University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Greenfield, has warmly congratulated the next Governor of Queensland, Dr Penelope Wensley, AO, who is part of a distinguished UQ family.
“Dr Wensley is an exceptional choice as Governor of Queensland, and this would be the case irrespective of where she attended university,” Professor Greenfield said.
“It is icing on the cake for UQ that Dr Wensley is also a graduate, and is the second consecutive Queensland Governor to be a distinguished UQ alumna.”
Premier Anna Bligh announced Dr Wensley, the current Australian Ambassador to France, as the 25th Governor of Queensland, succeeding Her Excellency Quentin Bryce who in turn becomes Australia’s next Governor-General.
Dr Wensley was made UQ’s first female Alumnus of the Year and was awarded an honorary doctorate for distinguished contributions to international affairs in 1994. Her first UQ award was a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours.
“Four generations of Dr Wensley’s family have attended UQ, her parents Doris and Neil met at this university and her brother, Robert Wensley, QC, is a UQ Senator,” Professor Greenfield said.
“Toowoomba-born, she has built an extraordinary career representing Australia and Australians on the international stage.
“Dr Wensley’s service includes being High Commissioner to India, Australia’s first female Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, and (since 2005) Ambassador to France and non-resident Ambassador to Algeria, Mauritania and Morocco.
“She has also held posts in Geneva, Hong Kong, Wellington and Mexico.
“She has been an advocate for a range of important issues including the fight against HIV/AIDS, the advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the rights of children and women.
“By her achievements she has been a wonderful ambassador for UQ and this was reflected in her honorary doctorate award. We have a strong and increasing commitment to improving international relationships and encourage graduates to use their educational advantage for the benefit of their communities – whether their communities are local, national or global,” Professor Greenfield said.
He again congratulated Her Excellency Ms Bryce, who takes up her appointment as Governor-General in September.
Dr Wensley will be sworn in on 29 July.
Media contact (for Professor Greenfield): Fiona Kennedy 07 3365 1384; 0413 380 012
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