In 2007, all alumni who graduated in a year ending in seven were invited to attend the Spring Back to Sydney Alumni Reunion in October.

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1937 1947 1957 1967 197 7
1987 1997
In 2007, all alumni who graduated in a year
ending in seven were invited to attend the Spring
Back to Sydney Alumni Reunion in October. We
asked them what they remembered most about their
time at The University of Sydney - please read on
to see what some of them had to say
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4th floor Fisher library overlooking the park and
Manning were favourite places for getting
together with friends. I would be interested to
see if some of the dusty old lecture theatres are
still holding up, especially the ivy covered
building near the Holmes Building!
- Giselle BSocStud 77
My four years at Sydney University were
fantastic. The lecturers, students, activities
and environment were all the highlight for me.
Angus BEc 97
Anti Vietnam meetings on the front Lawn.
Bushwalking club meeting at the Botany Lawn.
University opened my mind to different ideas and
ways of thinking. Malle BSc 67
The luxury of learning in a team environment and
the feeling of really achieving positive gain,
set the standard for the rest of my career.
Garry BPhysio 87
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The intellectual freedom of university life.
Phillip BSc 77
As a 1st year BSc student (new to Uni-life!), the
mad rush at the end of lectures/tutorials to get
to the next lecture/tutorial rooms (let alone
good seats) which were spread from one end of the
campus to another, especially during Winter.
During my time at USyd, I distinctly remember
these winters as very cold wet, unlike what
we've been experiencing these past years. Come
2nd year on, my schedules were better so less
traumatic. Spending time at Wentworth Manning
Buildings, the Library and much later on ... my
OWN desk within Madsen Building which housed
the Department of Comp Science. -
Pauline BSc(Hon) 87
4
Apart from enjoying the subjects we studied, we
really value our free University education (with
the help of Commonwealth and Teachers College
scholarships) which also gave us the opportunity
to take part in organisations apart from lectures
- a luxury which many students today do not have.
Margaret DipEd 57
The feeling of achievement and working with such
talented people. Arnold EginMech 67
Truly the best years of my early life. Peter
BScAgr 57
As it was wartime, women predominated in the
Faculty of Arts. We did a lot of talking in
Manning house at lunchtime discussing the big
issues of the day ( the War, religion, philosophy
- still big issues). The lunchtime concerts
were great. Generally speaking, we thoroughly
enjoyed our lectures. In one vacation I
volunteered to join the Land Army but was
rejected and so ended up in a fruit cannery
cutting up peaches and apricots - a practical
learning experience.
Cynthia EngLit(Hons) 47
5
At age 42, walking through the main gates as a
first year student for the first time. The sense
of achievement and exhilaration was
unforgettable, like first shared sex. During the
angst-addled matriculation year at T.A.F.E.,
somebody asked me why I was doing it the hard
way, versus the truncated adult- entry course.
This was the answer to all doubts the smooth
sandstone sculpture said welcome, this portal is
your entre to everything on offer at the
smorgasbord of learning partake, or not,
according to your appetites. Oh, what a
feeling...! William BA 97
6
The most memorable moment was coming out of my
last exam, onto the fabulous main quadrangle
looking at the famous jacaranda tree and knowing
that I had done it, I had achieved my goal!
Flora MBBS97
Whilst a first-year student in the Music
Department, falling in love with Geraldine, the
most beautiful red-headed girl I've ever met.
Where is she now? Timoshenko BA
67
Good and solid learning experience. Proud of
University's reputation. The most memorable
moment was the moment when the Dean announced my
name at the Graduation. Ting Bcom 97
I look back on my 4 years as a stimulating,
positive, productive and happy time. A fantastic
bridge between school and the world beyond!
Jane DipEd 77
For you to be an ethnic woman NESB and to study
at the University of Sydney was a dreaming.
Alicia BSW 97
7
I LOVED being at Sydney Uni twixt 1960-end of
1966,graduating MBBSin 1967.We had a great group
of students, many inspiring and witty lecturers,
and I participated with enthusiasm in many
extra-curricular activities, e.g. S.U.FilmGroup
sec and V-P excitingly, MADE films (won some
prizes) almost gave up med for the much more
creative and all-consuming cinematic magic.
