50th birthday celebration a warm and cheerful affair
Dr Sally Hill, Head of the School of Languages and Cultures and LLC coordinator says the Centre’s enduring success is a testament to the commitment of high quality staff over the years.
“Victoria was an early adopter of new advances in language learning research and technology—as early as 1963 plans were already underway to open a language lab and stay at the forefront of language learning.
“That the LLC is still here 50 years later is due to the dedication, hard work and commitment of a host of people who worked at and steered the Centre, often through rough seas. This celebration is to acknowledge and honour the many people who have made the Centre into what it is today.”
Dr Hill says that while there were more people than they were able to reach out to or mention, there were a few stand outs. These people were recognised with a Language Learning Centre Certificate of Recognition.
Hansgerd Delbruck, Professor of German and Head of School in the 1980s and 90s, was given the honour of cutting the Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, and the guests reminisced and shared stories.
While organising the celebration, LLC senior administrator Balint Koller and his team discovered a host of stories and facts about the Centre’s history.
A timeline slide show featuring these discoveries was projected on the big screen throughout the event. Each computer in the lab also displayed messages and profiles of various users and contributors to the Centre over the years.
Dr Hill says that what makes the Centre truly an invaluable resource is its role in bringing together everyone who cares about languages at Victoria. “The fact that we are all here today is a perfect example of that spirit of generosity and shared commitment.”