A skateboarding pioneer turned global entrepreneur, social activist and media producer has been awarded a prestigious Honorary Doctorate by La Trobe University for his influence in shaping skateboarding culture, fashion and media, as well as his contributions to community, business and the creative industries.
Stephen Hill OAM, a La Trobe Business School alumnus in the early 1980s, skated through the Bundoora campus one more time, not only receiving a Doctor of Letters but a one-of-a-kind skateboard deck with a graphic representing the many opportunities that exist at La Trobe.
Stephen established Globe International with his brothers Peter and Matt in 1985, building it into one of the world's most recognised boardsports companies.
Before Globe, Stephen was a pioneer of Australia's skateboarding scene. A professional skateboarder, he won national competitions and co-founded one of Australia's earliest professional skateboarding teams. With his brothers, he began to import skateboards and associated equipment, eventually forming Hardcore Distribution which later grew into Globe International.
Stephen established skateboarding events, demonstrations and international tours, laying the foundations for a thriving sporting and cultural movement. He co-founded the Globe World Cup Skateboarding event, which brought elite international competitions to venues such as Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
Stephen also co-founded one of Australia's first skateboarding magazines and co-authored two influential bestselling books on the sport, with the design plans from those books influencing the construction of Australian skateparks and ramps for the following decade.
Through his Whyte House Entertainment multimedia company, he has executive produced more than 30 films, documentaries and television projects about skateboarding, surfing and broader cultural themes.
He has also led community initiatives, founding the Bayside Transport Action Group to promote sustainable transport in Melbourne's bayside suburbs, and supporting projects encouraging healthy lifestyles, environmental responsibility and access to skateboarding. He is also a major campaigner against gambling advertising, advocating for a blanket advertising ban to reduce harm.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell awarded Stephen with the honorary degree, Doctor of Letters, at a special ceremony at La Trobe University's Melbourne campus in Bundoora on 11 December.
During the ceremony, Professor Farrell also presented Stephen with the unique skateboard deck designed by graphic artist Marcus Dixon as a surprise gift.
Stephen said La Trobe played a pivotal role in his career by sharpening his thinking, shaping his direction and helping lay the foundation he and his brothers later used to build global brands.
"I am genuinely honoured that La Trobe University has bestowed this recognition upon me. A true milestone in my skateboarding and business journey," he said.
"Do what you love. Be patient, tenacious and consistent.
"When we started in the skateboarding business, people sometimes laughed. They couldn't see it. But we kept going, and it worked out great. So never give up. Keep moving forward!
Professor Farrell said honorary degrees are awarded to eminent people who, over a sustained period, demonstrate significant community service, outstanding professional achievements, inspirational leadership within their fields of expertise and have outstanding personal qualities.
"This Doctor of Letters recognises Stephen's outstanding career as a skateboarder, entrepreneur, media producer, community advocate and social activist, as well as his contributions to Australian sport, culture and business," Professor Farrell said.
"Stephen is a very worthy recipient and I'm delighted to present this to him today."
Image: Stephen Hill with Deputy Chancellor Meredith Sussex AM and the skateboard presented to him
