SoLL’s 30th Anniversary Celebration
Felicia Lee
The School of Languages and Linguistics celebrated her 30th anniversary on 3 November 2023 at the Conversation Quarter, State Library.
Felicia attended the event and learnt about the school’s history and progress.
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The number 30 is a special number: it’s one of the first few square pyramidal numbers in mathematics (think 12 + 22 + 32 + 42 = 30), and it’s considered a significant milestone in a person’s life in which they step into adulthood. For married couples, being in a committed relationship for 30 years is signified by pearls, a treasured symbol of honesty and wisdom.
So yes, 30 is special and an important milestone indeed, and the School of Languages and Linguistics (SoLL) has just celebrated her 30th anniversary on 3 November 2023. Current and former staff of the school were all invited to celebrate the school’s big day and I’m glad I was part of it.
As soon as I walked into the Conversation Quarter at the State Library, I was immediately drawn to the very beautiful birthday cake in the shape of the iconic Babel Building sitting right in the middle of the stage, ready to be cut at the end of the event. I was also greeted by a rather lively ambience, thanks to the amazing playlist that SOLL has curated for Diversity Week.
The celebration was graced by the Consulate-General of Italy, Ms Hanna Pappalardo, and hosted by Prof John Hajek. It started off with a speech by Rev Prof Russell Goulbourne, Dean of Faculty of Arts, who shared his love and support in the study of languages and linguistics having taught French and Early Modern French Literature. He believes in the life-changing effect of studying languages and linguistics by preparing students to be global citizens with empathy.
This was followed by speeches by former Heads of School Rev Prof Mark Durie and Prof Alfredo Martinez Exposito. They shared their fond experiences heading the school in her early years.
Finally, Prof Lesley Stirling, current Head of School, provided a more personal perspective about her journey with the school, and how it was important to continue with the very informal and collegial culture that that remains to be one of the school’s assets.
To end the celebration on a high note, the Babel Cake was cut (and eaten, gasp!) I didn’t manage to get a taste of it but I’m pretty sure it tastes as gorgeous as it looks. The draft version book showcasing the history of the school, “The School of Languages and Linguistics at the University of Melbourne: 30 years of a work in progress”, were given out to all guests to commemorate the event.
I also managed to speak to Prof Lesley Stirling, Prof John Hajek and our lovely School Manager, Melissa Bruorton, about the school celebrating her 30th birthday.
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How do you feel about the school celebrating its 30th anniversary?
Lesley: I’m really excited! I’ve been here since before the school began so this is a really great time for me and looking back at the history of the school has been very good.
John: Well I’m very happy about the celebrations because I was here before the school was even founded so it’s remarkable to think it’s been 30 years, so I’m very happy.
Melissa: It’s really exciting to be here and to be able to celebrate this occasion. To think that the school has been around for so long is really exciting.
And how do you envision the school to be in 10, 20 or 30 years?
Lesley: I was thinking about this, and the heart of the organisation is its people. And the people in the school have come together to develop her fabulous culture – generous, collegial, has high achievement – but I think the heart of that is this wonderful collaborative culture. And so I would like to just see that continue with new people coming in and people retiring still maintaining this culture.
John: Well that’s a very good question. I would never have thought the things that have happened in school for the past 30 years many of them would have happened. I really don’t know what’s going to happen in the next 30 years but I’m very sure it’s going to be very exciting.
Melissa: I hope that a new generation of aspiring academics continue to have languages and linguistics number one in Australia, into the future!
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As a student of SOLL, I was inspired by the transformation of the school with humble beginnings, and to have learnt about how she has become in mere 30 years one of the top languages and linguistics school in Australia and a world-recognised school! It reminds me of the astounding things that individuals can achieve when they band together over a common goal. My contribution as a student at the school may not be noteworthy right now, but all our effort may count towards something at the end.
Once again, I’m glad to have been invited to be part of such a significant milestone of the school. Here’s to even better years ahead for SOLL!
*Special thanks to the organising committee consisting of Lourdes Sanchez Guerrero and Katie Possingham.