Ushered and helped with Film Festivals. Still
film buff.bushwalking-wonderful trips and
camaraderie fun, adventure, challenges. My
religion shinto-Nature worship. Awed at the
beauty and diversity of Life, in all its
manifestations.Syd Uni Settlement years of
commitment to running clubs and camps for
underprivileged children of Chippendale coaching
aboriginal students visiting isolated elderly
peoplecircus and gardening activities learned
lots re socio-political issues. folk and
classical music dancing and parties
galore.memorable talks by visiting luminaries,
eg Yevtushenko (Russian poet) Prof Enright
ProfMay, with profound wisdom, irreverent
anarchy, and delicious bawdy pohums accompanying
the colourful Renaissance Players.art, theatre,
literature, philosophy were essential to explore.
An unforgettable moment was when my Prof of
Biochem( Bill Hensley )called me in to
investigate why my previously brilliant academic
career was lapsing into mediocrity. When he found
out how much I was involved in other
(essential-to-me) activities, instead of the
expected mono-maniacal obsession with medicine
alone,he remonstrated Madam, the days of
Leonardo da Vinci are over! Oh yeah?
Anke MBBS
67
8
I recall a large variety of very intensive and
concentrated mental activities during lectures.
Most of the moments were with simple writing. I
think I found solving mathematics very satisfying
and the use of language fascinating. Learning
science showed me the physical world separated
from many other objects of human activity.
John BSc 67
Just hanging out in Manning, haunting the pool
rooms, listening to Miles Davis in the listening
area in Fisher, playing roles in plays, notably
Zeno in 'Otto der Grosse', studying and
socialising with friends, the stimulus of
thoughtful discussion, tutorials in Dr Goldberg's
study before the 'big bust when he went to
Melbourne, the opening lecture on Hamlet in front
of 700 students, when we were told in the opening
gambit, that all Hamlet needed was a good fk!
The list could go on... making good friends etc.
Nikolai BA 67
9
I will always remember by days at Sydney Uni with
fondness. I enjoyed the mix of big lecture
classes and the smaller specialised courses. I
loved going to the library to borrow 15-20 books
for my classes. It was also the first year of
John Howard's election as prime minister and I
had the opportunity to listen to him during one
graduation ceremony.
Ian MEcon 97
In 4th year Agricultural Science I majored in
Botany and mooved into the Botany (Biological
Sciences) Building. This was the start of a long
association with the Botany Department as I went
on to do a Masters and PhD there. Botany was
famous for its parties catered by Dr Peter
Valderand Jan Jacobs, who cooked up a storm in
one of the big labs. Dinner was followed by Strip
the Willow to the sound of bagpipes with Prof
Derek Anderson in his kilt and Prof Smith White
leading the throng down Science road into the
early hours. Bruce BScAgr 67
I spent a lot of my time in SUDS, which was an
education in itself, but it meant that my regular
grades suffered. But compared to today's
students, most of whom have to work at paid jobs
as well as their studies, I realise I was
extremely lucky to be able to be involved in
'extra curricular' action. Barbara DipEd 67
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What I remember most about my undergraduate years
at Sydney University was an overwhelming sense
of privilege to have the opportunity to learn
familiar subjects in greater depth and
fascinating new ones. The ambience of sandstone
and cloister completed the experience. - Anne BA
67
I most enjoyed involvement with SUPRA, University
Car Club and lunches at May's Family Hotel washed
down with pints of stout in attempt to gain
weight! Graham BPharm 67
Zoology trip to the Central Coast. Ghastly
moments of animal dissection for Zoology.
Enjoying the ambience of the 'sandstone campus.
Lunch and drinks at the Manning Bar/The White
Horse. Being sent out from 1st year Maths
lecture in the Wallace Theatre. Watching many
rugby games Graduation. - Beth BSc
77
STC was not part of SU at the time. I enjoyed the
environment and the importance of preparing for a
teaching career. - Peter STC 57
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The most enjoyable time I spent in my three years
was taking part in S.U.M.S. concerts and (above
all!) participating in the Inter-varsity
festivals. Faunce Allman was our conductor
initially - a wonderful musician. - Meredith
BA 57

• Spending time contemplating after a philosophy
  lecture while absorbing
• the peaceful, intellectual ambience around the
  Jacaranda Tree in the Main Quad - aah those were
  the days....
