th Anniversary celebrations provide a very special opportunity to celebrate the memories of the past 25 years, where the University is today, and our goals, dreams and plans for the next 25 years.
“I can assure alumni, and those of you who will become alumni, that when you physically leave the campus, you’re not forgotten. Instead, you become part of the thoughts, plans and focus for the next 25 years.
“The university has changed in many ways, but the one thing that has remained constant - it was there on day one and is still here today - is the heart and soul of Bond University, and that is certainly worth celebrating.”
Melanie Hayden, President of the Bond University Student Association (BUSA) said in the relatively short time she’d been at Bond, she’d witnessed amazing growth and change.
“Since I came to Bond three years ago I’ve seen new buildings grown from scratch, the entire redevelopment of the sporting fields, the introduction of new courses, and an overhaul of almost everything that we do,” she said.
“We might be a young university, but with the calibre of alumni we have, we’re certainly a great one.
“I’m very excited to be closely involved in the 25th Anniversary celebrations, which look set to be spectacular, and indicative of the fabulous university we have.”
The 25th Anniversary flag was raised by Ian Proctor, Bond’s longest service staff member who started with the university on 7 November 1988.
Professor Brailsford said Mr Proctor joined Bond before the doors of the university were officially opened.
“Ian is an absolute stalwart, has a fantastic attitude, is incredibly customer and service orientated, and has been here throughout the entire journey of this university’s history," he said.
"Who better to raise the 25 year flag for Bond than Ian?”
Bond’s 25th Anniversary celebrations continue later this month with the ‘The Great Debate’ on Friday, February 28. This event will see teams of students, alumni, academics and community members debate the importance of private education in Australia.
On Thursday, March 6 Mr Lyndon Terracini, Artistic Director of Opera Australia, will headline the Bond Business Leaders Forum to talk about how he blends business and culture to run Australia’s largest and busiest performing arts organisation.
Sunday, March 23 is shaping up to be a key date on the 25th Anniversary Celebration Calendar, with three events taking place here on campus – the inaugural Bond University Twilight Relay Run and two Bleach* Festival events: Live at Bond – BUSTAMENTO and Live at Bond - POETRY GALLERY.
Then on Saturday, March 29, Australia’s foremost expert on human rights, Mr Julian Burnside AO QC, will deliver a lecture on what is currently one of the nation’s most topical and thought provoking topics - asylum seekers.