Historical information

This Chancellor's academic gown was worn by Emeritus Professor Robert H T Smith AM during his time as the University of Ballarat's Chancellor from 2005 -2012. He studied at the University of New England, then went on to complete a Master's Degree at Northwestern University of Evanston, Illinois and a received a PhD from ANU in 1962. He spent much of his career in Canada and upon returning to Australia had posts of Vice-Chancellor at The Universities of Western Australia & New England.

Academic gowns distinguish between the University's senior office holders and our graduates. Federation University's Chancellor wears a blue robe that is trimmed with gold and features a gold embroidered frog at the shoulder and gold oak-leaf braid below the arm hole. The Deputy Chancellor and the Vice-Chancellor also wear blue robes, with gold trims and different designs inclorporating the gold oak-leaf braid, ord or tassels. The members of the university Council wear black robes with a sole of gold. Our graduates wear black robes, with either a black trancher cap or bonnet (for professional octorate) with stoles, linings or trims in the colour of their discipline.

Physical description

The Chancellor's academic gown is of royal blue light weight woollen cloth trimmed with gold oak-leaf braid on the facings, yoke and bottom hem; and sleeves with one gold embroided frog at the shoulder and four chevrons of gold oak-leaf braid below the arm hole. A gold embroided button and gold tassel are centred on each chevron.

Inscriptions & markings

Makers embroidered patch - R.W. Bredin & Son, Academic, Legal Civic & Clerical Robe Makers, Melbourne, Australia