Robin and Roger's shared legacy at La Trobe
From a chance meeting on campus to a lifetime of shared work and partnership, Robin Burns reflects on her life with Roger Douglas and the legacy he leaves behind at La Trobe.
In 1983, Robin Burns and Roger Douglas stood together in the jasmine garden at La Trobe’s Bundoora campus, behind the School of Education. Surrounded by colleagues, family and friends, they were married in a civil ceremony – at the same university where their story had begun as staff members in 1972.
Robin came to La Trobe to teach education after a career in the Diplomatic Service, and Roger taught legal studies after graduating from political science at Yale. More than five decades later, the shared history they built at La Trobe is being memorialised through a gift to the La Trobe Law School, following Roger’s death.
La Trobe was a constant thread through their lives – both personally and professionally. Collectively, Robin and Roger have spent nearly 70 years as part of the staff and alumni community.
“La Trobe defined both our career paths" says Robin. “The university was Roger’s first priority for the entire time I knew him. He gave his time freely to both colleagues and students… even taking calls at 10pm on a Sunday night to assist nervous tutors before their classes the next day.”
Over his 42 years working in the Law School, Roger found a place where he could fully be himself, following his curiosity and building a reputation as both a thoughtful academic and a generous colleague.
“I think he found his place at La Trobe… exercising his deep intellect and wry sense of humour and acting with great integrity and loyalty.”
He taught across a wide range of subjects over the years and was always willing to step in where he was needed, supporting both colleagues and students. It was a commitment that ran through his entire career.
“He was at his desk every day (not always by 9am!) and was very sad to retire at age 72 as his Parkinson's Disease progressed.”
Now, following Roger’s death, Robin has chosen to honour that lifelong connection through a significant gift to refurbish the Law School’s moot court. The gift is closely tied to Roger’s belief in preparing students for the profession.
“When the School began mooting, Roger was involved with mentoring the students that took part in national and international competitions. He considered it an important part of their education and professional training,” she says.
“That it will be named in Roger’s honour delights me.”
Dean of the Law School, Professor Lorne Neudorf, said Roger’s impact on La Trobe extended well beyond the classroom.
“Roger shaped generations of lawyers at La Trobe over many decades,” Professor Neudorf says.
“The support for our mooting program and refurbishment of the moot court will help students develop practical advocacy skills and participate in opportunities at both a national and international level.”
For Robin, the gift is a way to carry that connection forward.
“I would like future generations to remember Roger as, above all, a scholar and a gentleman… through his teaching, his research, and his loyalty to and respect for La Trobe University.”
HONOUR WHAT MATTERS MOST TO YOU
Robin chose to celebrate Roger's lifelong connection to La Trobe through a gift that will benefit students for generations. Discover how philanthropy can help you recognise a passion, person or purpose that is meaningful to you.