• Lisa BA 87

Staying at Wesley College and International
House. They were very different experiences and I
enjoyed being on campus for my postgraduate
studies. - Susan MPHlth 87
It must be due to a quirky memory that my most
enduring memory is of pouring water from THE
WOMEN'S COLLEGE balcony onto the poor male
freshers for adjoining colleges (back in the
segregated days). However, unfortunately, it's
the here now that gives this alumna the best
memories as I'm now an honorary carillonist(
Dr. Jill Forrest has allowed me 10 mins of her
recital time on THE DAY), and I love helping out
_at_ the Bookfest in the CHANCELLOR's SHOP.
Nevertheless, I feel so privileged to have been
granted, as an alumna, these ongoing links with
my beloved alma mater, I've purchased nearly 20
shopping bags with the UNI. Coat of arms to give
to relatives friends who are alumni/ae.
Lucy
MBBS 67
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The 60's at Sydney Uni were full of drama Honi
Soit the must-read mag of the day- the English
Dept split into 2 camps involving among others,
Germaine Greer, Prof. Goldberg Prof Wilkes,
the Philosophy Department boycotting worldwide
Tasmania's chair of Philosophy after Tas.U had
sacked their Irish-born Prof. Sydney Sparkes Orr,
in a salacious detailed scandal, ostensibly for
seducing a female undergraduate after Orr had
earlier blown the whistle on corruption in the
Tas.U's management in an open letter to the
media. In the 60's, as a now infamous Celebrity,
strongly supported by Sydney Uni the boycott
still active, Prof. Orr was invited by Sydney Uni
to address students in the jam-packed Wallace
Theatre, those locked out eventually throwing a
smoke bomb into the Wallace, causing pandemonium
smoke injuries, a few of us being led out to a
small room where he continued his address. Very
charismatic with a beautiful seductive Irish
voice, he strongly resembled claimed to be the
illegal son of Edward 8th,who abdicated to marry
Mrs Simpson, thus paving the way for Queen
Elizabeth 2nd, his niece. Like the Pied Piper,
the Prof. would have had no problems seducing a
group of us Art fems in the front row! Even more
so later, in the quiet intimacy of the small
room, when he actually spoke to us we gazed
into his Irish eyes! Never forgotten - tho' none
of us could later remember what he actually
SAID! - Veronica BA 67
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Late nights in the Fisher Library stack with the
smell of musty books and stale air. Only caffeine
readily available in vending machines under
library. No latte or cappuccinos only instant. -
Graeme BA 77
Memories are etched in the mind. A great
experience of learning and friendship. The final
year at the University complex at Camden was a
highlight for me. - Robert BVSc67
Most memorable moment - first lecture at the
Bosch theatre with what we thought was a dead
body on a trolley covered by a white sheet then
he jumped up scaring everybody and ran around the
room naked. Overall view - Best time of my life
with social activities and making lots of
friends. - Ta MBBS 97
Lots of travel to and fro, spending time with
friends, attending lectures and lab-work,
enjoying the interesting bits and enduring the
boring bits, study and exams, soaking up the
surroundings and worrying about the future. -
William BSc 87
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Walking through the main quadrangle each morning
to class, and seeing if the jacaranda tree had
started to shed it's purple flowers yet. If not,
then there is still a chance of me starting to
study and to pass the exams. If they have already
started to fall, then I was in trouble. Lucky for
me, I got through the exams. - Stephen BE(Chem)
97
The most memorable periods of my student days
were the periods for relaxation on the well kempt
lawns on campus with friends particularly at the
QUADRANGLE. I enjoyed walking at the Quadrangle.
Even though Australia was far away from Ghana, my
home country, the lectures at the Department of
Planning viz. Professors John Toon, Martin Payne,
Tom Whipple, Siege Domecelj, John Wu and the
secretary Margaret, some of whom may have passed
away, always made me felt at home. May those who
have departed to eternity rest in Perfect Peace.
