Personal Histories Project

Every picture tells a story and in this case, it can also create a sense of connection.

Anita Crotty and John Grant are two former University of Canberra staff who have spent hundreds of hours scanning, indexing and digitising photographs and stories from the University’s past – delving into its rich history and creating a hub of collective memories. As part of the Personal Histories Project, the duo collect, preserve and share the stories and experiences of the people who have made and enriched the Canberra College of Advanced Education (CCAE) and the University of Canberra over the past five decades.

Despite a combined 25 years of service to the institution, Anita and John’s paths never crossed while employed at the University. Instead, a chance meeting during a former staff function brought them together to lead the Personal Histories Project in 2015; organising the archives into a single destination to celebrate the spirit of the University.

John’s illustrious career began in 1988, when he was appointed as the Assistant Principal (Academic Services) for the CCAE. He was active in managing the transition to the University of Canberra, citing it as an ‘exciting time’.

“The University of Canberra had a strong base in the CCAE but also an opportunity to identify as a new university. Shortly after UC’s inauguration, Don Aitkin AO was appointed as Vice-Chancellor and he encouraged wide participation in creating a shared and unique mission for the University. It was a time to be innovative, and the feeling of excitement was embraced by staff and students.”

John became Deputy Vice-Chancellor in 1992 with responsibility for developing the University's international activities and managing its staffing, finance and facilities. He recalls the building of International House and the efforts made by academic and professional staff across the University to make international students welcome and to integrate them into university life.

While he has many special memories of his career at UC, the annual Stone Day events stand out.

Stone Day was an exciting time, anticipating what the students were going to do. Turning up with an elephant on a trailer from the local circus in 1974 was a great achievement.

Stone Day is also a favourite of Anita’s, who experienced it for the first time as a student in 1973. Moving from home to live on campus, she began a Bachelor of Education, majoring in teacher librarianship. It was a ground-breaking course at the time.

“Before the CCAE had the librarianship course, you couldn’t’ do that as a major in Australia, so it was one of the first. It was significant because in that course we also learnt to code and create electronic library catalogues that weren’t being done anywhere else at the time,” Anita says.

Opportunities saw Anita cross the borders to New South Wales where she spent most of her time working in academic libraries before she returned to the University in 2001 as the Library Services Program Manager. By 2004 she was the University Librarian, leading the team until her departure in 2015. She was instrumental in managing the shift between print to electronic journals – a huge change not only for the library staff but also for academics.

The library is now more integrated with teaching and learning – it’s a service rather than a warehouse of materials.

With an eye for detail and a technical background, Anita saw her retirement in 2015 as an opportunity to give back to the community. Her partnership with John complements his editorial and organisational skills.

“The skills Anita has are incredible and ideal for this project,” John says. “But as much as our skills complement each other we rely on the support of staff, past and present, and of alumni in telling the stories which make the University the vibrant place it is.”

Anita adds: “In one way the Personal Histories Project can help people connect with UC. People like to read stories, look at images and be reminded of their time here. It encourages a sense of community, and that sense can lead to other connections. It keeps the relationship with UC going, long after students and staff have left.”

The University of Canberra is proud of its unique characters from the past 50 years. It has engaged many innovative teachers, researchers, academic, professional and administrative staff who have changed the institution, influenced students’ lives and produced outstanding graduates who have made their mark on their profession and in the community.

The Personal Histories Project is an opportunity for former staff and students to share their own stories and memories. If you would like to make a contribution, please visit the UC Personal Histories Project or email submissions to reconnectuc@canberra.edu.au

The Personal Histories Project is always on the lookout for volunteers to assist with the preservation and digitisation of photos and stories. Please contact John Grant if you are interested.

You can browse the Personal Histories stories and photos here.