The outstanding contributions of three of SAHMRI’s foundational Board members have been permanently commemorated with induction as our inaugural Visionaries.

Inaugural Chair Raymond Spencer, inaugural Deputy Chair Alan Young and Emeritus Professor John Hopwood have had windows dedicated to them in the eastern atrium of SAHMRI’s iconic North Terrace headquarters.

In announcing the tributes at a gala presentation event, SAHMRI Executive Director, Professor Steve Wesselingh, said this is a fitting honour for three men who have left indelible marks on this institute.

“Raymond, Alan and John help sparked the vision that has become SAHMRI,” he said.

“Their inspiration, ambition and dedication has seen that vision realised, shaping SAHMRI into the globally renowned institute we are today.”

The Governor of South Australia, the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, alongside SAHMRI Chair Hieu Van Le AC, presented each Visionary with a bespoke piece of glass art as a small but personal token of gratitude for their years of service.

“Across more than a decade, Raymond, Alan and John have been leaders of SAHMRI in every sense of the word,” Mr Le said.

“Their influences have been deeply personal as well as professional, setting an example that the rest of our community has, and continues to, follow. While they have left their official roles with SAHMRI, they will forever be part of our fabric.”

In addition to the Visionary tributes, Professor Wesselingh announced that the eastern atrium where those windows are located has been christened Raymond’s Collaboration Hub.

“This is due recognition of Raymond’s extraordinary collaborative skills, without which SAHMRI could not have been established, let alone flourish into what we are today – improving health for people across South Australia and beyond,” he said.

Mr Le says, in time, others will be inducted as SAHMRI Visionaries alongside Raymond, Alan and John.

“Our community is rich with people who are following the example set by these three Visionaries, dedicating themselves to improving our institute and delivering health impacts for the communities we serve,” he said.

“We stand ready to build on the foundations laid by the likes of Raymond, Alan and John, to launch into the next phase of our evolution powered by emerging disciplines and technologies such as artificial intelligence, data science and proton therapy to name just a few.”