This video commemorates the 50th anniversary of the University of Wollongong (UOW), showcasing key events, achievements, and cherished community moments from 2025. It showcases footage, stories and stats that honour the University’s legacy and connection with students, staff, and alumni over the past five decades.
Revisit the stories of UOW's 50th year
The top moments that shaped 2025
December 18, 2025
From our 50th Anniversary celebrations to the achievements of alumni, students, staff, and the wider UOW community, we explored it all this year. We’ve wrapped up our top moments that celebrated UOW’s 50th birthday.
The University of Wollongong (UOW) marks 50 years (1975-2025) as an independent institution with a proud history of providing high-quality education and research. Throughout the year, UOW has honoured its legacy by connecting with communities and igniting excitement about the University’s future.
“By working together, I know we can shape an even brighter future, one that changes lives, transforms society, and contributes to national productivity and prosperity,” says UOW Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor G.Q. Max Lu AO.
UOW’s anniversary celebrations included reunions and events across six countries, welcomed 5,700 future students, brought together over 16,000 guests across 30 events and captured 50+ stories of connection. It was a year filled with milestones. Here is how UOW commemorated half a century of impact and achievement.
Inaugural Golden Graduates celebration
Honouring alumni aged 50 and over, the University welcomed 100 graduates to reunite and share memories from their time at UOW in the 1970s, '80s and '90s. Guest speaker and 1977 engineering graduate Greg Evans reflected on his UOW experience, including the historic 1974 New Year’s Eve celebration marking the University’s transition to independence on 1 January 1975. The evening celebrated UOW’s longstanding excellence, innovation, and the strength of its alumni community, now more than 190,000 strong.
Read Golden Graduates full story
50 Artists: 50 Years exhibition showcasing the art and stories of the Illawarra
To mark this milestone year, UOW launched 50 Artists: 50 Years, an exhibition showcasing the University’s cultural journey, held in the UOW Art Gallery. Featuring diverse artworks, the exhibition told the visual story of the people, places and connections that have shaped UOW over the past five decades.
“50 Artists: 50 Years celebrates not just creative brilliance, but the heart and soul of the University of Wollongong. Each piece tells a story, and together they reflect generations of artists, educators, students and community," Professor G.Q. Max Lu said.
Read 50 Artists: 50 Years full story
50th Anniversary Awards celebrate outstanding alumni
A special evening celebrating the transformative impact of education, research and innovation, the UOW 50th Anniversary Awards honoured the graduates and supporters who have shaped the University’s story over the past 50 years. Hosted by MC Lisa Wilkinson, the event was warm, energetic and forward-looking, reflecting the strength of the UOW community and the momentum driving the University’s next chapter.
The evening introduced a 50th Anniversary Council Award for Excellence, alongside annual alumni awards for research and scholarship, young alumni, innovation and entrepreneurship, social impact and arts and culture.
Read 50th Anniversary Awards full story
Hands-on Energy Futures Zone opened at UOW's Science Space
UOW’s Science Space unveiled the new Energy Futures Zone, a cutting-edge exhibition featuring 29 interactive energy exhibits that inspire curiosity about a cleaner, smarter and more sustainable future. Designed for all ages, the space encourages the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators, while celebrating local STEM achievements and expanding opportunities in future energy careers.
Read Energy Future Zones launch full story
50th Anniversary celebrations in Beijing and Shanghai
Professor Lu brought a deep personal connection to UOW’s Chinese alumni community as the University extended its 50th anniversary celebrations to Beijing and Shanghai. The events highlighted UOW’s global impact by strengthening long-standing relationships, building new partnerships and recognising international achievements. The trip reaffirmed UOW’s strong, enduring ties with China and marked an important chapter in the University’s global journey.
50th Birthday Party attended by 3500+
In November, UOW hosted a major community birthday party celebration bringing together students, staff, alumni and locals to mark 50 years of the University’s journey. The campus was buzzing with festivities, including live music from local musician Harry O’Brien (Pacific Avenue), market stalls and family-friendly activities such as the St George Illawarra Dragons Ball Toss zone.
“A university with deep roots and proud traditions, yet full of energy, ambition and ideas for the future,” Professor Max Lu said.
With 3,500 attendees, the event highlighted UOW’s vibrant, inclusive and connected community spirit.
Coming together for a staff BBQ
To mark UOW’s 50-year journey, the University hosted a staff BBQ celebrating the community that has shaped UOW. More than 640 past and present staff came together for an afternoon of connection, shared memories and appreciation. With live music, great food and a warm, uplifting atmosphere, the event honoured the dedication and contributions of staff and offered a moment to reflect on the year and the people at the heart of UOW’s success.
50 native trees planted
Professor Lu planted an Illawarra flame tree on the Wollongong campus, celebrating the final addition to the 50 native trees planted to mark UOW’s commitment to a thriving natural environment. Chosen for its cultural significance and strong connection to UOW, the Illawarra flame tree symbolises renewal, growth and truth, and holds an important place in Indigenous culture.
The 50th tree was planted on the southern side of the McKinnon Building (Building 67), accompanied by newly donated seating as a lasting reminder of UOW’s past, present and future.
Read the full story of the 50th tree planting
50 Voices and the Memory Mobile
UOW’s 50 Voices initiative was a year-long storytelling series celebrating the voices that define the University. Personal stories from 50 staff, students, alumni, donors and the broader community, were published to highlight the experiences and contributions that have shaped UOW’s identity and impact over time. The stories showcase UOW’s role in transforming lives and strengthening communities.
A selection of the 50 Voices stepped onto the Memory Mobile in a captivating video series. Eight students, alumni and staff took a trip down memory lane, visiting locations around the Wollongong and Shoalhaven campuses that played a part in their lives.
Reflecting on UOW’s 50th anniversary, our celebrations truly honoured the rich history, achievements, and global community. Through events, exhibitions, and storytelling initiatives, UOW successfully highlighted five decades of impact in education, research, and culture.
While we celebrate the achievements of the last 50 years, Professor Lu says: “Anniversaries are not only about looking back. They are about asking: what’s next?
“The next 50 years will be shaped not just by strategies and rankings, but by the everyday acts of discovery, teaching and collaboration that make this place extraordinary.