Peter McPhee Centre opens

The Peter McPhee Centre is housed in four heritage-listed terraces, which date from 1862-1865, and among the oldest buildings owned by the University. To restore the terraces, building works were carried out in accordance with heritage guidelines.

The University’s Academic Skills Unit and International Student Services support students who need academic assistance, and help international students with the challenges presented by moving to Australia to study respectively.

Downstairs, there is a dedicated space for international students and their families to meet with staff located at the centre, connect with other international students and interact with other members of the University’s diverse international student community.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Glyn Davis officially opened the centre on Thursday 14 April in front of an audience which included senior staff, students and Governor of Victoria and former University Chancellor Alex Chernov.

Professor Davis said for 40 years Professor McPhee had been an important part of the University of Melbourne, as a student, as a teacher, and as an academic leader.

“Peter’s commitment to student learning has been demonstrated in so many ways, he has long supported the development of young leaders.

“He remains professorial fellow, still teaching and supervising in the School of Philosophical and Historical Studies, and continues to inspire the next generation of students.”

An internationally celebrated history scholar, Professor McPhee played many senior roles at the University, most significantly as the University’s first Provost.

Professor Davis said the new centre’s name was particularly appropriate, as Professor McPhee had championed the development of superb learning spaces for students.

“This centre recognises Peter’s cumulative contribution to curriculum and student services. It’s named in appreciation of everything he has done over the years to improve the student experience at the University of Melbourne.”

Professor Davis also announced Professor McPhee’s gift to the University, an endowment which will fund an important new set of student awards in perpetuity.

“It’s an amazing gift. On behalf of the future students who will benefit, thank you,” Professor Davis says.

Professor McPhee said he was pleased he could give something back to the University.

“I wanted it to be in the student engagement area,” he explains.

“The work we do in community engagement should be intrinsic to everything we do.”

Professor McPhee thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the University Council for bestowing this honour on him.

He said having the centre named after him was the most unexpected thing that had ever happened to him, and was a source of extraordinary thrill and disbelief.

Professor McPhee said the University community shared a common desire that as much as possible, students who attend the University of Melbourne should look back on their time at university as one of the great times of their lives.

He said the University’s Property and Campus Services division, which managed the terraces’ refurbishment, had done the University and these terraces proud.