While police were busy dealing with mainly student protestors, the man at the centre of it all was scooping up another major award at his farewell dinner.
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The outgoing University of Wollongong vice-chancellor Paul Wellings was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Science and an Emeritus Professorship - an honour given to retired professors who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the university.
UOW's former Chancellor Jillian Broadbent was also honoured during Friday night's dinner at Uni Hall.
Ms Broadbent, who served as UOW's Chancellor for 12 years before stepping back from the position at the end of 2020, received an Honorary Doctor of Law.
The university would not divulge to the Mercury who was invited to the departing boss' farewell shindig.
And the media and protestors weren't allowed access to the dinner but UOW was happy to provide its own selection of photos of the dinner after the event.
UOW also acknowledged that the dinner was attended by UOW's Chancellor Christine McLoughlin, the senior executives as well as former UOW Vice-Chancellors Emeritus Professor Gerard Sutton and Emeritus Professor Ken McKinnon, and former Chancellor Mike Codd.
Former Australian cricket captain and UOW ambassador Adam Gilchrist was the master of ceremonies on the night.
Outside protesters voiced their opposition to the staff and budget cuts made by Professor Wellings, as well as demanded the incoming vice-chancellor Patricia Davidson reverse the cuts.
During the dinner Prof Wellings, who is retiring as UOW's Vice-Chancellor after close to a decade at the helm, reflected on the "university's tremendous growth and groundbreaking initiatives', on what was his last day in the role.
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
