Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton with Professor Dr Joybrato Mukherjee, President of Justus Liebig University Giessen
Justus Liebig Medal Awarded to Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton
Macquarie University was pleased to welcome a delegation from the Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) to Wallumattagal Campus last week. One of the oldest higher education institutions in the German-speaking world, JLU has been a valued partner of Macquarie since 2011 when Professor Emerita Martina Möllering established formal ties between the two institutions.
A highlight of the visit was the awarding of the Justus Liebig Medal to Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton by JLU President Professor Dr Joybrato Mukherjee. The honour recognises Professor Dowton’s outstanding services to JLU and to the partnership.
After receiving a guided tour of the Arts Precinct, the delegation met with faculty and Graduate Research Academy representatives to discuss deepening collaboration across research, student mobility and joint doctoral programs.
Alumni gathering in Hong Kong
After much anticipation, the University was pleased to welcome Hong Kong-based Macquarie alumni to a gathering hosted by Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton in early February.
The event – which was carefully planned to accommodate fluctuating local COVID restrictions – was also the first opportunity for Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Rorden Wilkinson to formally meet with international Macquarie alumni, including graduates of the University’s Hong Kong MBA program.
“The Hong Kong Macquarie Alumni Chapter has been growing in strength for more than 20 years and its members are such wonderful advocates for our University,” says Susan Mills, Head of Alumni Relations. “We greatly value these opportunities to connect with our international alumni and hear about the impact they are making in the world.”
Pictured (L-R): Dr Jane Hanley, Discipline Chair for Languages and Cultures; Professor Hsu-Ming Teo, Head of MCALL; Mr Richard Rodgers, Australian Ambassador-designate to Croatia and Kosovo; and Dr Jasna Novak Milic, Director of Croatian Studies
A visit from the Australian Ambassador-designate to Croatia and Kosovo
Earlier this month, Mr Richard Rodgers, Australian Ambassador-designate to Croatia and Kosovo, visited the Croatian Studies Centre in the Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Language and Literature (MCCALL) to learn about the programs, research outputs and partnerships conducted by the centre.
Mr Rodgers toured the Arts Precinct, including the language labs and Croatian Studies Centre library. He was impressed with the long tradition of Croatian studies at Macquarie, key ongoing projects such as Easy Croatian (a news podcast in collaboration with SBS), and the fruitful, ongoing staff and student exchanges with Croatian universities in Zagreb and Split.
The Croatian Studies Centre at Macquarie is one of only three such centres in the world and the only tertiary Croatian program in Australia. The centre celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
Pictured (L-R): The Very Reverend Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne Fr Christophoros Krikelis, Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia; Dr Patricia Koromvokis, Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Language and Literature (MCCALL) and Head of the Examination Centre for the Greek Language Certificate; Mr Yannis Mallikourtis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney; His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia; Mr Yiannis Theodoridis, Secretary of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Ltd.; Ms Sophie Cotsis, MP, Member of Canterbury and Macquarie University Alumni; Dr Jane Hanley, Discipline Chair of Languages and Cultures; Mr Theophilos Premetis, President of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Ltd.; Professor Hsu-Ming Teo, Head of MCCALL
Macquarie hosts Certificate of Attainment in the Greek Language ceremony
On 9 February 2023, the International Day of Greek Language, Macquarie University hosted the official award ceremony for school students receiving their 2022 Certificates of Attainment in the Greek Language.
The Certificate of Attainment in the Greek Language is the only official certification of proficiency, and Macquarie University is the only certified examination centre in NSW, a direct result of an ongoing partnership between the Modern Greek Studies Program at Macquarie and the Centre for Greek Language in Greece. This strengthens the University’s position as a renowned provider of language education, including a successful and extensive Greek Studies Program.
Approximately 170 people attended the ceremony, including recipients and their families, Greek language teachers from NSW schools, Greek community media, and various distinguished guests including His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis, the Very Reverend Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne Fr Christophoros Krikelis and Mr Yannis Mallikourtis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney. Mr Niki Kerameus (Minister of Education and Religious Affairs in Greece) and Mr Theodoros Papaggelis (President of the Centre for the Greek Language in Greece) delivered messages via video.
Parents and Carers Information Evening
Held on Thursday 9 February, the Parents and Carers Information Evening saw more than 460 parents and carers of commencing students visit campus. Hosted by one of our current students, the event provided plenty of opportunities for parents and carers to ask questions and engage with staff. To round out the experience, a panel of expert Macquarie staff provided information about key areas that support student success such as wellbeing, careers, engagement and academic support. To continue to engage these important members of our community, a dedicated parents and carers webpage is available.
Pictured (L-R): Associate Professor John De Nobile, Dr Maria Lobystyna and Dr Robyn Moloney from the School of Education
Book launch at the State Library of New South Wales
More than 50 teachers and education leaders attended a recent professional learning session and launch of a new book Interculturality in Schools: Practice and Research, written by Dr Robyn Moloney, Dr Maria Lobystyna and Associate Professor John de Nobile from the School of Education in the Faculty of Arts.
The event, hosted at the State Library of New South Wales, had a diverse program of speakers from schools, government departments and organisations who explored key themes regarding culturally responsive teachers, the importance of embracing language diversity in schools, dealing with racism in school contexts, and the significance of social cohesion and resilience.
The new book, published by Routledge, explores the design and delivery of a professional learning program in five Sydney schools and provides a practical professional development template for schools wishing to develop their intercultural capabilities. The book was commended in a message of support from the Hon. Mark Coure, NSW State Minister for Multiculturalism and Minister for Seniors.
“Schools that purchase this book are essentially also buying a professional development program. The strategies described from the research project can be applied or adapted in any school context,” said lead author Dr Robyn Moloney.
The book is available from Routledge and through other booksellers such as Booktopia.
Back to homepage
Comments
We encourage active and constructive debate through our comments section, but please remain respectful. Your first and last name will be published alongside your comment.
Comments will not be pre-moderated but any comments deemed to be offensive, obscene, intimidating, discriminatory or defamatory will be removed and further action may be taken where such conduct breaches University policy or standards. Please keep in mind that This Week is a public site and comments should not contain information that is confidential or commercial in confidence.