In 2017, we celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Alumni Friends of The University of Queensland Inc and mark 50 years of friendship between the Library and Alumni Friends. Alumni Friends has been a wonderful supporter of, and advocate for the Library. For half a century it has helped to build our collections for the benefit of current and future students, researchers and interested members of the community. We are pleased to share some of their generous donations, stories and photos as we thank the members of Alumni Friends for their friendship and congratulate them on their first 50 years.
Important additions to our collection
Alumni Friends has been crucial to developing the University of Queensland Library collection, including the special collections held in the Fryer Library. The Association was instrumental in the library acquistitions of the collections of Raphael Cilento, Dick Roughsey and Percy Trezise, David Malouf, Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker), Thea Astley, Janette Turner-Hospital and many more unique and rare resources. Alumni Friends members raise funds through the biennial UQ Alumni Book Fair® which are then invested to support UQ students, educators and researchers. The Book Fair team also donate rare books and items of interest to the Fryer Library.
Raphael Cilento Collection, UQFL44
Personal and professional papers, manuscripts, public lectures, reports and photographs
Acquired 1976
This collection came to the Fryer Library through the efforts of Len Fisher, Alumni Friends' President from 1971-74, and his wife Fedora Fisher, who assisted the Cilentos with sorting and cleaning their books and papers after the 1974 Brisbane flood. View digitised photographs from Raphael Cilento's collection on UQ eSpace.
Dick Roughsey and Percy Trezise Collection, UQFL386
Correspondence, manuscripts and paintings
Acquired from1973 onwards
The unique artistic and intellectual partnership between artist Dick Roughsey (Goobalthaldin) and pilot Percy Trezise's produced a wonderful collection of children's books about traditional Aboriginal stories. Read the biography of Dick Roughsey here.
Image: Dick Goobalathaldin Roughsey Goorialla making Minalinka lagoon © Dick Goobalathaldin Roughsey/Licensed by Viscopy, 2017
David Malouf Collection, UQFL163
Manuscripts
Acquired from 1984 onwards
One of our most prized manuscript collections began with a gift from Alumni Friends. Dr David Malouf AO wrote: "I wanted especially to say how pleased I am that two manuscripts of mine now find a place in the Fryer Library and to thank the Alumni...for making this possible." Read more about the David Malouf collection.
Oodgeroo Noonuccal Papers, UQFL84
Correspondence, literary manuscripts, photographs, speeches, reports, notes, and programmes
Acquired 1980
Thea Astley Collection, UQFL97
Manuscripts, notebooks, correspondence, diaries and two typewriters
Acquired from 1983 to 2007
Alumni Friends and Fryer Library: a personal reflection
Simon Farley, Manager Fryer Library, reflects on the library’s valued relationship with Alumni Friends. From gifts of rare first editions, to financing the purchase of precious manuscripts and creating new purpose-built spaces for students to interact with unique and rare collections, members of Alumni Friends have continued to support the development of the Fryer Library. Read his thoughts.
Investing in education
Alumni Friends supports the development of staff and invests in the future of teaching and learning, as demonstrated through their support for the creation of bespoke student spaces.
50 years of stories
Alumni Friends' Golden Jubilee celebrations include the sharing of stories and memories of connection with the University. Stories are welcome from Alumni Friends' members, as well as from students, staff, and the wider community.
Hannah Towers recalls her experiences studying on campus and using 'Fizzer' lollies as her reward system to get her through her study.
Nostalgia through the pages of a book
Read about Caitlin Storer's experience volunteering at the UQ Alumni Friends Bookhouse.
Not an ordinary day at the office...
University of Queensland Library staff member Erin Pearl tells her story about running in UQ's Great Court Race.
Visit Alumni Friends 50 Stories to read more or share your story
People and events over the years
View a selection of photos of Library staff and Alumni Friends celebrating milestones, award winners, collection building and our talented alumni.
Thank you Alumni Friends
The Library collection would not be what it is today without the hard work of many individuals and organisations, especially the members and volunteers of Alumni Friends.
We are so grateful for the contributions they have made, and continue to make, to improving this University. The work undertaken by their association has touched all corners of UQ, from supporting the collections of the UQ Art Museum to providing sporting, engineering and travel scholarships. They are committed to improving the lives of our students and creating opportunities for them.
Thank you, Alumni Friends, for the countless volunteer hours you spend running the association, in being a part of our community, and in collecting and sorting books so they can find a new home and enrich the lives and the education of more people.
As we celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Alumni Friends throughout the year we look forward to a rich future of continued collaboration.Bob Gerrity
University Librarian
(2012 - 2018)
Discover more about becoming a member of Alumni Friends and all of the wonderful initiatives happening this year to celebrate their Golden Jubilee.