From court rulings to cattle farming, a group of the region’s most prominent Australians have been recognised with the University of Southern Queensland's highest honours.
His Honour Judge Ian Dearden, Dr Bob McGregor, Brent Finlay, Professor Grant Daggard, Professor Roger Stone, Professor Jane Summers, Phia Damsa, Mike Hayes and Merrilyn Strohfeldt were awarded honorary degrees at a recent ceremony.
Those honoured joined the ranks of numerous exceptional individuals noted to have made an outstanding and lasting contribution to their field, the public and the University of Southern Queensland.
- Dr Brent Finlay, Managing Director of Finlay Agricultural Industries. Doctor of the University – for significant contribution to the Australian agriculture industry.
- His Honour Judge Ian Dearden, Judge of the District Court of Queensland and the Children’s Court of Queensland. Doctor of Laws – for significant contributions to law, civil liberties, and education.
- Dr Bob McGregor, retired Paediatrician and recently retired Ipswich Hospital Foundation Board Member. Doctor of Science – for significant contributions to health care and the broader community.
- Emeritus Professor Grant Daggard, School of Agriculture and Environmental Science. Professor Emeritus – for significant contribution to the University, and the biological and physical sciences scholarly community.
- Emeritus Professor Roger Stone, Centre for Applied Climate Sciences. Professor Emeritus – for significant contribution to the University and the meteorological and climatological scholarly community.
- Emeritus Professor Jane Summers, School of Business. Professor Emeritus – for significant contribution to the University, and the marketing and business education scholarly community.
- Phia Damsma, Founder and Director of Sonokids. Fellow of the University – for significant contribution to empowering and connecting people through digital technology.
- Michael Hayes, Vine to Wine Vineyard Advisory Service and Adjunct Professor. Fellow of the University – for significant contribution to through winemaking, vineyard design, and education at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism.
- Merrilyn Strohfeldt – Former CEO of Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network. Fellow of the University – for significant contribution to primary health and the delivery of disability services, health, and rehabilitation services.
