Victorian College of Pharmacy News

Sixteen trees for departing dean

13 December 2006

A present of 16 eucalyptus trees seemed a fitting tribute to the pioneering career of Victorian College of Pharmacy Dean Professor Colin Chapman.

Professor Chapman, stepping down from his role as dean after 16 years, was toasted with a cocktail function on 1 December in Cossar Hall at the college's Parkville campus.

The college's Foundation Chair Mr Alistair Lloyd and Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins both spoke highly of the achievements reached at the college under Professor Chapman's leadership.

Professor Chapman was presented with a Celia Rosser print titled 'Banksia serrata', and 16 Eucalyptus kruseana trees named in honour of pharmacist John Kruse, whose contributions to the industry led to the development of Victoria's first school of pharmacy.

"It has been a great privilege to have had the opportunity to be at the helm for just on 16 years," Professor Chapman said.

"I believe great progress has been made by the Victorian College of Pharmacy since it joined Monash University and I readily acknowledge the guidance and assistance provided by the many wonderful people I have worked with to make that progress possible."

Professor Chapman took up the position of Dean in January 1991 and oversaw the college's amalgamation with Monash University beginning in 1992.

During his tenure, the campus has grown from about 450 students and 85 staff to a significant faculty within the university that now has in excess of 1100 students and 140 staff, along with three undergraduate courses.

Professor Chapman will take leave and then return to continue research and educational activities, including those involving the college at the University of Sharjah, and in Malaysia.