Deputy Chancellor honoured

Alumni

A passionate commitment to business, commerce, the arts and education has earned University of Adelaide Deputy Chancellor Ross Adler the highest accolade in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours.

Mr Adler was last month awarded the Order of Australia Companion in the General Division (AC) - the only South Australian to receive the honour in 2007.

The recognition is the latest in a string of awards over the past two decades for the well-known South Australian. Already an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), Mr Adler is also the recipient of a 2003 Centenary Medal for outstanding service to Australia's international trade.

The former managing director of Santos and current chairman of the Port Adelaide Maritime Corporation and Adelaide Festival of Arts, Mr Adler was appointed Deputy Chancellor of the University of Adelaide in March.

"In terms of the University, I see my primary role as supporting the Chancellor, the Honourable John von Doussa. The combination of his legal background and my business experience will, I hope, serve the University in good stead," Mr Adler said.

"Everybody understands the problems that universities are facing today in their battle to be financially independent and also to maintain access to foreign students. On the plus side, the Vice-Chancellor Professor James McWha is doing a lot to engage the broader community.

"It is impressive to see the way the University is responding to the challenges and opportunities in
its path."

Mr Adler described the Queen's Birthday Honour as a "nice surprise," crediting his wife with sharing many of his responsibilities across a broad spectrum.

"This award reflects a body of work over a long period of time. I have always been a passionate advocate of South Australia and feel a great responsibility to achieve the best outcomes for the State, whether in business, education or the arts."

Story by Candy Gibson