The University of Notre Dame Australia has awarded an Honorary Doctorate to the Governor of New South Wales in recognition of her outstanding service to the judiciary and the law.
The Honorary Degree, Doctor of Laws, was presented to Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC at a special graduation ceremony at Sydney's Town Hall this morning where she delivered the Occasional Address to more than 220 graduates, their guests and university staff.
Notre Dame's Chancellor, The Honourable Christopher Ellison, said Her Excellency had served as a role model and mentor for women in the law during a long and distinguished legal career that spanned 43 years.
"Throughout her remarkable career, Her Excellency has achieved many firsts, including being the first woman appointed to the NSW Court of Appeal, and subsequently as the first woman appointed as President of the Court," Chancellor Ellison said.
"She is also a dear friend of the University, having taught with us when our School of Law in Sydney was still in its infancy. More recently, she served as Chair of the School of Law Advisory Board, prior to her appointment as Governor.
"It was with great pleasure that we were able to present her with this Honorary Degree in recognition of her professional achievements, as well as the significant contributions she has made to both the Catholic and broader community over many years."
Her Excellency said: "I am honoured to be awarded this Honorary Doctorate from Notre Dame University, with whom I have had a very rewarding association over many years. I congratulate the leadership and the academics of Notre Dame for their work in producing the outstanding graduates who are here today."
Honorary degrees have been awarded on 47 occasions throughout the University's history to Australians who have made an invaluable contribution to the nation's civil, political, and spiritual life.
Other past recipients include former Prime Minister John Howard, the current Governor of Western Australia and former Federal Labor Leader Kim Beazley, and poet Les Murray
