Godfrey Tanner
Ronald Godfrey Tanner FRGS was an Australian professor of classics, associated for the greater part of his career with the University of Newcastle. Educated at Melbourne and Cambridge, Tanner was appointed to Newcastle University College in 1959 and became renowned at the institution for his enthusiastic involvement in student life and for his eccentric character.
Tanner was a key figure in the campaign for NUC's independence from the University of New South Wales. According to University legend, Tanner officiated at a celebratory bonfire for the inaugural Autonomy Day, during which he poured goon libations onto the ground to "sanctify the land upon which the University rests". The Godfrey Tanner Bar in the Shortland Building is named in his honour and provides $4.50 schooners for students on Wednesdays.
