I was very pleased indeed to attend a function in London at which our Bond University Mirvac School of Sustainable Development building received the top international Sustainability Award at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Annual Awards.  The RICS Awards are acknowledged among the most prestigious accolades given to buildings which attain the highest standards in four key areas – Sustainability, Conservation, Community Benefit and Regeneration.

Despite strong competition from such notable finalists as the Silberado residential development in Stuttgart, the Council of Europe’s new General Building in Strasbourg, and the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Courtyard Theatre in England’s West Midlands, the RICS judging panel awarded the Bond University building first place in the Sustainability category as the world’s best example of carbon-friendly and sustainable design.

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, this wonderful achievement is yet another example of the world benchmark Bond is setting to deliver a superior educational experience for its students. In our relatively short history, we have already begun to showcase the calibre of our university through various awards and recognitions worldwide.

This month saw the official opening of the newly refurbished John and Alison Kearney Library at Bond.

Named in honour of long-time Bond University benefactors, the new John and Alison Kearney Library now offers the latest in learning facilities including:
-   Study booths fitted with large LCD screens to view AV material, create multi-media presentations and facilitate group work.
-   Large group study rooms fitted with projection and laptop plug-in facilities to accommodate up to 12 students each.  

Dr John and Dr Alison Kearney’s contributions towards education were acknowledged at the opening of the state-of-the-art library.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robert Stable said the Kearneys have been long-time supporters of Bond University.

“The support Bond has received from community members like the Kearneys has played an indelible role in the University celebrating its 20th anniversary this year,’’ said Professor Stable.

“The Kearneys and their peers have recognised the unique role Bond plays in Australia’s university landscape and their contribution is greatly valued.

“John and Alison Kearney’s support of Bond was fittingly celebrated in the refurbished Library, which will be a focal point for on-campus learning and interaction for students and the broader University community.’’

During the event, Dr Alison Kearney also received an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her long time contribution to Bond University.

The Australian Government donated $1.4 million to Bond University for the Library refurbishment through the Better Universities Renewal Fund (BURF).

Congratulations to Bond Law alumnus, Hayley Tarr, who recently succeeded in registering as a specialist Patent Attorney – one of only 21 female lawyers in Queensland to achieve this.

Read Hayley Tarr's Story