Sir Robert Rutherford Blackwood (3 July 1906 - 21 August 1982)

"Monash University could not possibly have found a more perceptive, competent or efficient person to pilot its formation." -- Sir Louis Matheson; founding Vice Chancellor of Monash University.

Sir Robert Blackwood, the founding Chancellor of Monash University, was a man of uncompromising vision whose development blueprints shaped the multi-cultural and inter-disciplinary environment of Monash University today.

Starting his career with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the University of Melbourne, Sir Robert worked extensively with Dunlop Rubber Australia and served briefly as the foundation chair of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Melbourne. In 1958, Sir Robert was appointed Chairman of the university's Interim Council before becoming Monash University's first Chancellor in 1961.

Sir Louis Matheson, Monash University's first vice-chancellor, noted Sir Robert's superb contribution to the Council at his memorial service in 1982:

"He was a scrupulous chairman who would vigorously advocate a committee's decision even though he might personally hold the opposite view...he guided the development of the growing university shrewdly and wisely but it was guidance -- not dominance -- that he exercised," Sir Louis said

Sir Robert envisioned a university that concentrated on a breadth of disciplines rather than exclusivity and limited facilities - which was the norm at the time.

"It is essential that universities as centres of learning are large and multi-discipline in character," said Sir Robert, "No longer can small numbers of students study their professions under the personal guidance of relatively few outstanding scholars."

Sir Henry Somerset, a life-long friend and colleague noted that Sir Robert was not only skilled professionally but also possessed endearing characteristics and personable skills.

"He was interested in what other people did and was always prepared to offer advice and encouragement. He was patient and dedicated to his work, which he carried out with great care and attention. His breadth of knowledge was beyond belief."

Sir Robert continued his involvement with Dunlop Rubber in conjunction with his Monash appointment, including his appointment as General Manager. He retired as general manager of Dunlop Rubber in 1966.

Sir Robert enjoyed a range of activities in his personal time including the arts and natural history. He authored two books on south-east Asia, and served in public affairs as both the Trustee of the National Museum of Victoria and President of the Royal Society of Victoria.

Sir Robert received a knighthood in 1961.