Wednesday 19 December 2018 1:51pm
The cover of Dr Alison Clarke’s book Otago: 150 Years of New Zealand’s First University.
The University of Otago’s 150th anniversary is up and running in two weeks’ time. To celebrate the occasion and the many faces and features of the University, there’s a great range of reading and listening coming to a radio station, a bookshop and a newspaper near you.
First off the rank is Dr Alison Clarke’s very readable history book Otago: 150 Years of New Zealand’s First University, which is available at the University Bookshop from 19 December, just in time for Christmas or click here to buy online.
After years of research and in a forthright account, Dr Clarke takes a look at the courage and determination of the founders, the evolving student body, the staff and the changing academic structure, the development of research, the Christchurch and Wellington campuses, the University’s key support services and its place in the world.
On Monday 7 January, a weekly series of stories about the University starts in the Otago Daily Times. A broad range of topics will be covered in 50 short articles during the year, from Otago’s beginnings in 1869 to the present day, including student life, staff, courses, the campus and the things that make Otago special. Many will be drawn from information in Dr Clarke’s book.
The next day, on Tuesday 8 January, OAR FM Dunedin begins its “Daring to be Wise” series, a personal look at the life of the campus, featuring conversations with people from all corners of the University talking about their special areas of knowledge and interest.
During the year 50 conversations will cover topics as diverse as music, sport, regalia, notes in history, student volunteers, female pioneers, Dunedin connections, being OUSA president and college life.
You can catch the radio series on OAR FM Dunedin 105.4FM and 1575AM at midday on Tuesdays, 5pm on Wednesdays and 8.30pm on Sundays. We’ll also have links to the radio podcasts on the 150th website and on Facebook.
Lastly, while you’re reclining on the beach or at the lake, take a moment to join our University and Alumni Facebook pages, where throughout the year we’ll be featuring our regional alumni road trip (the “Blue and Gold Roadie”) along with “Campus Tales” to share memories and anecdotes, and Throwback Thursdays which take a look at images from both the recent and distant past.
When you’re with your Otago friends, share a photo on our #Otago150 on Instagram, or send it in to otagoalumni@otago.ac.nz along with a favourite memory.
For further information on the 150th events, and to register for the Queen’s Birthday celebrations (opening late January) go to: https://www.otago.ac.nz/150/index.html