The University recognises outstanding achievement, exceptional service and significant contribution through the granting of the following honorary awards; Honorary Doctorate, Emeritus Professorship, University Fellowship and Community Fellowship.
Honorary alumni
Professor Alan Pettigrew
Honorary Doctor of Science
Professor Alan Pettigrew is an international leader in the higher education sector and is renowned for bringing exceptional insight and vision to higher education and medical research governance at a national level.
Richard Kenchington (dec'd)
Emeritus Professor
Richard's deep commitment to the sustainable and effective management of the world’s oceans, and the value of education and research to attain that goal over the past two decades is what makes Richard so very worthy of this award today.
Professor Bruce Thom AM
Honorary Doctor of Science
Professor Bruce Thom is an outstanding scholar and a passionate advocate for the discipline of geography, fusing academic rigour with applied research to embed scientific knowledge into public and private sector decision-making.
Professor Lei Jiang
Honorary Doctor of Science
Named in the global top one per cent of Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers in both Chemistry and Material Science for more than five years, Professor Jiang is the recipient of many awards which attest to the international breadth and gravity of his influence as a scientist.
Robin Thompson
Honorary Doctor of Science
Raised on small dairy farms in Lancashire, England, Professor Thompson has applied his considerable talent for mathematics and scientific rigour to the field of statistical genetics, making influential discoveries that have transformed the study of animal, plant and human genetics.
Lisa Havilah
Honorary Doctorate of Letters
Lisa Havilah is among the Australian arts and cultural sector’s most innovative and influential leaders, taking the nexus of contemporary art and community engagement to bold new places that reflect and shift our cultural landscape.
Michael Cassel
Honorary Doctorate of Letters
In recognition of his outstanding contributions and service to national and international musical theatre. Michael’s sheer determination, commitment, forward thinking and dynamic character is what has catapulted him into the successful producer and CEO he is today.
Kim McKay AO
Honorary Doctorate of Science
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, inspiring everyday people to preserve and protect our natural, social and cultural heritage at both a national and international level, in her daily role and as a volunteer.
Michael Noonan AO RAN
Honorary Doctorate of Laws
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to regional, national, and international maritime security. His professional dedication, strategic and energetic leadership, and sustained impact have seen him fulfil leadership roles at all levels of the Australian Defence Force and rise to the highest tiers of leadership in the Royal Australian Navy.
Ben Quilty
Honorary Doctorate of Letters
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to art that draws attention to human vulnerability and injustice. An artist and social commentator, Ben paints with a purpose, and his art invites us to think critically about the world we have created, who we are, and where we are heading.
2022 Emeritus Professors
Professor Stephen Pyne
Emeritus Professor
Professor Stephen Geoffrey Pyne is an internationally respected leader in organic chemistry who has led crucial and significant advances in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and natural products chemistry.
Professor Andrew Davis
Emeritus Professor
In a research and teaching career at UOW spanning more than three decades, Andrew Davis has greatly contributed to the University’s vision to inspire a better future through education, research and partnership.
Professor Paul Chandler
Emeritus Professor
Throughout his teaching and academic career Paul has made, and continues to make, an outstanding contribution to the lives of all Australians, from the earliest years of life, through schooling, higher education and beyond.
Professor Wilfred Yeo
Emeritus Professor
Professor Wilfred Winston Yeo has profoundly impacted medical education and clinical practice. He has been instrumental in building a strong foundation for clinical education and practice in the Illawarra.
Shi Xue Dou AM
Emeritus Professor
Shi's outstanding career and contributions to UOW, his stellar international reputation and record of research achievement in Materials Science, his academic and teaching contributions, mentoring and leadership throughout his 27 year career at UOW make him most worthy of this award.
Hua Kun Liu AM
Emeritus Professor
Hua’s tireless efforts have made an outstanding contribution both in her field of energy storage materials and to UOW. This award will continue her strong connection to the University, ensuring UOW, its staff and students will benefit from her expertise and guidance into the future
Linda Tapsell AM
Emeritus Professor
A pre-eminent dietitian nationally and internationally Linda has made an enormous contribution to both her field and UOW. Her ongoing relationship will benefit staff and students and continue to add to the reputation of Nutrition and Dietetics and health research at UOW into the future. An outstanding scholar, teacher and leader, Linda epitomises the principles of this award we present to her here today
Honorary Alumni Chapter
The Honorary Alumni Chapter is a network of alumni who have been awarded either a University Fellowship, an Honorary degree or an Emeritus Professorship from the University of Wollongong. The Chapter meets regularly to discuss and organise ways in which they can support the University through advocacy, projects and activities.
Find out more about the UOW Honorary Alumni Chapter