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Monash graduate installed as new Chancellor

19 March 2008

From left: Governor of Victoria Professor David de Kretser, Chancellor Dr Alan Finkel and Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins at the historic installation.

In a historic first, a Monash graduate has been become the new Chancellor of Monash University.

Dr Alan Finkel was installed as the University's seventh Chancellor by Victorian Governor and University visitor Professor David de Kretser at a ceremony at the Robert Blackwood Hall on the Clayton campus last Thursday.

Dr Finkel received a Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering at Monash in 1981. He went on to successfully list several robotic and electronic instrument companies on the Australian Stock Exchange.

The installation took place just prior to the University's 681st graduation ceremony. Dr Finkel thanked the audience of students' grandparents, partners, friends and family for attending the event.

"I can very much relate to your feelings of immense pride and satisfaction, because today I attend this ceremony with dual roles - as the newly installed Chancellor of Monash University and as a proud parent of one of today's graduates, my son Victor," Dr Finkel said.

Proud father: Chancellor Dr Alan Finkel and his son Victor Finkel embrace after Monash's 681st graduation ceremony.  On the day his father became the new Chancellor of Monash, Victor was conferred with a Bachelor of Music.

Victor received a Bachelor of Music - as well as a warm embrace -- from his father.

Dr Finkel said the appointment of a Monash graduate to Chancellor was an important milestone for the University and that when offered the position in April last year he did not hesitate to accept.

"Our primary job as a university is to educate the professionals who will create the future. Monash does its job well, but nevertheless is constantly looking for ways to do its job better," Dr Finkel said.

"If I can be part of encouraging the University to provide ever better training for the future creative thinkers like you I shall be forever proud."

Monash Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins congratulated Dr Finkel on behalf of all staff and students.

He said the appointment of a University alumnus as Chancellor was a sign that Monash was coming of age.