The former Australian Governor-General the Honourable Quentin Bryce AD CVO has received the first joint honorary doctorate from the Monash Warwick Alliance.

The honorary degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa, conferred by the Alliance yesterday, recognises Ms Bryce’s contribution to advancing human rights and equality, the rights of women and children, and the welfare of the family.

The Monash Warwick Alliance is an innovative approach to higher education that is accelerating the exchange of people, ideas and information between Monash and Warwick Universities.

Ms Bryce is currently the patron of the Gender, Leadership and Social Sustainability (GLASS) research unit at Monash University.

Vice-Chancellor and President of Monash University Professor Ed Byrne AC said awarding the first joint honorary doctorate was a significant development for the Alliance and Ms Bryce’s distinguished and influential career made her a worthy appointment.

“The doctorate honours Ms Bryce for her significant contributions to advancing human rights and equality both in Australia and internationally,” Professor Byrne said.

Professor Nigel Thrift, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Warwick, said: “A joint honorary Monash Warwick degree allows our Alliance of two exceptional universities to jointly recognise exceptional individuals such as Ms Bryce.”

Academic Vice-President and Director of the Monash Warwick Alliance, Professor Andrew Coats, said: “The joint honorary doctorate represents a new level of commitment to the Alliance by the two universities. Ms Bryce is a well-recognised name both in Australia and internationally and she is an ideal candidate for the Alliance’s first honorary degree.”

Ms Bryce was Governor-General of Australia between 2008 and 2014, the first woman to hold this high-profile post.

Ms Bryce was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1988, followed by a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2003. Earlier this year she was made a Dame in the Order of Australia.

A full version of Ms Bryce's Oration can be found at Monash News.

27 August 2014