Andy Thomas to address graduating students

Wednesday, 13 December 2006

More than 3,750 students will graduate from the University of Adelaide in 12 ceremonies in Bonython Hall from Thursday 14 December to Thursday 21 December.

Prominent speakers offering their insights to those just starting their careers include NASA astronaut and University graduate Dr Andy Thomas AO, Royal Adelaide Hospital aeromedical retrieval and trauma expert Dr Bill Griggs AM, Health Minister the Hon John Hill MP, former Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Zoological Society Ed McAlister AO and Australia's Chief Defence Scientist, Defence Science and Technology Organisation head Dr Roger Lough.

Among the graduates will be mother and son Dr Kate Cadman, a senior lecturer in the University's Adelaide Graduate Centre, and Paul Cadman, graduating in the same ceremony this Thursday 14 December at 2.30pm. Dr Cadman will be presented with her PhD for a thesis Transforming 'The King's English' in Global Research Education: A Teacher's Tale and Paul Cadman will be awarded his Bachelor of Arts degree.

Three of the University's best teachers also will be recognised for their teaching excellence at the ceremonies. Winners of this year's Stephen Cole the Elder Prizes for Excellence in Teaching are Dr Greg Metha (Chemistry), Ms Lucy Potter (English) and Dr Tracey Winning (Dentistry). Ms Potter and Dr Winning will also be presented with the Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence.

Others to be recognised during graduation are:

• The Hon Greg Crafter who will receive the University's Distinguished Alumni Award for his sustained and distinguished service to higher education and the South Australian Parliament, as well as his support for the University of Adelaide as a Council member and former Chair of the Alumni Association.
• Dr Mark McDonnell who will receive the University's Postgraduate Alumni University Medal for the outstanding academic merit of his PhD in Electronic Engineering.

University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President Professor James McWha said: "Graduation is a time of celebration for the whole University community. We are celebrating the tremendous achievements of our students, many of whom have excelled academically, and all of whom have worked very hard. We are proud to have helped give these students an excellent start to their future careers and lives. I look forward to hearing about them making an impact in their chosen fields and communities over the years."

Graduation ceremonies and speakers:

Thursday, 14 December, 10am: Humanities and Social Sciences, Music - University of Adelaide Chancellor and President of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission The Hon John von Doussa QC

Thursday, 14 December, 2.30pm: Humanities and Social Sciences, Wilto Yerlo - Art Gallery of South Australia Director Christopher Menz

Friday, 15 December, 10am: Humanities and Social Sciences, Architecture - Festival of Arts General Manager Kate Gould

Friday, 15 December, 2.30pm: Economics, Law - The Hon John von Doussa

Monday, 18 December, 10am: Medicine, Dentistry - Minister for Health The Hon John Hill

Monday, 18 December, 2.30pm: Medicine, Education - Royal Adelaide Hospital's Director of Trauma Services Dr Bill Griggs

Tuesday, 19 December, 10am: Commerce - state cricketer and local lawyer Nathan Adcock

Tuesday, 19 December, 2.30pm: Commerce, Adelaide Graduate School of Business - Equity & Advisory Executive Chairman and University Council Member Stephen Young

Wednesday, 20 December, 10am: Sciences - former Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Zoological Society Ed McAlister

Wednesday, 20 December, 2.30pm: Sciences - Head of the University's School of Agriculture, Food and Wine Professor Roger Leigh

Thursday, 21 December, 10am: Engineering, Maths and Computer Sciences - Chief Defence Scientist and head of Defence Science and Technology Organisation Dr Roger Lough

Thursday, 21 December, 2:30pm: Engineering, Maths and Computer Sciences - NASA astronaut Dr Andy Thomas

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