Education Chapter hosts reunion of 1967-68 Cohort of the former Wollongong Teachers College

Thirty two alumni returned to UOW on Saturday Jan 31 to  relive old times and reconnect with Teachers College graduates from long ago.

It was forty two years since the members of  the group began their teaching careers.

As guests arrived they were surprised to be greeted by former lecturers Hazel Holmwood, (now patron of the Education Chapter) David Anderson and Pat Anderson (nee Johnson).

"Dr Brian Ferry, welcomed alumni on behalf of the Dean of Education. Brian recently retired as Deputy Dean of the faculty and is also a member of the 1967 cohort". 

After investing in specially designed Alumni memento mugs the members of the class of 68 enjoyed a conducted tour of the former teachers college buildings.

Tour guide Dr Lenore Armour said " The alumni were given a guide book showing old photographs of the former buildings. They had some difficulty identifying  locations that have either been enclosed, or in the case of the Gym, demolished”.

The group assembled in their former Music Centre, now the creative Arts lecture theatre where Dr Brian Ferry welcomed alumni on behalf of the Dean of Education. Brian recently retired as Deputy Dean of the faculty and is also a member of the 1967 cohort. Alumni were delighted to hear stories from Ms Holmwood and Mr Anderson from their time at Wollongong Teachers College.

Food and beverages were supplied by "Sixty Seven Dining" and  the group spent a few hours chatting and  looking over the archival items now maintained by the UOW library archivist.

Dr Armour acknowledged Bernie York's major contribution to the establishment and maintenance of connections with this cohort of graduates. Mr York said "a prize  is given annually at the Faculty Awards Ceremony by the group I encourage others present to become involved in giving back to the university."

Ms Holmwood's long term contribution to the University since 1962 was also acknowledged and celebrated.