Honorary doctorate for Alexander Downer

Former Foreign Minister Alexander Downer is being awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Adelaide.

Alexander Downer campaigning for his daughter Georgina Downer in the Mayo by-election earlier this year.

In today’s Higher Ed Daily brief: more honorary doctorates, change at Macquarie

Dr Downer

Former Foreign Minister Alexander Downer is top of the list of the University of Adelaide’s honorary degrees to be awarded at its graduation ceremonies this spring. Mr Downer is Australia’s longest serving Foreign Minister — from 1996 to 2007 — as well as one of the shortest serving federal Opposition leaders, holding the post for less than a year during 1994 and 1995. The university is awarding other honorary doctorates this week to biologist Jock Findlay and lawyer Jane Stapleton.

University of Adelaide vice-chancellor Peter Rathjen said that while graduation ceremonies were a celebration young peoples’ academic achievements, the university also took the opportunity to “recognise the exceptional service to Australia and the wider world made by these eminent Australians.”

Egan steps down

Former NSW Treasurer Michael Egan will soon step down as chancellor of Macquarie University. Mr Egan has been in the post for 11 years, longer than any other Macquarie chancellor. He has a record of long service, also being the person to hold the NSW Treasury portfolio for the longest period.

Vice-chancellor Bruce Dowton said the university owned Mr Egan a “debt of gratitude”.

“Mr Egan has led the University Council with his unique and endearing style through times of great change within the university and through a period of sustained growth,” he said.