Former Prime Minister, the Honourable Julia Gillard AC, has today been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Curtin University.
Ms Gillard, who is also Patron of the John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library, received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters in recognition of her outstanding contribution to education and social inclusion as well as her distinguished career in political leadership, spanning almost two decades.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said she was honoured to announce Ms Gillard had been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters.
“Julia Gillard’s influence on public life has been exceptional through her distinguished career in law and politics, but it is her role in education reform that has arguably been her greatest contribution to Australian society,” Professor Terry said.
“Over the course of her political career, Ms Gillard linked education reform with her vision of an economically prudent, prosperous and fair Australia that faced the global financial crisis and guided Australia through its longest resources boom during her time of leadership.
“Ms Gillard introduced a number of education policies and programs that have helped create access to education for all Australians, and this award is a fitting acknowledgement of her outstanding ongoing contribution and service to the community.”
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.
Ms Gillard received her Honorary Doctorate of Letters at a graduation ceremony on Curtin’s Bentley Campus today.
