Don Aitkin, an academic and writer who led a transformation at the University of Canberra and contributed widely to organisations across the capital, has died. He was 84.
University of Canberra vice-chancellor Paddy Nixon on Tuesday confirmed Aitkin's death, saying the university was extremely saddened by the passing of one of the institution's elder statesmen.
"Don was a leader in his time and instrumental in the transformation of UC from the Canberra College of Advanced Education. He developed the university's identity and established UC firmly on the national and international stage," Professor Nixon said in a statement.
"We stand in that legacy today and will continue to honour Don's memory by pursuing excellence in research, teaching and administration.
"We convey our deepest sympathies to the Aitkin family and Don's friends and colleagues on the loss of their father, grandfather, friend and colleague."
In "On death and dying", an essay Aitkin wrote last year, he said he hoped he would face the end bravely and serenely because he had no reason to suppose otherwise.
"I have had a wonderful life, and I have no bucket list. I go on writing novels because I enjoy the use of my creative powers in that way. I play the piano occasionally. I'm still able to drive, and I see some of my children regularly, and correspond with them all," Aitkin wrote.
"I talk to my friends at the dining table. One day something will cause more wheels to fall off. At this moment that something seems far away. But I know very well that it could come tomorrow. My response is a sort of mental shrug."
Donald Alexander Aitkin, who was born in 1937, became a professor of politics at Macquarie University in 1971 after completing a PhD at the Australian National University. He rejoined the Australian National University in 1980, where he was appointed professor of political science.
In 1988, Aitkin was appointed chair of the Australian Research Council and joined the University of Canberra in 1991. He led the university's transformation from a college of advanced education into a fully fledged university, and served as vice-chancellor until 2002.
Aitkin was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1998. He also wrote regularly for The Canberra Times and for a time had a weekly column.
In 2002, Aitkin was appointed chair of the ACT government's Cultural Facilities Corporation, a role he held for a decade.
In 2008, Aitkin was appointed the chair of the National Capital Authority, the federal government body that oversees planning for the capital.
Aitkin became the chairman of the NRMA-ACT Road Safety Trust in June 2001 and remained in the role until the trust was wound up in July 2016.
More to come.
