John David LEGGE (1921 - 2016)

Professor of History (1960 - 1978)
Dean of Arts (1978 - 1986)

Monash University’s foundation Chair of History, Emeritus Professor John Legge AO, died on Thursday 4 February 2016 at the age of 94.

John arrived at Monash in 1960 and his inestimable contribution to the growth and transformation of the University over the more than 50 years that followed is truly remarkable.

A pioneer in the field of Southeast Asian Studies, John founded and chaired the Monash Centre of Southeast Asian Studies from 1964 to 1986, and was Dean of the Faculty of Arts from 1978 to 1986. His international reputation in Southeast Asian Studies, particularly of Indonesia, established Monash University as an early centre of excellence in that field.

For services to education, to public affairs and to international relations, John was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1988. He was also recently named a Jubilee Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia.

John was an incomparable source of advice and guidance for senior Monash staff members over many years. He remained actively involved in the University until very recently, contributing to the Board of the Herb Feith Foundation until 2013.

John’s vision and insight will be greatly missed by the many members of our University community who knew him. The university community extends its deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Edited version of global email, 5 February 2016.