Our history
La Trobe has been one of Australia’s pioneering universities for forty years. Discover our unique history, including our motto and coat of arms.
Celebrating over 40 years of history
In 1967, 552 students enrolled at La Trobe University, the third University to open in Victoria.
It has grown to accommodate more than 30,000 students including approximately 7,600 international students from over 90 countries.
We now have a network of campuses with 21,000 students at our Melbourne campus and over 5,900 at our campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura, Melbourne City and Shepparton.
Past Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors
La Trobe University’s commitment to teaching excellence has been overseen by some truly inspirational people. Leaders that have shaped the university, and the lives of the thousands of students that have attended La Trobe over the past four decades.
| Past Chancellors |
Past Vice-Chancellors |
|---|---|
| Sir Archibald Glenn OBE: 1967 - 1972 |
David Myers: 1965 - 1976 |
| Hon Mr Justice Reginald Smithers: 1972-1980 |
John Scott: 1977 - 1989 |
| Hon Mr Justice Richard McGarvie: 1980-1992 |
Michael Osborne: 1990 - 2006 |
| Emeritus Professor Nancy F Millis AC: 1992-2006 |
Brian Stoddart: 2006 |
| Dr Sylvia Walton AO: 2006 – 2011 |
Paul Johnson: 2007 - 2011 |
| Adrienne E Clarke AC: 2011 – |
University name
La Trobe University was named after Charles Joseph La Trobe, the first Superintendent of the Port Phillip District from 1839 to 1850 and first Lieutenant-Governor of the new colony of Victoria from 1851 to 1854. He was a man driven by his need to make a difference to the communities he served, leaving a legacy that continues today at La Trobe University.Sir Charles La Trobe did more to shape the Australian State of Victoria than any other man. From his love of the Australian environment and its conservation, his ambitious plan to transform the colony of Victoria, to his concern for the welfare of the first Australians, he was a man deeply driven by progressive social values.
His values are echoed in La Trobe University’s founding mission to serve the community through improving access of higher education, and it is a tradition that continues today with a range of programs and initiatives to increase higher education participation rates amongst Victoria’ disadvantaged communities.
More information on Charles La Trobe (PDF 120KB).
La Trobe University Coat of Arms
La Trobe University's Armorial Bearings combine significant symbols that encapsulate its history, goals and pride in its Victorian genesis.
Australia is represented by the Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle, one of the world's largest eagles. Victoria is represented by the sprigs of heath, Victoria's floral emblem.
The open book refers to the University's commitment to learning. The scallop shells are part of the La Trobe family bearings and have been included to acknowledge the La Trobe name.
University motto
The French motto "Qui cherche trouve" (Whoever seeks shall find) is a modern version of the La Trobe family motto.
Today La Trobe is renowned for its academic excellence and research achievements.
Over 100,000 students have graduated from La Trobe University thus far and have gone on to achieve great things in all walks of life, giving La Trobe its well deserved reputation.
