Emeritus roll: treasure on show

The honour roll that holds the names and signatures of most of the University’s eminent professors is now on display in the foyer of the Chancelry building.

In June 2007, the ANU Emeritus Professor Roll was given a new lease on life when a special purpose built display cabinet was installed in the foyer of the Chancelry, thanks to an initiative from Kate Janssens from the Human Resources Division.

The book was created in 1982 by book binder and calligrapher, Mrs Beryl Bevis. It took Mrs Bevis quite some time to complete, she says, because all the materials, including special paper, had to be ordered from England.

On the retirement of a Professor, the Director of the area can make a recommendation to the Vice-Chancellor to confer the title of Emeritus Professor in recognition of significant service to the University. Once the approval has been given by the Vice-Chancellor and Council, the names and service details are inscribed on the Roll by the calligrapher.

 “On average, we get between five and six new Emeritus Professors added to the Roll each year. There are still quite a few signatures missing from the 238 entries, which I am trying to track down,” said Kate.

On Friday 8 May, Emeritus Professor David Williams AM added his signature to the Roll. The former director of the ANU School of Art said that it was a great honour to be included among such distinguished ANU academics.

“I am honoured to be signing such a beautiful book and joining such illustrious company,” said Professor Williams. “This book is a tribute to the many outstanding achievements of ANU people over the years and it is very much a privilege to be able to sign it today.”

Professor Williams was conferred his Emeritus position in 2007 after resigning as the head of the School of Art after 22 years. He still maintains an active role in the University community as Adjunct Professor with the Research School of Humanities, Chair of the ANU Foundation for the Visual Arts, and membership of the ANU Campus Planning and Development, Drill Hall Gallery and Public Art Committees.

In addition to his numerous national and local arts advisory roles including Deputy Chair of Canberra Glassworks, Professor Williams is currently completing the history of the School of Art, working on exhibition development associated with the RSH human rights themes and holds a consultancy role with an ARC collaborative project with the Australian Ballet Company, The University of Adelaide and National Library of Australia examining the cultural impact of the three Ballet Russes Australian tours in the 1930s.

Professor Williams said he was pleased to see the Emeritus Roll available and accessible to the ANU community.

“I’m delighted to see that a book of such importance is on display in the Chancelry. This book is visually impressive – the beautiful binding and wonderful calligraphy by Mrs Bevis along with the signatures of so many great ANU people combine to make it a real treasure,” he said.

To view the complete list of Emeritus Professors on the roll visit: http://info.anu.edu.au/hr/HR_Help/Rolls_of_Honour/Emeritus_Professors