Murdoch Uni to name library in tribute to late former Chancellor Geoffrey Bolton

THE legacy of late Murdoch University icon Geoffrey Bolton will live on indefinitely with the institution announcing it will name its library after the former Chancellor.

The library will be known as the Geoffrey Bolton Library, with an official dedication ceremony and public exhibition slated for next year.

An esteemed historian, Professor Bolton was a foundation staff member when Murdoch University began operations in 1973.

A long academic career took him to locations all over Australia and the UK before he retired in 1996, only to return to Murdoch University as Chancellor from 2002 to 2006.

He died in September 2015 at the age of 83.

Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Eeva Leinonen said discussions had taken place with Prof Bolton’s family as to how best to commemorate his contribution to Murdoch.

“We decided dedicating our library in Geoffrey’s honour would be a fitting and lasting memorial,” Prof Leinonen said.

“Our Library is considered to be the beating heart of our university, acting as a meeting place for our staff and students, a place of learning, research and community engagement.”

Prof Bolton’s wife Carol said she and her family were pleased with the decision.

“I can think of nothing that would have delighted him more,” she said.

“Libraries and Murdoch meant a great deal to him and to have them linked in his memory is a great honour. I am sure he would be thrilled with what is being done.

“I have lost count of the number of libraries in which I remember him working and Murdoch’s Library gave him a home while he did some of his most recent work. He was very grateful for that.”

Prof Bolton began his association with the University in 1970, when he was appointed to the Murdoch University Planning Board.

He was appointed Murdoch’s foundation Professor of History in the School of Social Inquiry in 1973, holding the position until 1989.

As the author of several books and numerous chapters and articles, he was regarded as one of Australia’s most eminent historians and socio-political commentators, immersing himself in the history of WA and its people.