Distinguished three receive Honorary Doctorates

Honorary doctorates for distinguished three

An intellectual and passionate indigenous advocate, a distinguished marine scientist and the current Queensland Governor will be awarded Honorary Doctorates at this week’s James Cook University graduation ceremonies in Townsville.

Honorary Doctorates are awarded as a way of universities recognising outstanding service to the university or the community.

They can also be awarded for exceptional service through either academic excellence, distinguished creative achievement or the exercise of outstanding leadership.

Details of recipients:

Faculty of Law, Business and Creative Arts ceremony – Tuesday March 12

Citation for the Award of Honorary Doctor of the University - Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley AC, Governor of Queensland

Her Excellency has enjoyed a highly distinguished career as a diplomat, representing Australia in a wide range of overseas posts and senior policy positions.

She was also Australia's Ambassador to the United Nations for seven years, in both Geneva and New York, as Ambassador for the Environment, High Commissioner to India and Ambassador to France.

Ms Wensley is a patron of more than 200 Queensland organisations, including the Australian Festival of Chamber Music of which JCU is a founder and major sponsor, Dance North, North Queensland Ensembles Inc (Barrier Reef Orchestra), North Queensland Club and she is co-patron of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.

Faculty of Arts, Education and Social Sciences ceremony – Wednesday March 13

Citation for the Award of Honorary Doctor of Education Studies - Adjunct Associate Professor Noel Loos BA (University of Queensland), PhD (JCU).

Associate Professor Loos is being recognised for his distinguished public contribution to the northern Queensland community which have influenced the thinking or general well-being of humanity.

He has had a long career in teaching and lecturing in English, History and Literature, with a special interest in Aboriginal-European Relations in Australia and social justice within the northern Queensland community.

One of Professor Loos’ colleagues was Henry Reynolds and together they were influential in working with and encouraging Koiki Mabo to follow his commitment to the recognition of land rights.

Faculty of Science and Engineering and Faculty of Medicine, Health and Molecular Sciences ceremony – Thursday March 14

Citation for the Award of Honorary Doctor of Science - Dr Ian Poiner, BSc Hons (UQ), PhD (UQ)

Dr Poiner is being recognised for his outstanding service and distinguished public contribution to the northern Queensland community and his exceptional service rendered to the University, comprising of academic excellence and the exercise of outstanding leadership.

Dr Poiner has been a senior leader within two of Australia’s premier marine science organizations - CSIRO and the Australian Institute of Marine Science - for more than 20 years.

As CEO of AIMS for seven years, Dr Poiner has been a key part of the decision making landscape in North Queensland. His ability to lead the premier marine science facility in Australia and interact on a positive level with the community has been significant.

Issued 11 March, 2013

JCU Media contact: Caroline Kaurila (07) 4781 4586 or 0437 028 175