None
Tuesday, 16 September 2014

Andrew and Nicola Forrest have been awarded honorary doctorates by The University of Western Australia for their outstanding service to the community of Western Australia, to the nation and beyond.

The Forrests have demonstrated outstanding leadership in philanthropy and community service.  They are the first Australian signatories of the ‘Giving Pledge' which is a commitment by the world's wealthiest individuals and families to dedicate the majority of their wealth to philanthropy.  Through the Minderoo Foundation, Andrew and Nicola have launched national and global initiatives to address indigenous disparity through employment, to end the scourge of modern slavery, and to create opportunity for disadvantaged children through education.

They have also both been active in shaping the nation throughout their careers, most recently with Mr Forrest chairing the Review on Indigenous Employment and Training on behalf of the Prime Minister of Australia, and as Councillor of the Global Citizen Commission, reporting to the UN General Assembly in 2016.

Last October, the Forrests made an extraordinary pledge of $65 million to attract the best minds to Western Australia to support the growth of this State as a global hub for research and innovation.

The donation included $50 million for the establishment of the Forrest Research Foundation to fund scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships across all five WA universities.  Another $15 million was provided to build Forrest Hall, a residential college at UWA.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Paul Johnson said that this gift underlines the Forrests belief that "only education can be the final key to eliminate poverty in the world and raise the universal standard of living".

Andrew Forrest graduated from UWA in 1983 with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Economics before becoming CEO and now Chairman of leading WA iron ore miner Fortescue Metals Group.

Nicola Forrest graduated in 1981 from CAE, now Canberra University, with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Economics.  Her 25 year career spans leadership, management and administration of charitable, retail and financial organisations.

The Forrests joined more than 200 graduates who received their degrees in historic Winthrop Hall on Tuesday night (September 16).

UWA awards honorary degrees in recognition of outstanding achievements, either at the State level or beyond, in any recognised field of human endeavour.  There are six categories of awards:  Community service, contribution to the public sector, contribution to the private sector, achievement in internationalisation, academic achievement and contribution to the arts.

A transcript of Andrew Forrest's address is available.

Images are available here:

Media references

Aleta Johnston (UWA Media Office)  (+61 8) 6488 7977 / (+61 4) 31 514 677

Tags

Channels
Alumni — Arts and Culture — Awards and Prizes — Business and Industry — Events — Media Statements — University News