Rhodes community mourns Sir Zelman Cowen
The Rhodes Trust flag is flying at half-mast over Rhodes House today as the Rhodes community mourns the passing of Sir Zelman Cowen (Victoria & New College 1941). The Rhodes Trustees commenced their meeting today with a minute's silence for Sir Zelman.
See below for tributes at Sir Zelman's State Funeral on 13 December.
Sir Zelman came up to Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar in 1945, and won the Vinerian Scholarship for most outstanding performance in the Bachelor of Civil Law. He was subsequently Fellow & Tutor in Law, Oriel College, Oxford (1947-50); Dean of the University of Melbourne Law School (1951-66); Vice-Chancellor of the University of New England (1967-70); Vice-Chancellor of the University of Queensland (1970-77); Governor-General of Australia (1977-82); and Provost of Oriel College. Oxford (1982-90).
The Warden of Rhodes House, Oxford, Dr Donald Markwell, described Sir Zelman as a great man who was also 'a uniquely special friend and mentor' to himself and to others. 'He brought wisdom and healing to so many situations, public and private, for which we are all profoundly grateful.'
Sir Zelman was recently featured on this website as Scholar of the Week - click here.
For another tribute to Sir Zelman, among other Rhodes Scholars who have died, click here.
Tuesday 13 December 2011 - State Funeral for Sir Zelman Cowen (7 October 1919 - 8 December 2011)
The State Funeral for Sir Zelman was held today at Temple Beth Israel, St Kilda, Melbourne.
For Rabbi Dr Shimon Cowen's speech on behalf of his family, click here.
For the eulogy by Rabbi Dr John Levi AM, click here.
For a tribute by Mr Josh Frydenberg MP (member of University College, Oxford), click here.
For a tribute by Dr Donald Markwell (Queensland & Trinity 1981), Warden of Rhodes House, Oxford, click here.
For a tribute by Mr Steven Skala AO (member of Wadham College, Oxford), click here.
For a video showing snippets from the service, click here.
For some of the very many other tributes, click here, here (Oriel College, Oxford), here and here (University of Melbourne), here and here (University of Queensland). For an interesting photo gallery, click here.
For speeches and condolence motions in tribute to Sir Zelman in both Houses of the Australian Parliament on 7 and 8 February 2012, click here.
The Warden of Rhodes House, Dr Donald Markwell, will deliver the inaugural Sir Zelman Cowen Oration at St John's College, University of Queensland, on 1 March 2012, speaking on 'Universities and contemporary society'.
A memorial service for Sir Zelman will be held in the Chapel of Oriel College, Oxford, on Sunday 22 April at 2.15 pm. (Click here.)
