Western Sydney University recognises distinguished leaders with grad honours

Professor Bronwyn Davies

Graduation Gallery (click on the image to view the gallery) Photos: Sally Tsoutas 

Eminent leaders in the fields of science, business, education and law will receive prestigious honorary awards from Western Sydney University at the graduation ceremonies, being held from Friday 7 April to Thursday 13 April at the Parramatta South campus.

The seven recipients receiving honorary doctorates and honorary fellowships from the University this graduation season are:

  • Professor Mary O'Kane AC, NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer, who will receive an Honorary Doctor of Science for her distinguished contribution to the fields of science and technology in Australia.
  • Mr Marcus Blackmore AM, Chairman, Blackmores, who will receive an Honorary Doctor of Letters for his distinguished service to business, charity and the broader community.
  • Professor Nguyen Dong Phong, President, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, who will receive an Honorary Doctor of Letters for his distinguished service to the University.
  • Mr Gregory Prior, Former Deputy Secretary, School Operations and Performance, NSW Department of Education, who will receive an Honorary Fellowship for his outstanding contribution to education in NSW and for service to the University.
  • Mr David Borger, Western Sydney Director, Sydney Business Chamber, who will receive an Honorary Fellowship for his distinguished service to the University and to the Western Sydney region.
  • Mr Jim Marsden OAM, Senior Partner, Marsden Law Group, who will receive an Honorary Fellowship for his distinguished service to the Western Sydney region.
  • The Honourable Brian Thomas Sully AM QC, Adjunct Professor, Western Sydney University, who will receive an Honorary Fellowship for his distinguished service to the law and to the University.

Also being recognised are members of Western Sydney University's academic community, who will be awarded the title Emeritus Professor for achievements in their respective academic fields and for their service to the University:

  • Professor Bronwyn Davies will be made an Emeritus Professor for her distinguished contribution to social sciences including the sociology of education.
  • Professor Jane Goodall will be made an Emeritus Professor for her distinguished contribution to teaching and research in performance studies, contemporary arts and creative writing.
  • Professor Robert Lee will be made an Emeritus Professor for his distinguished contribution to Australian transport history.
  • Professor Timothy Rowse will be made an Emeritus Professor for his distinguished contribution to the teaching and research of Australian history and Australian studies.
  • Professor Louise Young will be made an Emeritus Professor for her distinguished contribution to research in the field of business marketing.

Each of the honorary award recipients will also deliver the occasional address to graduating students as part of the ceremonies.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover, says honorary awards are given to distinguished individuals in recognition of their exceptional achievements at both a national and international level.

"An honorary award is a significant accolade conferred by the University's Board of Trustees, with only a small number of these awards given out each year. Each of this graduation season's award recipients are highly regarded leaders in their fields, who have made lifelong contributions to the advancement of knowledge and the betterment of our communities," says Professor Glover.

"On behalf of the University community, I warmly congratulate each of our April honorary award recipients and our emeritus professors. We are pleased to recognise their distinguished service to their disciplines, to this University and, more broadly, to public life."

WHAT: April Graduation 2017
WHEN: Saturday 7 April to Thursday 13th April 2017
WHERE: Ian and Nancy Turbott Auditorium (Building EE), Parramatta South campus, corner Victoria Road and James Ruse Drive

Ends

7 April 2017

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