An honorary doctorate award ceremony for Australian cricket coach John Buchanan became a family affair when his daughter graduates at the same ceremony.
Mr Buchanan will was awarded an honorary degree at a University of Queensland graduation ceremony on July 19 in the UQ Centre.
His daughter, Lauren, received a Bachelor of Science. She is the first of Mr Buchanan’s children to graduate from University.
With a winning score of 70 percent, Mr Buchanan is acknowledged as the most successful Australian coach in history. Since 1999, he has coached the Australian Cricket Team to World Cup Champion and Test Cricket World Champion status.
After becoming Australian coach in 1999, Mr Buchanan led the team to a World Record of 16 straight test matches and 14 one-day international victories.
He delivered Queensland their first Sheffield Shield title in the 1994-1995 season, his first season with the Bulls. In his five years of coaching the Queensland Bulls, they went on to win the Sheffield Shield and the Mercantile Mutual Cup twice.
Mr Buchanan began his cricket career playing at UQ with the University Club before going on to represent Queensland in seven Sheffield Shield matches between 1978-1979, scoring 160 runs in 13 visits to the crease, with a top score of 41 against New South Wales.
He is also renowned for his coaching style, which is different from those used by cricket coaches for generations. He was the first coach to use computer analysis and adapt the idea on movement and motivation from other sports. This has influenced coaches worldwide.
He graduated from UQ with a Human Movement Studies degree in 1976 and on July 19 will be awarded the degree of Doctor of the University honoris causa in recognition of his distinguished career and his contribution to the development of sport in Queensland and Australia.
“I’m very honoured to receive the degree and I feel very privileged,” Mr Buchanan said.
“I’m very proud to receive the honorary degree at the same ceremony as my daughter. It is nice to know that she will be there. She will help keep my feet on the ground.”
Mr Buchanan said he hopes to inspire and encourage students with his speech.
“During my speech, I related to the Australian cricket team and talked about perseverance and determination in reaching your dream goal.”
“Playing cricket with the University Club was a great founding experience. I associated with a lot of Queensland cricket legends while at UQ and that gave me a founding experience in cricket and in life as well,” Mr Buchanan said.
His daughter, Lauren, was excited about graduating at the same ceremony at which her father received the honorary degree.
“I think it is great we can share the same graduation day. It makes it even more special and memorable,” she said.
“I am delighted that Dad has been recognised for his wonderful achievements and all the hard work he has put into his job over the years. I am already so proud of him but it will be a really special moment.”
The valedictorian at the 11am, July 19 ceremony was Bachelor of Science (honours) student Kieran Hadler of Auchenflower.
You can listen to Mr Buchanan's speech by clicking here.
Media: Elizabeth Kerr, UQ Communications (07 3365 2339, 0422 940 572)
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