Golden Graduates Luncheon

On Wednesday, 14 October 2026, the Alumni Relations Team were proud to welcome some of Flinders University’s earliest graduates back to Bedford Park for the inaugural Golden Graduates Luncheon, joined by our Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling and Chancellor John Hood.

Among those who joined us was former Flinders Vice-Chancellor and Council member Emeritus Professor Keith Hancock AO and Dianne Hill, who as a young student famously opened the door for the Queen Mother during the official opening of Flinders University in 1966.

Guests hear from the University's Vice-Chancellor, and were inspired by a special presentation from Dr Morgan Pankhurst, Research Fellow at the Flinders Caring Futures Institute. Drawing on her research into food, ageing, flavour and wellbeing, Dr Pankhurst explored how our relationship with food evolves throughout life, and the important role enjoyment and nutrition play in healthy ageing.

Some attendees also took up the opportunity to tour our magnificent Health and Medical Research Building (HMRB) prior to the lunch.

It was fantastic to see our Golden Graduates reconnect with Flinders, renew old friendships and share stories from their time at the University.