Three leaders in their respective fields – venture capitalist Bill Tai, leading visual arts champion Alan Dodge and pharmacy trailblazer Brian Wall – have been awarded Honorary Doctorates by Curtin University.
Mr Tai, who is based in California, has been presented an Honorary Doctorate of the University for sharing his expertise in telecommunications, social media, data management, blockchain and cryptocurrency to build an entrepreneurial community at Curtin and globally, and inspiring early stage technology entrepreneurs.
Mr Dodge, regarded as one of Australia’s most experienced and respected authorities on the visual arts, was acknowledged with an Honorary Doctorate of Letters to mark his significant contribution to the arts locally, nationally and internationally over his 40-year career, as well as his mentorship and tireless advocacy of arts education and accessibility.
Mr Wall, who has had an illustrious career in pharmacy and public health including leading the development of clinical pharmacy services in WA hospitals, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science in honour of his exemplary service to pharmacy, public health administration and education.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said Mr Tai had generously shared his expertise and extensive networks with early stage entrepreneurs and the Curtin community over a number of years.
“It is a real privilege for Curtin staff and students to be able to share Mr Tai’s valuable advice as a highly successful technology venture investor and technology visionary,” Professor Terry said.
Professor Terry said Mr Dodge, a member of the John Curtin Gallery Advisory Board, was well regarded for his leadership, willingness to share his knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment to the arts and education over many years.
“Mr Dodge has made a significant contribution to the university sector as a long-term mentor and adviser and an influential advocate for often ground-breaking cross-university collaboration and he is a deserving recipient of the Honorary Doctorate of Letters,” Professor Terry said.
Professor Terry said Mr Wall, who fostered the development of postgraduate courses at the Western Australian Institute of Technology, had played a significant role in a number of public health advances throughout his career.
“Mr Wall has been acknowledged with the Honorary Doctorate of Science in recognition of his tremendous service to the public health system, including his work on the management of drugs for addiction, environmental waste management, the policy development of pharmaceuticals and the care of cancer patients,” Professor Terry said.
The Honorary Doctorate of Letters is awarded to recognise a distinguished contribution to an academic discipline or field of endeavour relating to humanities and social sciences, and an exceptional record of service to professional and/or public life.
The Honorary Doctorate of the University recognises exceptional service to the University, usually over a sustained period of time, and an exceptional record of service to professional and/or public life.
Mr Tai was acknowledged with his Honorary Doctorate of the University, Mr Dodge was awarded his Honorary Doctorate of Letters, and Mr Wall received his Honorary Doctorate of Science at graduation ceremonies on Curtin’s Bentley Campus last week.
