Macquarie University Chancellor, Michael Egan AO, Professor Richie Howitt and NSW Governor, His Excellency General David Hurley AC DSC

Macquarie University’s autumn graduation season has seen more than 4100 students receive their degrees, cheered on by more than 16,000 proud parents, relatives and friends.

More than 130 of the degrees have been conferred on Doctoral (PhD) candidates.

Highlights of the season include the awarding of honorary doctorates to esteemed Australian and international community leaders in recognition of their exceptional contributions to society in their fields.

Recipients were:
His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d)
38th Governor of NSW and former Chief of the Australian Defence Force (ADF)

“This is a proud day for all graduating students, their families and special guests and I am honoured to join them to receive this degree, Doctor of Letters honoris causa, in recognition of Macquarie University’s fine tradition of academic and research excellence and outstanding commitment to public life and the community.”

Prof John Dudley BSc, PhD
Professor of Physics Université de Franche-Comté – CNRS FEMTO-ST and head of the Optoelectronics & Photonics research group.

Professor Dudley is a noted contributor to the fields of ultrafast optics, supercontinuum generation and the science of rogue waves, and is committed to education and the public communication of science.

“I feel especially honoured by this recognition because Macquarie’s tremendous commitment to research, education and public engagement is something I myself am passionate about. I believe that all of us in academia need to ensure that society at large understands the benefits of science and technology so that we can work together for the betterment of all.”

Prof Sir Liam Donaldson MB ChB, MSc (Anatomy), MD
Chancellor, Newcastle University (UK)

Professor Sir Liam Donaldson is recognised as an international champion of public health and patient safety and has produced landmark reports which have set health policy and legislation in fields such as stem cell research, clinical governance, quality and safety of health care, infectious disease control, patient empowerment, poor clinical performance, smoke free public places, medical regulation, and organ and tissue retention.

“I am delighted to become a member of the Macquarie University family. The health services research they are doing here is world class and vital as the goal of universal health coverage is now a World Health Organisation priority.”

Click on the Storify link for a selection of graduation pictures.