Renowned architect honoured at graduation

Renowned architect Hijjas Kasturi in front of Bonython Hall
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Wednesday, 12 December 2007

More than 3,600 students will graduate from the University of Adelaide in 13 ceremonies in Bonython Hall from Thursday 13 December to Friday 21 December.

Joining graduating students at the 10am ceremony on Friday 14 December will be one of Asia-Pacific's most prominent architects, and a former University of Adelaide student, Hijjas Kasturi. He will be awarded an honorary doctorate (Doctor of the University (honoris causa)) for his service to society and the profession of architecture.

The Malaysia-based architect, who studied at the University of Adelaide during 1960-63, is responsible for some of the most distinctive buildings within the Asia-Pacific region and, more recently, the Middle East. Mr Kasturi has been involved in architectural education throughout his career.

Prominent speakers at the ceremonies who will offer their insights to those just starting their careers include Arts SA Executive Director Mr Greg Mackie OAM, SA Water Chief Executive Ms Anne Howe, Australian Olympic Committee Medical Commission chair Dr Brian Sando, Zoos South Australia Chief Executive Officer Professor Chris West, President of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations Mr Barry Grear AO and 2006 Telstra Young Businesswoman for South Australia and nuclear law specialist Ms Melissa Holzberger.

During the ceremony at 10am on Friday 21 December, a posthumous award of Doctor of Laws will be conferred on Justice Bradley Selway in recognition of the quality and breadth of his contribution to Australian legal scholarship.

Justice Selway, a former University of Adelaide adjunct Professor of Law who died in 2005, served as Crown Solicitor and then Solicitor-General for the State of South Australia before being appointed to the Federal Court of Australia.

Other graduation awards presented on Thursday 13 December at 10am go to a husband and wife team:

• Ms Beryl Kimber OBE who will receive the University's Distinguished Alumni Award for her sustained and distinguished service in the performing arts, both nationally and internationally, as one of Australia's leading violinists and pedagogues, and her ongoing support for the Elder Conservatorium over many years;
  
• Mr Clemens Leske AM who will receive a Distinguished Alumni Award for his sustained and outstanding service to the Elder Conservatorium over many years and his distinguished national and international profile as a pianist.

University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President Professor James McWha said: "Graduation is a highlight of the University of Adelaide's calendar, a time when the whole University community celebrates the tremendous achievements of our students, and gives recognition to some distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to their professions, the community and the University. The latter have already made their mark, we look forward to hearing about the impact our students will make in their chosen fields and communities in the coming years."

Graduation ceremonies and speakers:

Thursday 13 December, 10am:
Humanities and Social Sciences, Music
Arts SA Executive Director Mr Greg Mackie OAM

Thursday 13 December, 2.30pm:
Humanities and Social Sciences, Wilto Yerlo
Associate Professor in English, Amanda Nettelbeck

Friday 14 December, 10am:
Humanities and Social Sciences, Architecture
Professorial Research Fellow, Professor Graeme Hugo
Honorary doctorate to Mr Hijjas Kasturi

Friday 14 December, 2.30pm:
Economics, Australian Graduate School of Business
SA Water Chief Executive Ms Anne Howe

Monday 17 December, 10am:
Health Sciences, including Dentistry
Cardiologist Dr Julie Bradley

Monday 17 December, 2.30pm:
Health Sciences
Australian Olympic Committee Medical Commission chair Dr Brian Sando

Tuesday 18 December, 10am:
Commerce
EnergyQuest Chief Executive Dr Graeme Bethune

Tuesday 18 December, 2.30pm:
Commerce
SA/NT General Manager of Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, Mr Mark Jones

Wednesday 19 December, 10am:
Sciences
Chief Executive Officer of Zoos South Australia Professor Chris West

Wednesday 19 December, 2.30pm:
Sciences
South Australian Wine Industry Association Chief Executive Mr Tony Myers

Thursday 20 December, 10am:
Engineering, Maths and Computer Sciences
Professor of Computer Science, Professor Zbigniew Michalewicz

Thursday 20 December, 2:30pm:
Engineering, Maths and Computer Sciences
World Federation of Engineering Organisations president, Mr Barry Grear AO

Friday 21 December, 10am:
Law, Education
2006 Telstra Young Businesswoman for South Australia and nuclear law specialist Ms Melissa Holzberger

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