Doctor of the University

Our first honorary doctorate (Doctor of the University) was awarded on 5 March 1975 to former Australian Air Force veteran and Governor of Queensland, Sir Colin Hannah. This award is offered by our University to individuals that the Honorary Degree Committee (which includes the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor) believe have made remarkable contributions to our society or 'rendered distinguished service to the community'. The Doctor of the University is a recognition awarded to recipients that have made a significant contribution to society in areas such as sport, politics, arts and conservation. This award has traditionally been presented at Griffith University graduation ceremonies. 

Despite conferring our first honorary doctorate in 1975, it was not until 1988 that we had our first female recipient - poet, environmentalist and First Nations land rights campaigner, Judith Arundell Wright. Since then, our female recipients have included artists, judges, activists, performers, academics, sportswomen and businesswomen. As well as the variety in the important contributions these women have made, there is also great diversity in their social, economic and cultural backgrounds. Below is a selection of women who received this award between 1988 and 1998.