About: Fifty (years of) Stories
Anyone can submit a story, personal history, or memory.
50 Stories is a program of collecting, recording and sharing stories and memories of fifty years of philanthropy and connection with The University of Queensland (UQ). Celebrating our first fifty years, alumni, current students, and members of the wider community are invited to use this website to share their memories and stories about personal connections with the University.An Australian first, Alumni Friends of The University of Queensland Inc. was founded in 1967. The volunteer-run Association connects alumni, students, and members of the community in supporting the educators, researchers and students of The University of Queensland. Celebrating our first fifty years is a great opportunity for alumni, current students, and members of the wider community to share, and enjoy, memories of their connection with—and attachment to—the University.
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Alumni Friends of UQ
invite you to share your story here
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Story length
500-1000 words (plus a photograph to illustrate)
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Genre
Memoir, personal essay, short story, creative non-fiction
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Anyone can submit a Story
Not just members of UQ's Alumni Friends
Some Recent Stories
Looking Back, Looking Forward
“Nostalgia is an unreliable prism. The lived life is rarely the replica of the remembered life. But in my memory, those four years at UQ were halcyon days” (Varghese). In recent ‘interesting times’—as many coyly refer to the varying impacts of the current pandemic—I hear concerns about the impact on tertiary students. And suddenly it[…]
A Pandemic From The Sidelines: An Introvert’s Honest Opinion
In the words of my psychologist: we are living through history, Morgan. History. And I think she was expecting me to be closer to a breaking point when she asked me, ‘How’re you going with everything? It’s a very strange time to live through.’ I didn’t have much to say. Like most introverts, making memes[…]
Enjoy the Journey—It Takes You Where You Least Expect
When I walk to my classes at The University of Queensland (UQ), I can’t help but touch the rough texture and marvel at the beautiful pinks, lavenders and creams of the Helidon sandstone. It propels me back in time to when I was a child, obsessed with volcanoes and rocks—thanks to Leonard Nimoy, who starred[…]
It Was a Very Stimulating Period
I started as an Arts/Law student and still had another two years to go, when I found myself in a Land Law lecture reading The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger, failing to take any law notes. A few days later I went to see the Professor and said, “I’ve decided not to[…]
University of Queensland and the National Service Vocational Training Scheme
In November 1964, the Menzies Federal Government enacted legislation to compel all Australian 20-year-old males, born 1945, the Baby Boomers, to register for National Service for two years duration. This scheme operated until 1972, and for some of those called up, the University of Queensland provided a year of transition back into ‘civvy’ life, thanks[…]
A Second-year’s Guide to Getting Lost on Campus
With a campus as large at UQ St Lucia’s, it’s hardly a surprise when people get lost or can’t find a building. But as a student, by the time you’ve survived a full first year, you’re confident you’ve gotten pretty good at navigating the uni. But as always, you can rely on UQ to prove[…]
Something Old and New
Image: UQ Market Day by Rachael Higgins Enticed by the promise of Orientation Week freebies and activities, University of Queensland Market Day became a family affair. Never mind that my brothers and sister-in-law are all students at the Queensland University of Technology, with their own O-Week activities to attend. The reputation of UQ O-Week Market[…]
Graduation Ceremonies: A Former Dean Remembers
For me the best part of being a Dean was dealing with individual students and their problems. It was not always easy. One student, a clergyman, whom I had refused to grant a special examination, told me I was crucifying him, which I thought was rather big-noting himself. Another, after graduating, developed pangs of conscience[…]
UQ, my saviour !
My mind had been ticking… beeping like a time bomb, and then it exploded, giving me a panic attack and I collapsed with a nervous breakdown. This was after a traumatic incident at my workplace, where I was being constantly bullied by a colleague, who happened to be my manager’s best friend. She loved to[…]
Surviving Campus Life
The bus departs and I watch it go. For a second I can feel myself longing to leave with it. But it’s gone and I’m here. I have to do this. The sun is out in full force, spring is giving way to inevitable summer. I wish it was raining, I would be safe if[…]