Celebrating 35 years: new book adds to the storied history of Western Sydney University
Western Sydney University has launched a new book to commemorate its 35th anniversary and chart the University’s extraordinary growth and transformation across much of the last decade.
Worlds Within Us Merge: Western Sydney Community, Metropolis and Global Aspirations, 2012–2024 has been written by University historian Mark Hutchinson, and serves as the follow-up companion to A University of the People released in 2013.
Limited copies of the book will be available from Monday 24 February at the Hawkesbury, Penrith, Campbelltown and Parramatta South libraries for University staff and students to pick up a complimentary copy.
Members of the University community past and present recently gathered to mark the book’s launch and reflect on the University’s rich history and its profound impact on the Western Sydney region – as well as its vision for the future.
Chancellor Professor Jennifer Westacott AO addressed the audience, along with Vice-Chancellor Distinguished Professor George Williams AO.
Professor Williams led a lively on-stage conversation with the book’s author, joined by former Vice-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Barney Glover AO and Emeritus Chancellor Professor Peter Shergold AC.
“I am reminded of sci-fi author Robert Heinlein’s oft-quoted line that a generation which ignores history has no past – and no future,” said Professor Williams.
“Our 35th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on our journey as a University and, critically, take the experiences of the last decade to help us build an equally bold and ambitious future.
“This book details a remarkable era of rapid and fundamental change for the University. Led with determined energy and fierce advocacy by Barney Glover and Peter Shergold for much of the book’s time period, along with former Vice-Chancellor Janice Reid their collective vision shaped the University into the global institution we know today.”
At the same time, the Western Sydney region was also embarking on its own remarkable transformation – on its way to becoming Australia’s third-largest economy and home to more than 2.7 million people.
“The one constant throughout – this University’s superpower– is that we steadfastly remain of and for this incredible region,” said Professor Williams.
“The growth and development of the University and region are inextricably linked – we mirror the entrepreneurial energy and spirit of Western Sydney, and we are deeply embedded in its economic, cultural and intellectual life.
“These characteristics are all richly recounted by Mark Hutchinson. He has done an outstanding job capturing the momentum of the period, with countless stories and personal anecdotes that reinforce Western Sydney University’s enduring advocacy for our students and community.
“Importantly, these are stories told through the voices of our own staff – many of whom have unique insights and deep institutional knowledge from decades of exceptional service to the University.
“Western Sydney University is truly a university of, and for, our people.”
Chancellor Professor Jennifer Westacott AO, said Western Sydney University’s commitment to opportunity and changing lives for the better makes it a distinct, powerful voice in the education sector for equity and public good.
“Western Sydney University helps set people on a path where they can shape their own narrative and define their own future. By ensuring access to a quality, world-class education, we broaden their horizons and ensure they can pursue excellence and great careers,” said Professor Westacott.
“Both the Vice-Chancellor and I grew up in families with limited means. We would have travelled very different paths but for access to higher education. We know that great teachers and great researchers transform people’s lives, and we want that same opportunity for everyone.
“As we embark on this next chapter in our history, we want to continue to generate the most skilled, digitally enabled work-ready graduates. We want to be the home of research and innovation that delivers real-world impact. We want to be the driving force behind the economic, educational and social transformation of Western Sydney – a truly global University befitting this dynamic region.
“We want our students, their families, as well as our communities to continue on that journey with us – a journey that is possible because Western Sydney University remains invested in our people and their unlimited potential.”
The transcript of Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott's speech from this event can be found on the News Centre.
ENDS
21 February 2025
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