Honours for alumni
Former senator Natasha Stott Despoja is one of 14 outstanding ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide alumni recognised in the 2011 Queen's Birthday Honours list. Announced last month, the list contains a diverse group of notable alumni including 1991 Bachelor of Arts graduate Ms Stott Despoja, who was made a Member in the Order of ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ (AM) for service to the Parliament of ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥, particularly as a Senator for South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥, through leadership roles with the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Democrats, to education, and as a role model for women. "It's a great honour to be among such a wonderful group of ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ns. I am very proud to have my policy and legislative work - especially in the area of education - acknowledged in this way," Ms Stott Despoja said. While studying at the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide, Ms Stott Despoja was President of the Students' Association. In 1995, at the age of 26, she became the youngest woman to enter Federal Parliament, as a Senator for South ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥. From 2001-2002 she was Leader of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Democrats. She announced in October 2006 that she would not recontest the 2007 Federal election. Ms Stott Despoja sits on the Alumni Advisory Committee, providing strategic advice to the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ Council. She is a current PhD student in the School of History and Politics and co-teaches a course on the practice of ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n politics. She also funds an annual scholarship to support a financially disadvantaged, full-time, female Bachelor of Arts student of academic merit who would not otherwise be able to attend university. According to Ms Stott Despoja, strong female leaders and role models in society are "imperative". "Symbolism is important - women and girls need to be able to see the possibilities available to them, especially in areas and occupations where numbers are still lacking, including in leadership positions," she said. "To be described as a role model for women is a great compliment and has been an important part of my work.
"I hope that, in some small way, I have encouraged women (and young people) to get more involved in the political process, including running for parliament." For a full list of ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide alumni to receive Queen's Birthday Honours, please visit: Story by Connie Dutton
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