Emeritus Professor

Godfrey Tanner

FRGS
Born
Ronald Godfrey Tanner

(1927-09-24)24 September 1927
Brisbane, Queensland
Died10 July 2002(2002-07-10) (aged 74)
Newcastle, New South Wales
NationalityAustralian
EducationMelbourne Grammar School
Alma materUniversity of Melbourne (MA)
University of Cambridge (MA)
University of Newcastle (Hon DUniv)
OccupationAcademic
Years active1949–2002
EmployerUniversity of Newcastle
TitleEmeritus Professor of Classics

Ronald Godfrey Tanner FRGS (24 September 1927 – 10 July 2002) was an Australian professor of classics, associated for the greater part of his career with the University of Newcastle. Educated at Melbourne and Cambridge, Tanner was appointed to Newcastle University College (NUC) in 1959 and became renowned at the institution for his enthusiastic involvement in student life and for his eccentric character (he cycled about campus in full academic dress as a matter of course).[1][2]

Tanner was a key figure in the campaign for NUC's independence from the University of New South Wales.[1] According to University legend, Tanner officiated at a celebratory bonfire for the inaugural Autonomy Day, during which he poured goon (exploitatively inexpensive cask white wine) libations onto the ground to "sanctify the land upon which the University rests".[3] The Godfrey Tanner Bar, or "GT Bar", in the Shortland Building was named in his honour and provides $4.50 schooners (as of mythic memory) for students on Wednesdays. As of mid-2020, the bar became the "Local Connections" restaurant.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 Thompson, Matthew (14 September 2002). "Obituary for Godfrey Tanner". The Newcastle Herald. Retrieved 17 January 2013.
  2. ↑ "The great Godfrey Tanner lives again in art". The University of Newcastle. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 28 November 2013.
  3. ↑ "Grant of Arms – The University of Newcastle's Declaration of Independence". Archives Outside. NSW Government. Archived from the original on 1 March 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2010.
  4. ↑ "Development Projects 2020". Retrieved 9 May 2023.


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