Western Sydney University honours community and thought leaders
Western Sydney University will honour two distinguished community leaders and a renowned international scholar during the December graduation ceremonies; held on 13 and 14 December at the University’s Parramatta South campus.
Billie Sankovic and Violet Roumeliotis will both receive the title of Community Fellow for outstanding service to the community; while researcher and author, Professor David Rowe, will be made an Emeritus Professor of Western Sydney University.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Barney Glover, said the outsanding achievements of all three individuals deserve to be formally recognised by the University.
"I congratulate all of our award recipients. Each of them has made a profound impact on their communities and made a valuable contribution to their professions,” said Vice-Chancellor Barney Glover.
About the recipients
Billie Sankovic
As Chief Executive Officer of the Western Sydney Community Forum since 2015, Ms Sankovic has shaped social policy and service delivery in Western Sydney. She played a pivotal role in facilitating the State Government’s first Early Intervention Program in New South Wales, now called Brighter Futures.
Violet Roumeliotis
Recently awarded Telstra Business Woman of the Year, Ms Roumeliotis provides support services to some of the most vulnerable in our community, including refugees and people with disabilities, as Chief Executive Officer of Settlement Services International.
Professor David Rowe
An internationally-recognised researcher, author and regular media commentator with the University’s Institute for Culture and Society, Professor Rowe’s work on sport, national culture, media representation and globalisation has had a profound impact on scholarly thinking, both in Australia and internationally. He has published 13 books, given more than 200 academic presentations in Australia and overseas, and published 119 peer-reviewed articles in leading journals.
ENDS
11 December 2017
Photos: Sally Tsoutas
Return to December Graduation celebrated at Western Sydney University
6 graduation ceremonies over two days
1,154 graduating students
28 PhDs awarded to doctoral candidates
14 University Medals Awarded to high-achieving students
December Graduation
Graduation wraps up an incredible journey for Fulbright Scholar Tracey Steinrucken
For PhD student Tracey Steinrucken, her graduation on Wednesday 13 December brings to a close three of the most intense and fulfilling years of her life.
Romeo, the Mad Hatter, and now a Doctor: Steven McRae receives Honorary Doctorate from Western Sydney University
Steven McRae – principal dancer with The Royal Ballet in London, and one of the world’s leading dancers – has returned to his hometown to accept an Honorary Doctorate of Letters.
Australian film legend Bryan Brown receives Honorary Doctorate from Western Sydney University
Australia’s foremost leading man of stage and screen, Bryan Brown AM, is adding the title of ‘Doctor’ to his long list of accomplishments.
Western Sydney University honours community and thought leaders
Western Sydney University will honour two distinguished community leaders and a renowned international scholar during the December graduation ceremonies.
Distinguished guest speakers address new graduands
A highlight of each graduation ceremony is the Occasional Address. In September, Western Sydney University graduands and their guests will have the opportunity to hear from a range of distinguished guest speakers.
Mobile options: