Reunion reports - 2009

• 1964 graduates celebrate 45 year reunion, October 2009
• 1999 graduates celebrate 10 year reunion, October 2009
• 1948 graduates celebrate 61 year reunion, September 2009
• 1946 graduates celebrate 63 year reunion, September 2009
• 1969 graduates celebrate 40 year reunion, April 2009
• 1974 graduates celebrate 35 year reunion, March 2009
• 1959 graduates celebrate 55 year reunion, March 2009
• 1954 graduates celebrate 55 year reunion, March 2009

1964 graduates celebrate 45 year reunion, October 2009

The jacaranda in the lawn bore the ethereal but ominous mauve cloud which used to herald the rapid approach of exams, at a time in history when med exams were truly fearsome events for most of us (they only passed 30% of our Second Year).

But the carillon was playing and the sandstone in the Quad glowed a welcoming gold as the Year of ’64 met in the early evening of 24 October for drinks and renewed friendships, some not having met for 45 years.

There was mild surprise on discovering how many of our cohort had achieved success and distinction in so many different fields, both locally and internationally.

Many faces were recognisable from the Yearbook, and some less so, but with conversation the years fell away, so by the end of the evening we might have been about to head back to the dissecting room together, without feeling any different from our student selves. Thankfully, all that was safely behind us, but we did enjoy a tour of the newly-renovated Wilson Museum of Anatomy, in its old home in the Anderson-Stuart Building.

Dining tables had replaced rows of desks in the Great Hall, and laughter the hectic scribbling and blank gazing for inspiration of our former visits. Some recalled in great detail the five-pronged gas jets flaming in winter, and the flags and statues which decorated the walls in those testing times and at our Graduation.

A stirring rendition of Gaudeamus was led by University carillonist and organist Amy Johansen, who declared that our choral efforts outperformed the organ. Marching Through Medicine and Our Varsity, nostalgic from med dinners, followed.

A few reminiscences from our year reps, Jules Black and Bob Bauze, completed the program (we had no idea how naughty some people had been) but the camaraderie lasted until it seemed the Yeomen Bedell himself would have to evict us with his halberd, with the moon rising over the turrets at the most photographic angle.

Many thanks for this memorable time of fellowship are due to committee members David Gibb and Peter Malouf, and to the Medical Alumni Association, without whom an attendance of 70 grads and 40 partners would not have been possible.

Retirement and privacy laws make contact difficult over the years, so we beg all grads to keep in touch through the Alumni Association, and to give us any information about “missing” members, or ideas to make our 50th Anniversary in 2014 a spectacular production.

Margaret Lorang

The 45th reunion of 1964 medical graduates was held on the evening of Saturday 24th October at Sydney University. 110 graduates and guests assembled at 6.30 pm in the University Quadrangle for an hour of pre-dinner drinks and light refreshments with background music from the University Carillion provided by Amy Johansen. The graduates proved to be a lively group which revelled in renewing old friendships and reminiscing on the joys and hardships of undergraduate life.

This initial get-together was followed by a 3 course dinner in the Great Hall. Following the first course the congregation rose as one to sing, with great gusto and enthusiasm, three traditional university songs Gaudeamus Igitur, The Varsity and Marching Through Medicine accompanied by Amy Johansen on the Great Hall organ. The meal and wines were of a high standard, a fact that was remarked upon by many of those present.

A general noticeboard was provided in the Great Hall with messages from colleagues unable to attend, requests for updated addresses for 1964 graduates who could not be contacted and a list of deceased members of the year.

Jules Black assumed his traditional role as Master of Ceremonies and Margaret Lorang provided useful reunion information together with recommendations for future year reunions. The organising committee consisted of Margaret Lorang, Peter Malouf and David Gibb and was greatly indebted to the Sydney University Medical Alumni Association who were responsible for sending out invitations for the reunion, booking the venues and making accommodation arrangements for regional and overseas attendants.

In summary: a great night was had by all. Gaudeamus Igitur!

David Gibb

1999 graduates celebrate 10 year reunion and senior yearbook launch, October 2009

Graced by a beautiful Sydney spring afternoon, the class of '99 - the penultimate full six year cohort prior to the introduction of the Graduate Medical Program - convened in the beautifully renovated Anderson Stuart courtyard with a punctuality that might have surprised our former gastrophysiology lecturer and Dean, Professor John Atherton Young.

Despite family and professional obligations, many had travelled far to be there on the night, most notably Amarash Dayanandan (Perth), Michele McGrady (Melbourne), Leonora Anderson (Melbourne), Rebecca Mair (Tamworth), Matt Watts (Tuncurry), Joanna Holland (Merewether) and Libby Brindley (Newcastle). A jazz trio (formed from three members of 1990s acid jazz charting band Directions In Groove) provided a chilled soundscape as we reconnected with faces not seen for 10 years.

As the buzz grew, we were escorted upstairs to tour the Wilson Museum of Anatomy, where we mingled with members of the year of 1964 who were holding their reunion on the same evening in the Great Hall. However the event wasn't only a reunion but also the long-awaited launch of our 1998 senior yearbook, so after our group photo and a toast to the University, the yearbook's eventual but reluctant editors Tim Shortus, Phil Rome and Paul Nicolarakis proceeded to hand out the long awaited tome to their gracious peers.

Few felt the urge to leave by the official conclusion of the evening with a merry band making their way to the Ancient Briton in Glebe to continue catching up through to closing time. Heart felt thanks to our generous sponsors, The Medical Society Bookshop, Experien Investec and The Pentagon Group, as well as to curator Marcus Robinson for opening up the Anatomy Museum, the Medical Alumni Association and the staff of the Medical Society Bookshop for coordinating the event. Proceeds from the evening will be directed to supporting indigenous medical students enrolled at Sydney Medical School and a Facebook group (Usyd Class of '99) has been established to share photos taken on the night, stay in touch and also make the next reunion just that little bit easier to organise.

Paul Nicolarakis

1948 graduates celebrate 61 year reunion, September 2009

On 25 September 2009, graduates of 1948 SU Med came to the University for the anniversary.

We met at the Art Gallery with Mr Justice Roddy Meagher to view and discuss with him his collection - started when a senior schoolboy - which was a singular experience. We then walked down Science Road in the spring sunshine to lunch at the Union Withdrawing Room. Peter Harvey welcomed us and presented apologies and best wishes from colleagues who were absent overseas, interstate or because personal commitments. The funeral of George Hall (MBBS 1946) who had been an esteemed teacher and colleague to many of our year was remembered.

During lunch, Roddy Meagher addressed his philosophy of collecting - it is indeed the essence of eclecticism.

Eric Fisher, who grew up and later practised in West Wyalong close to Temora, Roddy’s home town, thanked him on our behalf. This is an outstanding gift to the University. The generous terms of the bequest will benefit not only students and academics but will be made freely accessible to visitors to the University.

The 61st anniversary is not like the 50th, or even the 60th . It is not easy for some to come to the event and our numbers will decline. All are encouraged to tell others that there is continuing enthusiasm to revisit the University and to see again men and women whom we first met as freshmen in 1943.

There will certainly be future anniversaries. Linking our meetings to the splendid exhibitions, concerts and lectures which are part of the University calendar can be an added attraction .

Harding Burns

1946 graduates celebrate 63 year reunion, September 2009

Medical graduates of 1946 celebrated their 63rd reunion luncheon overlooking the beautifully manicured fairways of Concord Golf Club on Friday 25th September.

It was an exciting day with 22 graduates attending and a total complement of 34.

A photograph of our whole year at Graduation was posted on the noticeboard together with some informal snaps and a list of surviving graduates, attendees and apologies.

After catching up over drinks and canapés, a group photograph was taken before proceeding to lunch. Jack Blackman welcomed the guests and asked them to think about future reunions. We sat down to a delicious lunch prepared by the chef and the warmth of the occasion was very evident from the chatter and some hilarious anecdotes afterwards.

Kevin White apologised for his tremor and said we would only hear every third word as the microphone passed his lips but he was looking forward to Dick Stephens' 100th birthday. Dick on the other hand was on cloud 9, admitted he was the only fossil present and promised he would be here next year.

Alan Young and John Austin reminded us that Cath Nicholson Hamlin was probably the most internationally known graduate of our year and was continuing her work at the Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia.

Grosvenor Burfitt Williams gave us an update on Don Dunlop and his family and Alan Young noted that Don was still working three days a week.

Bill Gilmour and Harry Moore came all the way from Perth, WA, and suggested the next meeting be in Perth. Harry declined to give us his rendition of Lovely Hula Hands which he sang at the Revue. Roger Davidson sent apologies for Julie Fitzhardinge who was busy with her horses west of Sydney and Joy Parry expressed her delight to be here and sent best wishes from Bettine O’Dea. After prompting from Jewell Duncan, Gertie Angel-Lord entertained us with some obstetric experiences. Ewen Sussman reminded us of his clinical group at Sydney Hospital – seven of the twelve still surviving. It was great to see Nev Newman who missed our last reunion due to a back operation. Peter Rogers quoted from the travels of Ulysses, Victor Bear spoke of the smooth running of the Committee and thanked Roger Davidson for arranging this very successful venue. Thea Robilliard spoke of her most happy and enjoyable life with us in Medicine having been to all of our reunions.

It was suggested that the next occasion take place in 12 months at a venue to be selected by the Committee – Jack Blackman, Victor Bear, Roger Davidson and Alan Young. At about 3pm we wended our way home and all agreed it had been a memorable occasion.

Jack Blackman

1969 graduates celebrate 40 year reunion, April 2009

The 1969 graduating year celebrated their persistence over 40 years with a black tie dinner in the Great Hall on Saturday 4th April. The weather was kind, permitting drinks to be served in the quadrangle, prior to the dinner. 153 guests were seated, of whom 90 were graduates. The event drew people from all over Australia, and there were also four from the USA and one from the UK. There were originally 220 graduates in 1969, but the intervening years have seen 13 deceased. During the dinner, there were speeches from the Dean, Prof Bruce Robinson, and from Assoc. Prof Michael Fearnside.

Towards the side of the hall, a PowerPoint presentation played continuously, providing updates on the careers and activities of number of the graduates. The evening passed happily, and for most, too quickly. There was widespread demand for a return occasion in five years time.

The following morning, about 40 diehards attended a scientific conference held in the Holme room. The mood was informal and the contributions were varied and interesting. Altogether a pleasant way to spend a sunny Sunday morning.

Paul Curtin

1974 graduates celebrate 35 year reunion, March 2009

The graduating year of 1974 met for their 35 year reunion at the Holme Building, Sydney University on March 29 this year. It was the sort of beautifully warm and sunny Autumn afternoon that Sydney does very well. As we assembled for lunch we were served canapes on the verandah which enabled us to soak up the sun a little longer and greet each new arrival with a “you haven’t changed one bit” or “I would have recognised you anywhere!” Most of us, in fact, had not seen each other for quite some years as our last formal reunion had been our 20th.Somehow, our 30th had slipped by unnoticed. Realising our oversight, Jim Wilkinson was determined that we should meet and had already organised a venue and date as well as tracing many of our alumni when, unfortunately, due to ill health he was not able to complete the task. Richard Walsh, Greg Don and Maureen Palmer took up the baton with the help from the Medical Alumni Association.

Many of the 135 alumni and partners who gathered had come from interstate and some from overseas such as Sabina Wallach and Derek Raghaven from the States. The informal lunch began with a welcome address by Greg Don. Our after- lunch speaker was Danny Stiel, past Sydney Olympics organiser, who took us for a stroll down memory lane with a quiz on 70’s and 80’s trivia. It was fun to remember “the way we were” but also sobering to remember those who were no longer with us. Just to remind us of how we looked as idealistic young interns, our year book photos were displayed on a screen to one side of the magnificent mural that decorates the dining room. Some of us, it was agreed, had actually improved with age! Many people commented that, regardless of our various career paths, our families and friends and extracurricular interests were now the real focus of our lives.

