Reflections on the past and aspirations for the future were shared today as La Trobe University students and dignitaries celebrated 50 years of education.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
It is a half-century since the first 552 enrolments began studying at La Trobe’s Bundoora campus.
About 35,000 people now study at the institution, 4,500 of whom are based in Bendigo.
Dr Penny Davies, who contributed to a new history of La Trobe, said the university’s move into regional Victoria had transformed the lives of people who otherwise could not have accessed higher education.
Many to attend the campus were the first member of their family at university, or were coming to study later in life.
“Opportunity and location go hand-in-hand,” Dr Davies said.
She credited the university’s graduates with “boosting the infrastructure” of cities across regional Victoria, pointing to Bendigo Bank and Bendigo Health as organisations to benefit from La Trobe alumni.
Asked what she saw in La Trobe’s future, Dr Davies was hopeful plans for a medical school would eventually be realised.
La Trobe and Charles Sturt universities are lobbying the federal government to build medical schools in Bendigo, Wagga Wagga and Orange.
This year also marks the 25th anniversary of La Trobe University in Bendigo and 50 years since the site’s first building was constructed.
Campus head Rob Stephenson said the occasion coincided with planned upgrades to its library and student union, as well as the construction of a new engineering building in which industry professionals and students could collaborate.
Vice-chancellor John Dewar marked the anniversary with the announcement of a new professional development app and website which will allow students to set and track goals.
Until now, not enough was done to develop resilience, curiosity, empathy and passion, Mr Dewar said.
“We’ve identified that the skills relating to social intelligence and cognitive flexibility are vital in a modern workplace,” Mr Dewar said.
“Employers tell us they need people who are motivated and passionate about their work, who can bounce back from failure and adapt as they face change, are curious to learn more, and are able to think from the perspectives of others.”
Students can access work experience, internships, volunteering roles and mentoring programs through the website and app.