The 25th anniversary of the Bachelor of Engineering celebrations over the weekend were a huge success, with over 100 alumni attending the events, and each graduating year, 1994 to 2015 represented.
What better way was there to enjoy the sunshine and share memories, than a picnic on campus, enjoying hits from the 90s, activities for kids, a traditional ESA BBQ and a soccer match.
A number of graduates and their familes started the day with a trip down memory lane on a tour of campus, taking in the many recent developments, including The Australian Centre on China in the World, the National Computational Infrastructure building, the Colleges of Science and last but certainly not least the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Many alumni commented how great it was to see all that was new and what hadn’t changed all that much in 20 years.
All engineers love a BBQ, particularly at the ANU and the BBQ run by the Engineering Students Association (ESA) was a great one indeed hosted of course on Fellows Oval.
An annual engineering students vs staff soccer match is enjoyed by all from the College, so it felt appropriate to host an alumni vs staff match at the picnic. There were a few walking wounded following the match, which even saw a giant soccer ball on the pitch at one point. Our very own Dean, Elanor Huntington, had her abilities tested as an opposition goal was let in early in the first half, however, the staff regrouped and the match ended in a very honourable 2 all draw.
Finally, there was the presentation of the Natahsa Linard Cup, formally known as the engineering cup. The Linard family presented the cup to 2016 ESA President Emily Campbell following the student win over the staff a few weeks prior in the annual staff vs students soccer match.
The celebrations did not end there as all were invited to continue reminiscing at a cocktail reception.
Plenty of engineers proved they could dress up and some still donned the casual attire that many engineers are known for. Lots of great food was on offer and the drinks were flowing as former classmates caught up, some not having seen each other for many years. Attendees enjoyed photos from the early years of the program.
There was an Engineering “Survival Guide” from 1996 making the rounds during the evening that even the current students in attendance got a good laugh from… some things never change… This is a relatively simple assignment – said every engineering lecturer ever! But in all seriousness, this book was awesome. Perhaps the ESA can start producing this again?
Guests enjoyed hearing about the history of the program from Dr Darrell Williamson, former head of the Department and former College Dean. Keith Linard father of Natasha Linard, a much loved graduate, shared stories from past and present following her passing last year. Keith also spoke of the Natasha Linard Endowment that will support a scholarship for female undergraduate students undertaking engineering at the ANU College of Engineering & Computer Science.
It was a great day and night and enjoyed by all, we look forward to the next event which hopefully won’t be too far away.