Graduation honours for leading Australians
A group of eminent Australians including a chart-topping musician, refugee advocate, award-winning pastry chef and former detective superintendent are set to receive prestigious honorary awards as part of Western Sydney University’s October graduation ceremonies.
Recipients will be acknowledged with graduation honours across a number of ceremonies which commence from Saturday 26 October. As part of proceedings, they will also deliver a graduation address.
The seven recipients are:
- Emeritus Professor Mandy Thomas – a respected anthropologist and researcher. She will be awarded a Doctor of Letters (honoris causa).
- Elie Chami – founder and chair of Vitex Pharmaceuticals. He will be awarded a Doctor of Letters (honoris causa).
- Deborah Wallace APM – former detective superintendent for the New South Wales Police Force. She will be awarded a Community Fellowship.
- Ricci Ulrike Bartels OAM – a committed human rights and social justice activist. She will be awarded a Community Fellowship.
- Phillip Burton OAM – successful Australian entertainer and a co-founder and member of pop vocal group ‘Human Nature’. He will be awarded an Honorary Fellowship.
- Sally Dale – is the NSW Valuer General and alumnus of Western Sydney University. She will be awarded an Honorary Fellowship.
- Philip Khoury – award-winning head pastry chef at Harrods and alumnus of Western Sydney University. He will be awarded an Honorary Fellowship.
In addition, four of the University’s own distinguished academics will be conferred with the title ‘Emeritus Professor’ as part of the graduation celebrations:
- Professor Simon Barrie, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic
- Professor Katherine Gibson, award-winning economic geographer
- Professor Deborah Stevenson, world-renowned social scientist and University leader
- Professor Gay Hawkins, highly-regarded cultural theorist and researcher.
Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, said the University is pleased to confer honorary awards and Emeritus Professor titles on distinguished individuals who have contributed to the advancement of knowledge or the betterment of society.
Professor Williams said each of these recipients have made extraordinary contributions to public life in their own unique way.
“Whether it is service through education, philanthropy, business, the arts or social justice, each of these individuals from our community and our region have sought to make a difference in people’s lives and bring about positive change,” says Professor Williams.
“It is particularly pleasing that two of our honorary awardees – Sally Dale and Philip Khoury – are also proud alumni of the University. Both are wonderful examples of our graduates making their way in the world and achieving great things.
“On behalf of the University community I congratulate all our award recipients on their outstanding achievements and thank them for their sustained service to the University and our community.”
ENDS
25 October 2024
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