News Archive

We are very proud that another of our graduates, Dr Malcolm McCusker AO QC, is to be the next Governor of Western Australia. As the recipient of a UWA Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws and well known for his commitment to championing justice in the community, Dr McCusker is an outstanding choice as Governor.

He will take over in July from His Excellency Dr Ken Michael, also a UWA graduate.

Dr McCusker exemplifies the University's principle of service to the community. In addition to his legal interests, Dr McCusker has been involved in many community causes and with his wife Tonya (also a UWA Law graduate), he is well-known as a leading philanthropist.

At about the same time as the announcement of Dr McCusker's appointment, possibly the oldest student to receive a PhD graduated from our University during the latest round of graduations.

Along with Dr Marcia Foley (aged 87) whose PhD thesis concerned mental health issues, more than 3,000 graduands were presented with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Among them were students from as many as 80 different countries around the world. And their ages ranged from the late teens to Dr Foley's 87 years.

If ever there was proof that our University is indeed a University for the community - whether that community be local, national or international - this was it.

During a period of heightened international awareness as a result of natural disasters in Japan and increasing tension in North Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf region, universities are more essential than ever before in the history of humankind.

Universities and their graduates will play a vital role in contributing to a civil society. The range of skills and accomplishments represented by our graduates exemplifies the breadth of the University itself, where we are fortunate to have leaders in every field of human endeavour.

Dr Foley's thesis " From Social Policy to Social Work: the Antecedents and Origins of Mental Health Social Work in Western Australia " will serve as an invaluable record for present and future practitioners aiming to help those people suffering mental illness. And her fellow graduands, from every Faculty, will likewise make positive differences in communities around the world.

Another UWA graduate, former Premier Geoff Gallop, writing recently about the University's centenary, noted that education is arguably the greatest wealth and wellbeing creator of all. This autumn, our graduation ceremonies celebrate a major milestone for our graduates who are well-placed to add to the wealth and wellbeing of people everywhere.

Vice-Chancellor Alan Robson

• UWA News 4 April 2011