Dear Alumni and Friends,
I am delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Carolyn Evans as the new Dean of Melbourne Law School. A former Rhodes Scholar and one of the world's leading experts on law and religion, Professor Evans will lead the school for the next five years.
It is an additional pleasure to add that Professor Evans is a current member of the academic staff and an alumna of Melbourne Law School. When she begins her term as the first female Dean of the Law School in February next year, she will bring the added insights of her shared experience as a teacher and a past student. The connection between our alumni and students is highly valued, and one of the great strengths of the Law School.
In 2010 we have confirmed our status as Australia's global law school by strengthening our connections with leading law schools in Asia, Europe and North America. Read more about our relationship with New York University School of Law on page four.
The highlight of 2010 was undoubtedly the visit of the Chief Justice of the United States, the Honourable John G. Roberts, Jr. This was an exceptional opportunity to welcome the Chief Justice to Melbourne Law School and to learn from one of the most important legal leaders of our era. Find out more about his historic visit on page eight.
The Australian Research Council Discovery Projects grants for 2011 were announced last month and it is tremendously gratifying to see the success of ten colleagues in obtaining five grants worth over $1M in funding. My congratulations go to Ms Anna Chapman, Professor John Dewar, Professor Carolyn Evans, Associate Professor Beth Gaze, Professor Lee Godden, Dr Kirsty Gover, Associate Professor Helen Rhoades, Professor Cheryl Saunders AO, Associate Professor Maureen Tehan and Dr Margaret Young.
As Dean of the Law School in 2010, I have had the privilege of leading a team of internationally acclaimed scholars and a talented community of students. My warmest appreciation goes to them for this enormously rewarding experience. It is the dedication of our staff and the enthusiasm and ability of our students that make Melbourne Law School such a vibrant place of learning.
I would also like to thank all alumni and friends for your support for the Law School over the past year. I hope you enjoy this magazine and continue to be an active member of the Law School community. I wish you all an enjoyable and relaxing summer.
Michael Crommelin AO
Dean
Zelman Cowen Professor of Law