Chancellor lauded at his last Council meeting

Chancellor Mike Codd, AC, was praised for bringing a unifying force to the University Council and for his overall unstinting dedication to the University of Wollongong as he presided over his last Council meeting on Friday (August 7).

Following the normal business side of Council, the champagne corks popped in honour of the Chancellor who has served UOW for the past 12 years.

Mr Codd presided at his final graduation ceremonies in July and will officially retire on 30 September 2009. Ms Jillian Broadbent, AO, has been appointed as the next Chancellor and will take up her role on 1 October.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gerard Sutton, said the Chancellor should be remembered for his great unifying force within Council emphasising how the University’s supreme governing body worked for the interests of the University as a whole.

“Council is united and trusting of its chair,” Professor Sutton said.

The Vice-Chancellor said Mr Codd had been a great support to him providing wise counsel when needed.

Mr Codd was appointed Chancellor in October 1997 and has chaired the University Council during an era of substantial change and development, including the opening of the Graduate School of Medicine, the Innovation Campus and the expansion of the University of Wollongong in Dubai.

To most graduates, he is best known for his tireless commitment at graduation ceremonies where as presiding officer he has personally awarded degrees to 50,000 graduating students.

Professor Sutton said the Chancellor at each ceremony made a point to shake hands and talk with each graduate about their future plans, and was never too busy to pose for photos and talk to families after the ceremonies.

Council recorded in its minutes a formal resolution acknowledging the Chancellor’s contribution to the growth and reputation of the University of Wollongong.

On the night before his last Council meeting, Mr Codd was the centre of attention at the ‘Meet the Chancellor Reception’.

The Chair of Academic Senate, Associate Professor Di Kelly hosted this year's reception.

Held annually since 2002, this event is seen by the Chancellor as a valuable opportunity for those attending to make suggestions and/or ask questions about the University's focus and future directions

Guests included academic and general staff members and students who were nominated by their faculties.  It also included invitations to UOW’s Education Centre Managers, the University's Student Equity and Diversity Liaison Officers and representatives from Wollongong College Australia.

The event was held in the Guest Lounge in the University Lodge.

Last reviewed: 11 August, 2009