Bulletin

Issue: May/June 2007

Graduation

Higher education – it’s still your best bet!

‘It is the nature of learning that you don’t quite know where it is taking you. But you have a pretty good idea,’ said Professor Paul Johnson, ‘that it is going to take you somewhere interesting.’

In Professor Johnson’s case, economic historian and former Deputy Director of the London School of Economics, it has taken him to the top ranks of higher education leadership – as new Vice-Chancellor and President of La Trobe University.

Professor Johnson, who has also worked extensively on the economics of ageing and pension reform, made his observations on the benefits of a university education officiating at his first graduation ceremony on the University’s main Melbourne campus at Bundoora.

Some 3,500 graduates were awarded their degrees and diplomas during this year’s round of ceremonies at Bundoora and four regional campuses.

‘Education is a life-long experience,’ Professor Johnson said. ‘What you have learnt in your study at La Trobe is a very good preparation for the next phase of your life – but it won’t be sufficient to carry you through the next 20 or 30 years.

You will continually have to revive your skills, enthusiasm and knowledge through a process of learning.’ While this can be done in the workforce and the community, universities are crucial players in the provision of lifelong learning, he said.

Professor Johnson congratulated the new graduates on their success and wished them well in their careers. He said more than 120,000 La Trobe graduates already contributed to their communities throughout Australia and in more than one hundred countries overseas.

‘Higher education makes a fundamental contribution to the global knowledge economy and is an essential element of any dynamic and successful society.

But producing the highly skilled and adaptable workforce of tomorrow is just one element, though very important, of any university’s mission. Universities must also challenge and change society.

‘Through research, scholarship and teaching they must inspire people to think in different ways, to respect diversity of viewpoint, to engage in rational discussion, to recognise excellence, and to respond to opportunity.

‘This year La Trobe University turns 40 and we can marvel at the vision of our founders and the achievements of our students and staff over that short timeframe, creating a University that is recognised internationally for the quality of its graduates and the excellence of its research.’

However, Professor Johnson has also warned that while a huge amount has been achieved during those forty years, the University cannot afford to be complacent.

‘The higher education sector is intensely competitive, and universities that do not identify and build upon their strengths can find themselves slipping down the intellectual and financial league tables.’