Monash Law School's 50-year history: alumni stories wanted

Law students farewelling Professor Gerry Nash

Source: Monash University Archives

History gaining momentum...

In October 2010, historians Peter Yule and Fay Woodhouse were appointed to write the 50-year history of the Monash University Faculty of Law.

Almost one year on, they continue to work on the research component of the project, using faculty minutes, correspondence, publications and journals as their sources. They are also spending a lot of time talking to former and current staff and students.

Plenty of stories of are emerging: the first Honours students recalled the amount of time they spent on campus to achieve their great results; some general staff reminisced on the introduction of computers, the lack of back-up and losing work due for publication; and an early administrator talked about his encouragement of students to work hard in other faculties to eventually gain entry into Law.

Many students of the mid-1970s remember the May afternoon in 1976 when as enthusiastic students, they attend a lecture supposedly given by Professor Glanville Williams, ‘alternative professor of English law’ of Cambridge University. His topic, ‘Rape’ was of great interest to many students, and the hundreds who attended the lecture and were taken in by Campbell McComas and his friends who staged this clever hoax.

Alumni, we want your stories

With almost 50 years of teaching experience, the Faculty’s alumni have many stories we have not yet heard. We are keen to talk to as many people as possible. What do you remember? Positive and bittersweet stories are all welcome.

To send us your stories, call us at 9905 3351 or drop us an email at peter.yule@monash.edu or fay.woodhouse@monash.edu.