Former Australian captain Adam Gilchrist posed for selfies with cricket tragics and toured University of Wollongong facilities during a visit on Friday.
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The Australian cricket legend, considered by many to be the greatest wicket-keeper/batsman in the history of the game, visited the Wollongong campus, meeting students at the University Hall to celebrate the start of the academic year.
The UOW global brand ambassador and Fox Sports commentator addressed students, and toured the new 'TRICEP' 3D printing and manufacturing facility.
"It's a great way for me to engage with the people that are actually here at the uni, and utilising all the facilities and everything that the university offers," he said.
The cricketing great is now in his 11th year in the UOW ambassadorial role.
"A lot of that focus is outward... Focused internationally; India, the Middle East, the UK, a lot of work (with) the Alumni program around the world.
"So to actually be here and be able to catch up with some students and spend some time on campus is terrific.
"I'll be reinforcing to them what a fantastic university this is, and the countless opportunities that it provides them with."
Gilchrist said he'd embraced helping showcase Wollongong and the Illawarra on the global stage, while gaining an understanding of the role the university plays for the region and city in terms of employment, business and community engagement.
Gilchrist said throughout the years, UOW had progressed from being a local, regional university to one with that global focus.
"From my experience in my former career, just that international experience and focus is really important in this day and age," he told the Mercury.
"We have over 14,000 international students across all our campuses around the world, and this year alone, 600 Indian students on campus here in Wollongong.
"I think that cultural exchange and learning that you can gain from studying abroad, studying in a multicultural facility, allows positive steps into the future."
Brendan Crabb
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
