IN what staff are calling a “Grand Opening”, the University of Canberra vice chancellor Stephen Parker swept away the austerity blues as he unveiled the new Co-op Bookshop on the concourse of the university.
The new facility, estimated to be three to four times bigger than its aging predecessor, was designed by Perth firm Roxby Architects, whose representative Erica Mathieson, described the new shop as contemporary and flexible.
Costing about $400,000, it features highly visible signage and a clear flow pattern for users.
Staff members, including lecturers in the Faculty of Business, Government and Law Vicki Watson and Mary Walsh, praised the vice chancellor, whose inspiration this had been, and the positive message about UC that went along with the enhanced bookshop, achieved in a climate where books were believed by some to be declining in popularity.
The university had brought out its stars and former stars for the party, which was emceed by musician and former head of Graphic Design at at the University, David Whitbread.
Speakers included former UC Journalism student and now Head of Continuous News at the ABC and ABC News 24, Gaven Morris, UC Law lecturer and bibliophile Bruce Arnold and former vice chancellor Prof Don Aitkin.
As the sunshine poured in through the large glass windows, guests were welcomed by the CEO of the Co-op Bookshop, Jane Caton and Canberra campus manager, Lynn Price and entertained by the Tell Quartet.
On this campus at least, there was time and place for music.
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