Centenary 1950-1952

The University of Sydney's Centenary celebrations 1950 - 1952

The University of Sydney Centenary celebrations commenced in 1950 and commemorated various important phases in the foundation of the University. These included:

the speech made in Parliament on 6 September 1849 by William Charles Wentworth advocating a university for Sydney
the passage through the NSW legislature of the Act of Incorporation on 1 October 1850
the first Senate meeting on 3 February 1851
the arrival of the first students and the presentation of the first lectures in October 1852
the inauguration of the University on 11 October 1852

The main University of Sydney Centenary functions were held in August 1952 and marked the culmination of the celebrations. Their emphasis was on pageantry and scholarship, and they commemorated the inauguration of the University and the acceptance of its first undergraduates in October 1852.

1950; 1951; 1952; Centenary Medal; University Appeal; Centenary photo gallery; Photography; Information sources

1950

7 June 1950
A Public Meeting was held in the Town Hall to launch the University's Centenary Appeal for Funds.

6 October 1950
A Commemoration Ceremony marked the centenary of the passage through the New South Wales legislature of the Act of Incorporation on 1 October 1850. Photo below:

1951

5 February 1951
3.45pm: A Special Senate meeting celebrated the first Senate meeting held on 3 February 1851. Photo below:

10 October 1951
3.00pm: A Service of Commemoration of Benefactors was held. Photo below:

1952

26 August 1952
5.00pm: A Reception was given at Government House, Sydney, by His Excellency, the Governor of New South Wales, Lieutenant-General Sir John Northcott

8.30pm: Dr Ian Clunies Ross gave an Oration on the topic: "The responsibility of Science and the University in the Modern World".

27 August 1952
11.00am: A Ceremony of Presentation of Addresses by Delegates to the Centenary Celebrations was held.

12.45pm: A University Union Luncheon was given for Delegates.

3.30pm: A Reception was given by the Rt Hon the Lord Mayor of Sydney, Alderman E C O'Dea, at the Town Hall, Sydney.

7.00pm: A University Dinner was held in the Refectory of the University Union.

28 August 1952
2.30pm: The Chief Justice of New South Wales, the Hon K W Street, gave the Centenary Oration. Photo below:

4.00pm: A Garden Party was held in the Quadrangle for staff, graduates and friends of the University.

7.00pm: A Senate Dinner for Delegates was held in the Refectory of the University Union. Photo below:

7.00pm: A Women's Union Dinner was held for wives of Fellows of Senate and wives of delegates in Manning House.

29 August 1952
11.00am: A Ceremony of Conferring of Honorary degrees was held in the Great Hall. Photo below:

30 August 1952
10.00am - 5.00pm: The University Open Day was held.

31 August 1952
11.00am: Church Services were held in the City which members, students and friends of the University were invited to attend.

3.00pm: A Special University Service was held in Pitt Street Congregational Church.

Centenary Medal

A Centenary Medal was struck and worn with distinguishing ribbons by members of the Senate, the delegates of other Universities and members of the University teaching staff.

University Appeal

At 13 March 1952, the total raised by the appeal for funds amounted to £239,844.8.0, including an anonymous donation of £100,000 for a new Chemistry School.

Centenary photo gallery

Photography

Sydney Morning Herald photos, copies held by the University of Sydney Archives

Information sources

University of Sydney Archives

"The University of Sydney Centenary Celebrations August 26 - August 31, 1952" compiled by the Office of Information and Public Relations. Allan Gamble, Information and Public Relations Officer

Back to Top