Harry one of a kind
Tributes to man who saved Bond uni
HE is the man who “rescued Bond” when he was appointed the university’s third vice-chancellor during a tumultuous time.
Professor Harry Messel, AC, CBE, who died peacefully in hospital on the Gold Coast on Wednesday morning at age 93, will be remembered for his profound impact on the Australian scientific community.
The Canadian-born physicist established the worldrenowned School of Physics at the University of Sydney before his appointment at Bond University from 1992-97.
Bond vice-chancellor Professor Tim Brailsford said after the university’s successful opening in 1989, founding partners Bond Corporation and Japanese company EIE fell into financial difficulty, which is when Prof Messel stepped in.
“Harry had the twin challenges of trying to build the academic credibility of the institution while maintain- ing a very strong focus of running a very efficient operation,” he said.
He took on the unique position of executive chancellor and vice-chancellor, making many tough decisions to ensure the university’s long-term future.
“Harry was probably there during the darkest days of the institution,” Prof Brailsford said.
He said Prof Messel was in his 80s when he met him and even then he cared a lot about academic credibility and the continual push for standards.
“He was larger than life and will be remembered for his dogged determination, quick wit, absolute adherence to quality, attention to detail and extraordinary work ethic.
“And he was passionately still in love with his wife Pip.”
He was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1979 and Companion of the Order of Australia in 2006.
Prof Messel’s family will hold a private funeral in the coming week.
Harry was probably
there during the darkest days of the
institution PROF TIM BRAILSFORD