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Engineering was one of the first classes held at the University of Sydney (“Faculty of Engineering Short History“, 2013). The monument outside the PNR building is of Peter Nicol Russell himself, who founded the first school of engineering at USYD in 1909 (“Faculty of Engineering Short History“, 2013). The way in which he cared for the education of others in this way, and generously chose to give such a large amount to the cause of education Sydney (“Faculty of Engineering Short History“, 2013), is greatly inspiring. It is therefore respectful for the school to “retain the name of this great benefactor” (“Faculty of Engineering Short History“, 2013) through constructing and preserving the monument for Peter Nicol Russell.

The monument itself is of Edwardian style of granite and bronze (“Sydney Architecture”, n.d.). The plaque reads,

Presented to the University of Sydney by Dame Charlotte Russell in memory of her late husband Sir Peter Nicol Russell, a magnificent benefactor who endorsed the Peter Nicol Russell School of engineering.

This plaque sees the use of epideictic rhetoric to praise the virtue of this man. Emotional pathos is evoked through the mention of ‘late husband’, as we see that Russell’s wife held great respect for her husband and his work. Russell and his cause are presented in a positive, respected light, highlighting the recognition of his generosity.

Monuments provide information to audiences about their authenticity and their history in an entertaining sense (Briggs, 2000, p. 96). For me, this describes the rhetorical techniques of the Russell statue – the tall structure shows the high regard and respect that is given to this man for his actions; the plaque speaks of emotional historicity; and the location recognises the importance that Russell was to the people of that area. Without him, the engineering school would cease to exist as we know it today, and there is therefore a certain significance of the placement of this monument at the entrance to the school (and the building of the same name). After learning of his generosity to so many within the university for so many years, I will look up at this tall statue with a newfound respect and admiration.

Briggs, N. (2000). Reaching a broader audience. The Public Historian, 22(3), 95-105.

Sydney Architecture (n.d.). Peter Nicol Russell Memorial. Retrieved April, 2015, from http://www.sydneyarchitecture.com/UNI/UNI-061.htm

University of Sydney (2013). Faculty of engineering short history. Retrieved April, 2015, from http://sydney.edu.au/engineering/about/history.shtml