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The tale of four M's...how Murdoch got its name
In the early 20th century, a distinguished academic named Sir Walter Murdoch emerged as a prominent figure in the world of education.
As the foundation Professor of English at The University of Western Australia from 1913 to 1939, and later its Chancellor, Sir Walter was known for his wit, wisdom, and lack of pretention.
Not only that, he was the rare academic who also spoke to people from all walks of life via regular essays in the Melbourne paper The Argus and later The West Australian.
In 1912, he was appointed Foundation Chair of English at The University of Western Australia and later served as Chancellor from 1943 to 1948.
His reputation for challenging conventions and fostering an environment of idealism and humour made him a beloved character among his peers and students. It was this spirit that led to the decision to name the State's second university after him. When informed about the honour, Sir Walter, observed wryly: “It had better be a good one.”
The West Australian newspaper captured the essence of what the new university would embody, inspired by Sir Walter's values: "Murdoch will have its special inspiration. If its undergraduates respond to it, there will be no humbug or pretence and no ready acceptance of convention on their campus. Murdoch will be characterised by idealism, thoughtfulness, and, above all, humour.”
The naming process was not without its challenges. In 1970, a Planning Board was appointed to oversee the development of the new university, and several great names were contemplated – all, as it happens, starting with an M: former Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies, the British Cabinet Minister Lord Melville, and former WA Premier and Governor Sir James Mitchell. However, it was Sir Walter Murdoch's name that ultimately prevailed.
Professor Geoffrey Bolton, in his history on the first years of Murdoch University – 'It had better be a good one' – wrote: “... some contended that the name should have been ‘Walter Murdoch University’ to avoid confusion with his great-nephew Rupert Murdoch, but at the time, nobody thought it necessary. So it was that on 9 July 1970, while Sir Walter Murdoch was still able to appreciate the compliment, the name of the new university was announced...”