Long-serving employees honoured at 40th dinner party

Long-serving employees honoured at 40th dinner party

As part of UOW’s 40 years of independence celebrations the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings, CBE, hosted a dinner for staff who have provided 40 years or more service to the University. Staff who have reached this milestone are:

  • Dr Chandra Gulati (Engineering and Information Sciences),
  • Miss Marion Allen (Academic Quality and Standards),
  • Associate Professor Brian Jones (Science, Medicine and Health),
  • Associate Professor Paul Carr (Science, Medicine and Health),
  • Mrs Leonie Swan (recently retired from the Printery),
  • Associate Professor Annette Worthy (Engineering and Information Sciences),
  • Professor Rodney Nillsen (Engineering and Information Sciences),
  • Professor John Patterson (recently retired from the Executive),
  • Mrs Kerrie Gamble (Engineering and Information Sciences).


The event was held on 29 September in the McKinnon Dining Room. Each staff member received a trophy marking this special event and the dining room was decorated in ruby colours to match the 40th anniversary.

Executives in attendance were the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings, CBE; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Strategy), Professor Joe Chicharo; the Chief Administrative Officer, Melva Crouch; and the Chief Finance Officer, Damien Israel.

The Vice-Chancellor toasted the staff pointing out that their contribution has assisted UOW in its growth and development as a five-star rated modern university over the past 40 years.

UOW officially became Australia’s 18th university on 1 January 1975 due in large part to the determination and endeavours of the Wollongong community. It was in 1975 that UOW gained its independence from the University of New South Wales with the late Professor Michael Birt becoming the University’s foundation Vice-Chancellor.

Banner photo caption: Pictured with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings, CBE, at the special 40th anniversary dinner event are (from left) Associate Professor Annette Worthy, Mrs Kerrie Gamble, Miss Marion Allen and Professor Rodney Nillsen.