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Adelaidean - News from the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide
March 2006 Issue
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Indigenous leader honoured for service

 Graduations

Last year was one of firsts for Professor Roger Thomas.

Not only did he become the first indigenous person to obtain the level of Professor at the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide, he was also the first to receive an honorary doctorate.

Professor Thomas, who is Director of the (known as Wilto Yerlo), was admitted to the degree of Doctor of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ honoris causa for his creative and original distinguished contributions in the service of society.

"It's an overwhelming feeling, and very humbling," Professor Thomas said. "I'm pleased because it shows that the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ is very serious about indigenous education and culture.

"I will receive the doctorate on behalf of all indigenous staff and students associated with the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide, because they're who I work with and for."

Executive Dean of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥'s , Professor Mike Innes, said Professor Thomas has done much to raise the profile and awareness of indigenous culture and education across the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ and the wider community.

"He is a firm leader, with a strong sense of direction," Professor Innes said. "Professor Thomas will continue to lead and to facilitate the increasing awareness of the needs, achievements and contributions of indigenous people to the life of the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ of Adelaide and of ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥.

"He is a remarkable man who many are proud to have as their colleague, but also to call their friend."

Story by Ben Osborne

Professor Roger Thomas (second from left) with (from left) Vice-Chancellor Professor James McWha, Chancellor the Hon. John von Doussa and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Mike Innes
Photo by Ben Osborne

Professor Roger Thomas (second from left) with (from left) Vice-Chancellor Professor James McWha, Chancellor the Hon. John von Doussa and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Mike Innes
Photo by Ben Osborne

Full Image (51.94K)

Three indigenous graduates had the honour of being macebearer at their respective ceremonies: (from left) Richard Bosworth (Bachelor of Environmental Science, Honours), Teresa Smordowski (Bachelor of Arts) and Kali Hayward (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
Story by Ben Osborne

Three indigenous graduates had the honour of being macebearer at their respective ceremonies: (from left) Richard Bosworth (Bachelor of Environmental Science, Honours), Teresa Smordowski (Bachelor of Arts) and Kali Hayward (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
Story by Ben Osborne

Full Image (53.21K)

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