Posted on by Emily Kessell

Thank you and farewell

Retiring Chancellor Stephen Gerlach AM and Deputy Chancellor Douglas Gautier AM unveil Chancellor Gerlach's portrait

In a special event on Friday, Flinders staff, alumni and supporters came together to celebrate Stephen Gerlach AM’s achievements during his almost 14 years as Chancellor of Flinders University.

Her Excellency the Hon Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, led the tributes, which also included a video recording from Premier Peter Malinauskas. Flinders University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling, accompanied by Spot the Boston Robotics dog, shared his personal reflections of the Chancellor and thanked him for his leadership and contributions to Flinders’ growth and success.

Her Excellency the Hon. Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, and Stephen Gerlach AM share a laugh at the Chancellor’s farewell.

Former Flinders University Chancellors Sir Eric Neal and Sister Deidre Jordan and former Vice-Chancellor Emeritus Professor Keith Hancock also joined in the celebrations.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling, incoming Chancellor John Hood, Her Excellency the Hon. Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, former Chancellors Sir Eric Neal and Sister Deidre Jordan, retiring Chancellor Stephen Gerlach AM and former Vice-Chancellor Emeritus Professor Keith Hancock.

Thanks go to Ashum Yarlupina Owen (Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri and Narrunga woman and Flinders alumna), who generously welcomed us to Kaurna Yarta, and to the VIP guests who came to farewell Chancellor Gerlach as he enters some well-earned retirement:

  • Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, and Mr Rod Bunten.
  • The Honourable Andrea Michaels MP, Minister for Small and Family Business, Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, and Minister for Arts (representing the Hon Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia).
  • The Honourable John Gardner MP, Member for Morialta (representing the Hon David Speirs MP, Leader of the Opposition).
  • The Honourable Sir Eric Neal AC CVO, former Governor of South Australia and former Chancellor of Flinders University.
  • The Honourable Steven Marshall MP, Member for Dunstan, and Former Premier of South Australia.
  • The Honourable Dean Brown AO, former Premier of South Australia.
  • The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Adelaide Dr Jane Lomax-Smith AM, City of Adelaide.
  • The Honourable Diana Laidlaw AM, former Member of the Legislative Council of South Australia.
  • The Honourable Catherine Branson AC KC, former Federal Court Judge and Crown Solicitor of South Australia.
  • Mayor Mr Kris Hanna and Dr Minerva Nasser-Eddine, City of Marion.
  • Flinders University Council Members and distinguished guests
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