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While Andrew Forrest branded himself the boy from the bush with a stutter, to graduating students he addressed in Winthrop Hall he personified the leadership of the legendary Forrest family that put Western Australia so firmly on the map of a newly federated Australia.

One of the nation's most successful entrepreneurs, Andrew Forrest returned to the campus with his wife Nicola to receive honorary doctorates for outstanding service to the community. Last year, the couple set the bar high with the largest single philanthropic donation in Australian history: $65 million to attract the best minds to our State.

In an address few students will forget, Mr Forrest advocated humility - a quality that continues to define the graduate - and generosity of spirit.

"Be generous with your time as much as with your capital," he said. "Give in a way that strengthens the receiver. In enhancing a person or community's circumstances, you empower their ability to stand independently without your charity. Give of your precious time; teach people to fish not just give them a fish. Be unafraid to always teach..."

Using the ups and downs of his own career to underscore his advice, the graduate also urged fortitude in adversity: "When times are rough, when you do fall, when you skin your proverbial shins, that is exactly when the wisdom and character within you grows."

Last year, the Forrests became Australasian signatories to The Giving Pledge to dedicate the vast majority of their wealth to philanthropy. Their gift to WA universities funds the $50 million Forrest Research Foundation scholarships and fellowships across five WA universities, along with $15 million for a new residential college at UWA, Forrest Hall.

Vice-Chancellor Paul Johnson reminded the gathering that when announcing their gift to WA, the Forrests urged us never to forget "that only education can be the final key to eliminate poverty and raise the universal standard of living".

Ms Jo Agnew, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, believes the Forrests' generosity encourages others to support UWA in a way that has meaning for them.

"Since the launch of our New Century Campaign last year, over $215 million of a $400 million goal has been raised. The Forrests' gift will go down in history as transformational, not only for this University, but for our State and our country.

"Andrew and Nicola Forrest have changed the game. They've shown us that people can drive change and, because of them, UWA will change the world," said Ms Agnew.