UNE > News and Events > Browse by article > Former UNE staff and students honoured on Australia Day

Next Campus improvements will greet returning students February 6, 2006  

Previous Beef project boosted by industry-wide support February 1, 2006 

Former UNE staff and students honoured on Australia Day

February 03, 2006

IFalconer.thumb.jpgBy Stephanie Hubbard

Former academic staff members and alumni of The University of New England who received Australia Day Awards this year include one Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) and three Members of the Order of Australia (AM).

These are Professor Ian Falconer (AO), Dr Paul Brock (AM), Mrs Dorothy Davis (AM), and Ms Karen Harmon-Stinson (AM).

Professor Falconer (pictured here) was Professor of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Nutrition at UNE from 1972 to 1988, and the first Dean of UNE's Faculty of The Sciences. He received his award for “services to science, particularly through research in the area of algal toxins relating to water quality management, to education internationally, and to the conservation movement”. He assisted in the development of World Health Organisation drinking and recreational water guidelines, and the Australian guidelines that followed.

Dr Brock is Director of Professional Learning and Leadership Development in the NSW Department of Education and Training. He was honoured for “service to public education (particularly as an adviser and author in the area of strategic policy development), to maintaining high standards of teaching and professionalism, and to people with Motor Neurone Disease”. He holds a Diploma of Education and a PhD degree from UNE. During his time at the University between 1979 and 1990 he was a Senior Lecturer in the department of English and Chair of the Teacher Education Program in the Faculty of Education.

Mrs Davis, who is the Director of the Australian Institute of Political Science (and of the Tall Poppy Campaign for the recognition of excellence in science) received her award for “service to tertiary education through the promotion of Australia as a study destination for international students and as a provider of educational services”. She gained a Diploma of Continuing Education from UNE in 1985.

Ms Harmon-Stinson has done outstanding work through aid programs in developing countries. Her award citation mentioned in particular her work in implementing a women’s health project in The Philippines. She holds two Nursing Diplomas from UNE, and graduated with a Bachelor of Administration (Nursing) degree in 1990.

UNE graduates have often become leaders in their fields of interest and have gained the recognition of their community and peers.

The very first student enrolled at UNE as an independent university – Don Aitkin – was awarded an AO in 1998 for services to higher education and the community. Professor Aitkin holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree (1959) and a Master of Arts degree (1961) from UNE, and the University awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree in 2004.

Former Chairman and World CEO of Coca Cola, Douglas Daft, was made a
Companion in the Order of Australia (AC) in 2005. He graduated from UNE in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Mathematics.

Dr Arthur Rickards, a UNE graduate in Agricultural Economics, was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1996. Dr Rickards is Managing Director of the successful UNE-based Agricultural Business Research Institute. In his 40-year association with the University, Dr Rickards has overseen the development of BREEDPLAN, a livestock performance recording database and range of software, now in worldwide use, that has a value to the Australian economy of more than a billion dollars. Dr Rickards is an Honorary Doctor of the University.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at February 3, 2006 11:34 AM