The outstanding contribution of Dr Ken Michael, Governor of Western Australia, and Mrs Julie Michael to The University of Western Australia was recognised today with the naming of a building in their honour.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Robson said that as a graduate and former Chancellor of the University, Dr Michael had watched with great interest as the campus had evolved since he was an Engineering student in the 1950s.

"It is fitting that this building, a recent addition to the campus and one that is important to university life, will bear the names of Dr Ken Michael and Mrs Julie Michael," he said.

Dr Michael - a distinguished engineer in his own right - is well known for his tireless and respected contribution to many aspects of government, business and community activity in WA for more than 40 years.  

Dr Michael was elected to The University of Western Australia's governing body - the Senate - in March 1998, and elected Pro Chancellor in the same year. He served as Chancellor from 2001 to 2005, immediately prior to his appointment as Governor.  Dr Michael's wife, Mrs Julie Michael, worked as a dental nurse and has been involved in a wide range of social and charitable activities.

The Ken and Julie Michael building is at 7 Fairway, Nedlands.

Media references

Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716