Academic and personal achievements celebrated

Starting this week, the University of Adelaide will hold 16 ceremonies in historic Bonython Hall across May to celebrate the achievements of more than 5100 students who are graduating. 

Four leaders will also be awarded honorary doctorates in recognition of outstanding contributions in their field.

Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Peter Høj AC said: “Graduation ceremonies recognise and celebrate the hard work and talent of our students, and our staff’s contribution to their learning. It is a proud day for our community as our students embark on the next step of their journey to make history and become leaders of the future.

“We are fortunate to again be back on campus during graduations, and celebrating these special achievements together.

“Graduation ceremonies recognise and celebrate the hard work and talent of our students, and our staff’s contribution to their learning. It is a proud day for our community as our students embark on the next step of their journey to make history and become leaders of the future."Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Høj AC

“This is also an opportunity to recognise outstanding leaders in their fields with Honorary Doctorates: the highest honour that our great University can bestow. Three out of four are graduates of our University, and all have gone on to have exceptional careers, contributing to industry and society. They have served our nation with distinction, and we applaud them.”

Honorary doctorates to be presented during ceremonies in May 2022:

Dr Guy Lawrence Geoffrey Debelle

Degree of Doctor of the University (honoris causa) is awarded to alumnus Dr Debelle, in recognition of his major contribution to leadership in Australian financial markets and fiscal and monetary policy, as one of Australia’s most influential economists.

Ms Ulrike Klein AO

Degree of Doctor of the University (honoris causa) in recognition of her significant contribution as a South Australian business leader, and her service to and philanthropic support of South Australia’s performing and visual arts, particularly classical and chamber music.

Commissioner Alastair James McEwin AM

Degree of Doctor of the University (honoris causa) in recognition of this alumnus’ tremendous service to people with disability, and as a human rights advocate.

Dr Leanna Christine Read

Degree of Doctor of the University (honoris causa) in recognition of her career dedicated to significant service and leadership across scientific, business and government sectors, and particularly in the biotechnology sector, both in South Australia and nationally, after graduating from the University of Adelaide.

The University of Adelaide’s Dr Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) said: “Of the more than 5100 conferrals of academic programs to new graduates that we are celebrating, one family has a unique story to tell. Three members of the Mann-Harley family will graduate together.

“Guy Harley and his wife Chharida Mann are both graduating with a Bachelor of Psychological Science, and David Harley is graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons).

“I congratulate them all for their personal and academic achievements.”

Chharida is a refugee who worked in a Khmer Rouge labour camp from age of 6 to 10. She escaped the civil war in Cambodia by walking through minefields to reach Thailand. Chharida arrived in Adelaide and attended her first day of school at age 11; at the time she did not speak any English. This will be her third university degree.

“We’ve supported each other through our studies and now we can celebrate our hard work and achievements together too,” said Guy, Chharida, and David. “We are a family of lifelong learners and sharing this moment is very special.”

All of the University of Adelaide’s graduation ceremonies can be viewed online via livestream at: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/live/