2011 Graduations

Graduations

The achievements of almost 5000 students from the University of Adelaide have been celebrated at graduation ceremonies held in Adelaide and Singapore earlier this year.

"Graduation is a highlight of the University of Adelaide's calendar, a time when the whole University community celebrates the tremendous achievements of our students," said Vice-Chancellor and President Professor James McWha.

"Many of these graduates will go on to make a significant impact within the community, some of them leaders in their fields. We wish them all well in their future careers and look forward to hearing of their ongoing achievements."

Prominent South Australian businessman Mr Ross Adler AC was admitted to the degree of Doctor of the University for his distinguished service to the University of Adelaide.

Mr Adler served on the University Council for 11 years, including contributions as Chair of the Finance Committee (from 2000) and Deputy Chancellor (March 2007-Dec 2009), until his retirement in December 2009.

Mr Adler was Managing Director of Santos for 16 years, then Chairman and CEO of Amtrade International. He has also been Chairman of Austrade and Director of both the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Telstra.

In 2003, the University admitted Mr Adler to the degree of Master of Business Administration (MBA) ad eundum gradum in recognition of his lifetime of achievement in business leadership.

"Mr Adler's expertise and wide experience in business and finance proved invaluable in helping the University achieve a sound financial position, as prepared as it can be to face future challenges. We owe a great deal to his contributions of more than a decade," Professor McWha said.

2011 has been a good year for Indigenous students at the University of Adelaide, with 28 Indigenous students graduating, including two with PhDs.

Among those at last April's ceremonies was Australia's first Indigenous Rhodes Scholar, Rebecca Richards, who received her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Anthropology. Rebecca, who was also named Channel 9 Young Achiever of the Year for South Australia, featured in last month's issue of Adelaidean.