Australia’s first female Governor-General Dr Quentin Bryce, AC, will be presented with The University of Queensland’s Alumnus of the Year for 2008 on Friday, February 6.
Dr Bryce, formerly Governor of Queensland from 2003 until this year, was announced as UQ’s Alumnus of the Year late last year along with UQ’s International Alumnus of the Year, Cambodian labour camp survivor, Path Heang, and Young Alumnus of the Year, music therapist Alissa Phillips.
She will receive her award in person at a special presentation ceremony at noon at Customs House, attended by UQ’s Chancellor Sir Llew Edwards, AC, and Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield, AO, as well as President of the Alumni Friends of The University of Queensland Inc., Feona Walker and the group’s Senior Vice-President Dalma Jacobs.
Dr Bryce, who was the official Visitor to the University, is a University of Queensland graduate, former UQ academic and an honorary Doctor of Laws recipient.
She was sworn in as Australia’s 25th Governor-General at a ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra on September 5, 2008.
Professor Greenfield said UQ was privileged to have alumni of Dr Bryce’s calibre.
“A university’s reputation is determined largely by the character of its graduates, and Quentin Bryce is a great example to students, staff and other UQ graduates,” he said.
“She has put her UQ education to excellent use by improving conditions for people who have not shared in her advantages.”
Ms Walker said the Alumni Friends were honoured Dr Bryce had accepted the award of Alumnus of the Year for 2008.
Dr Bryce graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from UQ where she later spent 14 years teaching Introduction to Law, Criminal Law, Administrative Law and Legal Aspects of Social Work.
She has been Principal and Chief Executive Officer of The Women's College within the University of Sydney; founding Chair and Chief Executive Officer, National Childcare Accreditation Council; Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner; Queensland Director, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission; and inaugural Director, Women's Information Service Queensland, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Media: Lynne Norris, Alumni Friends of The University of Queensland (3365 1561), Kylie McIntyre, Alumni & Events Officer, Advancement Office (3346 3903) or Shirley Glaister at UQ Communications (3365 1931).
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