D.M.Myers Medal

Dr David M. Myers took up his appointment as the first Vice-Chancellor of La Trobe University in September 1965. In 1976 he was awarded the degree of Doctor of the University (honoris causa), in recognition of his services to the University from 1964 to 1976. Dr Myers donated the University Medal to be awarded annually to the outstanding honours graduate in each Faculty. Cast in bronze from a design by the late Andor Meszaros, the medallion’s theme is the origin of communication. A primaeval hero is shown clubbing a lion and in the background there is a pictorial presentation – the first hieroglyph – suggesting the beginning of writing. Letters of different alphabets, hieroglyphs, cryptograms and signs form the rest of the background and illustrate the development of written communication. Myths and legends evolve – depicted in the two seated figures recalling the hero’s deed. Andor Meszaros came to Australia from Hungary in 1939. A sculptor of international repute, his major works include the King George V Memorial Statue (Sydney, King George V Hospital) in marble, an altar piece in the Canterbury Cathedral, and the 1956 Olympic Medallion.