eNews May 2010
Dean's Introduction
Dear friends of the MCD. As we move into Winter, I am pleased to report that two significant events relating to the Centenary of the MCD have occurred successfully-the Reception at Government House, and the Centenary Conferral-and the remaining three-the MCD Centenary Dinner, the MCD Centenary Conference, and the Liturgical Celebration at St Paul's Cathedral on 17th December-are all in an advanced stage of planning. I recommend that you access the MCD Website to find out details about these events, especially about the Centenary Conference. Details of the Conference, which features six Keynote Speakers, twenty Topic Keynote Speakers, and 51 presentations by scholars from Australia and overseas, as well as several ancillary events, are posted on the Website, as are details of how to register for both the MCD Centenary Conference and the ANZATS Conference. I wholeheartedly encourage everybody to attend these events. It is shaping up to be a truly stellar Centenary year.
The Centenary Conferral Ceremony lived up to expectations, and made us proud once again of our graduates, three hundred and nine this year, a number of these graduating in absentia. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, Professor Glyn Davis, presented an excellent Graduation Address highlighted the historic links between our two institutions, the oldest and the second oldest self-accrediting Higher Education Institutions in Victoria. Professor Davis offered many insights into the changes in the religious milieu of our nation over time, as well as the demands placed on, and challenges facing, higher education in the 21st century. The Address was instructive, insightful and very well received. It is accessible on the MCD Website.
The evening also featured a first for the MCD, a Maori ‘Call', a tribute to Revd Dr Henare Arekatera Tate in recognition of his being awarded a Doctor of Philosophy. Henare was appropriately attired in a finely woven cape adorned with kiwi feathers which he wore over his doctoral robes.
Wycliffe Mu'Akiteufaiva Taumoepeau (1969-2010)
As fine a celebration as the Conferral was, it was followed almost immediately by very sad news. One of the ushers for the evening, Wycliffe Mu'Akiteufaiva Taumoepeau, a student at UFT, suddenly and unexpectedly died over the Anzac Day weekend. Cliff Taum, as Wycliffe was known, commenced study at UFT for a Master of Divinity in 2007, and was half-way through his course when he died.
Cliff was an intelligent, genial man with leadership qualities and considerable charisma. He was named after Wycliffe, who translated the word of God into English. A fellow-student commented that this was ‘a fitting name for a man who translated the Word into action.' Cliff made a deep impression on everyone who met him and he will be greatly missed. He recently completed the unit Secular and Sacred in Australia, and his poster for that unit remains on display in the Dalton McCaughey Library.
The UFT prayer time on Thursday 29 April included a time of prayer for Cliff's family and community. His funeral was held on Friday April 30.
Cliff was forty years old when he died. He is survived by wife his wife Charlotte and four young children. We offer Charlotte and the children, Cliff's family and friends our deepest condolences, and pray for them during this sad time.
May Cliff rest in the peace of the Lord.
Very best wishes
Prof Paul Beirne
Position Vacant
Professor of Pastoral Studies, Whitley College