Honorary Doctor of the University of Wollongong
Citation delivered by Warwick Shanks OAM at the University of Wollongong on the occasion of the admission of Christine McLoughlin as a Doctor of the University of Wollongong (honoris causa) on 15 July 2025.
Chancellor, I present to you Christine McLoughlin.
Christine McLoughlin stands as one of Australia's most distinguished business leaders, whose remarkable journey from a small Riverina town to the pinnacle of Australian business exemplifies how vision, determination, and an unwavering commitment to lifting others can create extraordinary impact across education, business, and society.
Born in Berrigan and raised in rural New South Wales, Christine became the first in her family to attend university. Christine describes her experience studying at the Australian National University as “game changing”, allowing her to flourish in a learning environment that valued multiculturalism and gender equality, shaping her lifelong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Armed with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (Honours), she embarked on a career spanning continents, from commercial law in Sydney and London to pioneering roles in finance and telecommunications, building a reputation as a strategic and innovative leader.
When Christine assumed the Chancellorship in October 2020, she could not have foreseen the unprecedented challenges ahead, most notably the impact of the global pandemic. Yet it was precisely during this period of global turbulence that her leadership proved most transformational for the University. Through Christine's leadership, UOW strengthened its reputation as a globally connected, research-led university, climbing remarkably in the QS World University Rankings from 193rd in 2021 to 162nd in 2023 while achieving Australia's highest national employer-satisfaction rating for graduates. During her time as Chancellor, the University also continued to broaden its international horizon and to engage with UOW’s extensive alumni across the globe as advocates for our institution.
Beyond the University, Christine continues to shape Australia's corporate landscape as Chair of Aware Super and Chairman of Suncorp Group Limited, where she recently led the Board through the sale of Suncorp's bank, one of the largest financial services transactions of the past two decades. Her influence extends through distinguished directorships focused on health and community, including Cochlear Limited, the McGrath Foundation, the Smith Family, and Destination NSW.
Christine's most profound legacy may well be her co-founding of the not-for-profit Minerva Network. What began as support for a small group of athletes after the Rio Olympics has grown to mentor over 1,000 professional women athletes across 87 sports with 400 leading businesswomen all on a pro bono basis. Through this network, Christine has created countless opportunities to help Australia’s sportswomen to thrive both during and well beyond their sporting careers.
Christine’s exceptional contributions have been recognised through her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2021 for service to business, the not-for-profit sector, and women. Her leadership philosophy, centered on authenticity, purpose, and creating opportunities for others to thrive, has transformed every organisation she has touched. From guiding Australia's largest companies through periods of profound change to nurturing the next generation of leaders through education and sport, Christine exemplifies the values that the University of Wollongong strives for.
Chancellor, it is a privilege and pleasure to present Christine McLoughlin AM for admission to the degree of Doctor of the University of Wollongong, honoris causa.