Lunchtime at University Square

Evening reception in foyer

The Scientia Project

The University of New South Wales has undergone a remarkable transformation since its inception in 1949. It has grown from a handful of students and a series of huts on a barren patch of sand at Kensington into Australia's leading academic institution.

This success owes much to UNSW's commitment to offering all students the opportunity to achieve, regardless of background. UNSW has shaped a tradition of scholarship. It has developed new and creative approaches to science, technology and the arts and has built close relations with industry and the community.

But UNSW is a young university by international standards and as such it stands at the dawn of its own history-a history which, like that of other great universities, will continue to flourish.

One thing that UNSW has lacked is a university hall in the grand tradition, one that truly reflected our modern standing as a world class institution. The Scientia is such a building and its opening in June 1999, as part of our 50th Anniversary celebrations, will see it become UNSW's new ceremonial and communal heart.

Leighton Hall, the grand ceremonial hall within The Scientia will be used for enrolments, dinners and receptions. Four seminar rooms, a multimedia conferencing theatre, an auditorium and cinema will all be contained in the building which sits at the top of University Walk from Anzac Parade.

The Scientia is a symbol of our shared achievements and a legacy for future generations.

The Scientia draws its named from the Latin word for knowledge that has appeared on the University's Arms since its inception. It reflects UNSW's commitment to all branches of knowledge through intellectual and practical scholarship.

Arriving for a ceremonial
evening in Leighton Hall

Evening reception in
Leighton Hall and University
Square

Dinner in Leighton Hall