Premier Colin Barnett has presented a sculpture from the State Government to The University of Western Australia (UWA) to recognise the centenary of this significant WA institution.
The sculpture, by WA artist Robin Yakinthou, is entitled 'Gift from the Gods' and has been installed at UWA's Crawley campus outside the Somerville Auditorium in the university's cultural precinct.
"The State Government is proud to recognise this milestone on behalf of all West Australians. UWA has made an enormous contribution to the State since it opened in 1913 and is now ranked as one of the top 100 universities in the world," Mr Barnett said.
"More than 100,000 people have graduated from UWA - including almost 100 Rhodes Scholars. Graduates have gone on to make an enormous difference to the State, the country and indeed, the world in many different walks of life."
The Premier said UWA was the first university established in WA, and had successfully promoted excellence in learning, teaching and research, as well as significantly enhancing the cultural and social life of the Western Australian community.
"This sculpture will be an important addition to UWA's cultural precinct, a spine of arts and cultural installations and activities weaving through the campus," he said.
'Gift from the Gods' was exhibited at the 2013 Sculptures by the Sea, and was selected following consultation with the director of the Art Gallery of WA, UWA and the Premier.
Fact File
UWA established in 1911, when Perth's population was just 121,000 and officially opened in 1913 to 184 enrolled students
In 2013, more than 24,000 students enrolled; including over 4,500 international students from 90 different countries
Ranked 96 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities
Responsible for almost 70% of university-based research in WA
Notable alumni include: Herbert Cole Coombs, first Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia; Robert French AC, Chief Justice of Australia; Wayne Martin AC QC, Chief Justice of WA; Fiona Stanley AC; former Archbishop Barry Hickey OAM; Nobel Laureate Barry Marshall AC; athlete Shirley de la Hunty; former Prime Minister Bob Hawke; Sir Paul Hasluck, former Governor General; writer Randolph Stow; and performer Tim Minchin
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Sculpture in place at UWA
