University Fellow
Citation delivered by Senior Professor Gursel Alici, Executive Dean, Engineering and Information Sciences, at the University of Wollongong on the occasion of the admission of Andrew FitzSimons as a Fellow of the University of Wollongong on 20 April 2026.
Pro-Chancellor, I present to you Andrew FitzSimons.
For almost five decades, Andrew FitzSimons has shaped and strengthened the Illawarra community through his unwavering dedication to public education, community service and sustainability.
From his early years working as a jackaroo in outback Queensland to becoming a distinguished educator and school principal, Andrew’s journey demonstrates how genuine compassion, integrity and commitment can inspire others and create lasting positive change.
Serving as Principal of Dapto High School for almost two decades, Andrew’s impact was profound. His leadership positioned the school as a leader in innovation and sustainability, recognised with the 2021 NSW Sustainable School of the Year award.
Andrew was also a strong advocate for vocational education and training. As Chair of the NSW Secondary Principals Council VET Reference Group, he championed the expansion of vocational pathways, ensuring students were supported to pursue diverse and meaningful futures beyond the classroom.
Beyond his role at Dapto High, Andrew has also fostered a deep connection with the University of Wollongong. He served on the UOW Community Reference Group for four years, played a pivotal role in establishing Dapto High as a formal learning partner, and championed the In2Uni program.
Outside the classroom, Andrew has remained deeply committed to community service and social equity. His involvement with organisations including the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Program and Red Room Poetry reflects his deep commitment to social equity. As a board member of the Top Blokes Foundation, Andrew has been a passionate advocate for programs that empower young men to build resilience, confidence and purpose.
Andrew’s contributions to education and community service have been recognised through various prestigious awards. In 2021, he received the Powering Potential Award at the National Excellence in Teaching Awards. In 2023, he was honoured with a Distinguished Service Award and life membership of the NSW Secondary Principals Council. That same year, he also received a special retirement gift from Juborsay, the local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group.
Through a distinguished career defined by outstanding achievement and indefatigable service to public education and the Illawarra community, Andrew FitzSimons exemplifies the values of excellence, integrity and local impact cherished by the University of Wollongong. His enduring impact on students, colleagues and the broader community will be felt for generations to come.
Pro-Chancellor, it is a privilege and pleasure to present Andrew FitzSimons for admission as a Fellow of the University of Wollongong.