Centenary celebrations

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The iconic Forgan Smith Building at the St Lucia campus

In 2010, the University of Queensland marks its Centenary with 12 months of celebrations for students, staff, alumni and the wider community to enjoy.

The Centenary website is the best place to find out about UQ’s history, view commemorative photos and videos, and discover more about the exciting events taking place this year.

How it all began

On December 10, 1909, The University of Queensland was established by the Queensland State Government in celebration of its Golden Jubilee on Proclamation Day.

“There is this difference between the youngest University in the Empire and the oldest: Oxford was established by a King; the University of Queensland is established by the people,” the Premier of the day, William Kidston, told the crowd at the UQ inauguration.

The official birthday of the University is celebrated on April 16, as this was the date the names of the members of the first Senate were published in the Queensland Government Gazette, and the work of creating the University commenced.

Under the University of Queensland Act 1909, the University was deemed to be constituted from the date of this publication.

View the UQ timeline here
View a Flickr gallery of UQ through the ages here

A cause for celebration

Since opening its doors to the first students in 1911, UQ has continued to not only deliver teaching and research to the people of Queensland, but also to Australia and the world.

“UQ has touched the lives of many people who have perhaps never even thought about the University,” UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield said.

“For instance, girls and women who have received the anti-cervical cancer vaccine, families that have benefited from the practical advice of the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program, patients who have been treated by UQ-trained health professionals, and readers who have enjoyed the work of a UQ-educated writer.

“One aim of the centenary celebrations is to give people a better awareness of the variety of services, facilities and activities that we offer to the public.”

Among a line-up of other events, on April 18 2010, UQ will host a free event for the whole community.

• Find out more about the UQ Centenary Celebration Day

On the shoulders of giants

UQ has played an instrumental role in the education of over 180,000 alumni, including the Governor-General Quentin Bryce, Oscar-winner Geoffrey Rush, former Wallabies captain John Eales, former Singaporean Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Doctor Lee Boon Yang, and Queensland State Premier Anna Bligh.

“Our alumni, both staff and students, are the reason UQ has a solid history of making remarkable contributions to local, national and global communities,” Professor Greenfield said

“Our Centenary is a time to celebrate alumni, and to plan ways of using their achievements as a platform for success in the second century.”

• Read and watch congratulatory messages from our alumni
• Have a favourite UQ memory or experience? Share your UQ story here

Alumni Reunion Weekend

All UQ alumni are invited to attend the Alumni Reunion Weekend, held between July 2–4 at the St Lucia campus. The event will provide an opportunity for graduates to catch up with old friends and learn about recent University advancements and achievements. Individual school and college reunions will also be taking place during the weekend.

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