Australia’s first and only fully private university, Bond University on the Gold Coast celebrates its 25th Anniversary this week with a program of activities involving alumni from around the globe.
Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Tim Brailsford, said the 25th Anniversary was a significant milestone for the University which has grown to over 4,000 students and 1,000 employees since its opening.
“Bond University was seen initially as an oddity by the higher education sector when it first launched in 1989 and it would be fair to say there was an element of scepticism about its ability to grow, but that time has long passed,” said Professor Brailsford.
“Bond University is now highly regarded internationally with Bond graduates in senior positions across a range of disciplines both in Australia and around the world.”
“We have established a reputation which is the envy of many higher education institutions and the University is primed for significant growth and further development over the next 25 years.”
Professor Brailsford said Bond University’s success owes much to the vision, drive and passion of a dedicated and energetic group of business and community figures who believed that the Gold Coast needed its own university.
He said the entrepreneurial spirit and ‘have a go attitude’ that is synonymous with the Gold Coast overall sowed the seeds for Bond University and has been part of its DNA since the outset.
“Innovation and entrepreneurship have been the hallmarks of our success over the past two and a half decades, and Bond University has matured, proven itself and defied the critics of its early days. We are now firmly established and respected by our peers,” he said.
Professor Brailsford said significant milestones including its initial launch, the attainment of full independence in 1999, and the establishment of the School of Medicine in 2004 which saw many in the higher education sector ‘sit up and take notice of Bond as the first private university to offer Medicine in Australia.
“The establishment of the School of Medicine was a major achievement that was not easy to do and it gave Bond a level of credibility,” he said.
“Our reputation now sees us regularly attract OP 1 students from other institutions around the country and also a high standard of academic staff who could in reality choose to lecture anywhere in the world, but they come to Bond.
“We have created an environment which attracts ambitious and driven people both at a student and academic staff level – it is one of our points of difference.”
Bond has led the sector in innovation which includes the accelerated learning model, commitment to small-group learning and personal mentoring, international diversity, cutting-edge facilities, quality teaching faculty and continual innovation in the development of new programs.
The University has a packed week of activities and events this week leading up to the 25th Anniversary Gala Ball on Saturday night (Saturday May 17) at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The University’s namesake, Alan Bond, will be a guest at the Gala Ball which looks set to host around 1,000 guests including alumni from all corners of the world.
Homecoming – Bond Community Day will be held on Friday (May 16) with a variety of activities ranging from a Business Leaders Breakfast to sports events and university tours.