- Kwasi
MTCPlan 87
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My graduation ceremony was a definite
highlight...but overall I'd have to say that I
really enjoyed attending lectures at the
university. The campus buildings and facades, the
statues, the lawns. The jacaranda tree, the small
quiet corners, Fisher, exams in MacLaurin Hall -
all somehow contributed to making my life at
university meaningful and unrepeatable. I still
feel, no doubt like many many others, that Sydney
University is very much like home. -
Teresa BA 87
My time at Sydney University was such an
important time in my life for at least two good
reasons. I made a number of lifelong friends and
I developed relationships with staff that proved
invaluable in gaining perspective and direction
early in my career as an agricultural
scientist. - Donald BScAgr 57
My lasting impression of my uni days is one of
great stimulation through meeting new friends,
learning a new discipline and generally having a
happy time. It opened up a whole new world and
being tertiary educated gave me the opportunity
to have an interesting life. - Judy BPharm 67
16
Thoroughly enjoyed the learning experience in the
Psychology Department as a student. Also enjoyed
Anthropology. As a part-time Arts student my
social time was limited. Even so it was great
meeting friends at the Union and Manning and
belonging to the Newman society. - Rosalind BA 67
Six hours of Anatomy Practical classes in an
attic room in Anderson Stuart Building and only
open windows for ventilation! We used to escape
to Manning half way through each weeks marathon
session but were always found by our Professor
and dragged back to class. I enjoyed my student
days at Sydney University that I'm still there
but now as an academic. - Suzanne BSc 87
Overall view Loved the atmosphere of Sydney
University especially the beautiful architecture
and the grand rooms of the Quadrangle building. I
loved doing Philosophy and English. I now live
outside Sydney and miss not having easy access to
the University to do postgraduate study. All in
all a most memorable time of my life! - Diann BA
87
Starting uni in 1972 was an explosion of
feminism, left/ Marxist activism, gay rights, for
me focussed in the Dept of Government with
figures such as Henry Mayer, Dennis Altman and
others (King?) whose names now escape me it was
the seventies. - Peter BA DipEd 77
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Sydney uni was the most formative years of my
life. Doing the med review in 1993 was great fun
before we all dispersed to our separate
hospitals. I have made lasting friendships
through my time. A couple of stand out memories
include one lecture late in my first year when I
sat next to and got to know Renuka Anada Rajah.
We have been firm friends since. The other moment
that stands out is when I realised that my
brother-in-law was none other than the
dreadlocked Indran Ramanathan from the year ahead
of us who so aptly described the Go-Go mobile ad
for Telstra at the med review. Looking forward to
catching up with friends. - Divya-Jyoyi MBBS 97
The great Commemday celebrations in the early 60s
usually coinciding with Coral sea celebrations
and US sailors coming to Sydney. The early Honi
Soit issues filled with cutting edge topics
designed to test the tolerance of the
establishment with contributions from Martin
Sharp, Richard Neville and Richard Walsh. The
visit to the Wallace Theatre by Dave Brubeck in
1961 - a jazz giant. The excitement of having
Tania Verstak who became Miss World on campus.
The opportunity of meeting fellow students who
would become good friends. - Christopher MBBS 67
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There are many memories of the friendships and
experiences gained. The Orange Agricultural
campus has been part of many larger Universities
over the years and it was certainly an honour to
graduate at the time it was part of University of
Sydney. My proudest moment was receiving the Aust
Federation of University Women NSW award for
Best graduating female from a degree course, who
resides in NSW Central Tablelands. It was not
only a credit to me but also to the quality of
the course and the University.
Penny BMgt 97
Most memorable moment - Wallace theatre early
70s. Vietnam moratorium demos, Uni very tense
with student activism. VC Bruce Williams called a
meeting of the student body in the Wallace
theatre - an expectant hush in the packed
auditorium as one of the student 'heavies' rose
to his feet for the first question - 'what did
the VC plan to do about the state of the flowers
in the garden beds outside?' This brought the
house down!! - Phillip MBBS 77
University was the most enjoyable part of my
youth, by a big margin. I formed my lifelong
friendships there. I enjoyed - the intellectual
ferment, the politics, the Vietnam Moratorium
marches, - the caving expeditions with the
Speleos, - the Chem Eng end of term dinners, with
the extraordinary array of speakers, from Frank
Hardy, to the Bishop of North West Australia,- my
first girlfriend. Alan BE(Chem)
67