The University of Queensland Chancellor John Story has been awarded the 2012 Gold Medal by the Queensland division of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
The award is in recognition of his “significant contribution across many sectors in Queensland and his support in driving a vibrant and strong director community via his leadership in the Australian Institute of Company Directors”.
Australian Institute of Company Directors Queensland division president Keith De Lacy said Mr Story had been an outstanding example of a company director.
"John Story has been one of the premier company directors of Australia for the last generation,” Mr De Lacy said.
“His contribution to the corporate sector, to corporate governance, and to the AICD itself has been extraordinary."
Mr Story has been UQ Chancellor since February 2009, and he previously served as a member of the University’s Senate from May 2006.
UQ’s new Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Høj said the universities had changed over past decades to adjust to a demand-driven system exposed to the same challenges affecting many other export oriented enterprises struggling to adjust to a very high dollar and a globalised competition for students and staff.
"Under such circumstances, it is fitting to have a Chancellor with such strong business acumen and recognition that leads to the award of the highest honour by his peers. We congratulate John on this enormous achievement," Professor Høj said.
Mr Story has strong ties to UQ: John's paternal grandfather, John Douglas (‘JD') Story, was UQ's first full-time Vice-Chancellor, serving in an honorary capacity, and Mr Story continued the affiliation by studying here.
As well as the honorary positions of Chancellor and Senator, Mr Story has been an Adjunct Professor, and while he was a partner of Corrs Chambers Westgarth he initiated supportive links between the legal firm and UQ's TC Beirne School of Law.
Media: Tegan Taylor at UQ Communications (07 3346 7887 or t.taylor@uq.edu.au)