Copies of our group photograph taken on the day as well as individual photos over lunch made a great souvenir and many of us exchanged addresses and phone numbers with promises to reconnect soon.

We are all looking forward to our next reunion in 5 years time.

Maureen Palmer

1959 graduates celebrate 55 year reunion, March 2009

The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine Class of 59 reunion was held on Saturday, March 28 in the Great Hall at the University. 133 participants enjoyed an excellent lunch, a welcoming address by the Chancellor Prof Marie Bashir, the medical dean Bruce Robinson, and a presentation by the convener of the meeting Prof Bill McCarthy.

33 colleagues were unable to attend because of illness and other factors. A one-minute silence was held to honour the memory of 39 members of the class who have died since graduation. The organising committee including Stuart Renwick, Jim McLeod, Diarmid McKeown and Nick Packham, ensured maximum attendance and a smooth progress of the occasion.

Marie Bashir highlighted major contributions by so many of the class of 59 which included 15 recipients of the Order of Australia, 20 departmental heads and many contributions to the development of general practice, specialty organisations and medical research institutions. Bruce Robinson outlined the many changes in the undergraduate and graduate curriculum which have occurred over the last 50 years, thanking those members of the class of 59 who contributed in major ways to these developments. McCarthy highlighted the major roles played by many of the class in community organisations and encouraged continued involvement in important community issues such as climate change. He stressed the importance of applying wisdom and evidence to community issues where belief and unsupported opinion sometimes dominate discussion. He thanked the staff of the Medical Alumni Association for their excellent assistance in organising and managing the reunion.

Feedback from participants was very positive and it was clear that the occasion was greatly appreciated and enjoyed by those attending. It was suggested that the next reunion should take place in five years rather than 10 years, given the increasing age of the class of 59.

Bill McCarthy

1954 graduates celebrate 55 year reunion, March 2009

This, our 55th year celebration was held at the Royal Sydney Golf Club, a most pleasant venue and one which we hope to access for future reunions. Rodney Clark’s good offices in arranging thevenue were the subject of a vote of appreciation and a wish for his continuing good health.

72 colleagues gathered to mingle, share memories, catch up with news and swap information about absent friends. The 72 included two from overseas and several from interstate.

Notable was the number who still enjoy active practice.

This year the organising commitee decided to invite a guest speaker. Professor Bruce Robinson, Dean of Faculty, University of Sydney, kindly accepted the invitation to speak briefly on his plans for the new medical curriculum. He described the research that underlies the choice of content. He spoke about providing opportunities for students to gain extra skills and experience. Likely opportunities already identified are in medical research, placements in Aboriginal community medical facilities and placements in SE Asian medical facilities. Experiences such as these can significantly broaden a student’s knowledge and understanding of medicine and perhaps influence their choice of career paths. He also spoke of the faculty’s need for experienced doctors as teachers and left an open invitation for us to consider taking on such a role.

A focus on the region was echoed in the address given by Professor Bill Cumming who has, over the years, successfully established orthopedic training centres initially one in regional NSW and later in several SE Asian countries.

Professor Howard Duncan, who has spent most of his professional life in the USA spoke about that experience and the current state of medical training.

It is appreciated by all that such an enjoyable event can only happen if people like Brian Shearman take responsibility for bringing it about and making it so successful. He has been taking this responsibility now for 30 years and our year is very grateful to him. We are similarly grateful to Ray Hollings, treasurer, who reads the apologies, provides statistics on all sorts of matters and manages to do so with a touch of humour.

Finally a vote of thanks to the Medical Alumni Association for their most welcome assistance. A gift of $500.00 will be made to the Medical Alumni Scholarship fund.

June Raine