Garry Willinge, a long-time champion of Curtin University in international markets, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Technology.
Mr Willinge, an Adjunct Professor at Curtin for more than 10 years, has served as an official representative of the University in Asia and helped facilitate new partnerships with government and industry bodies that have expanded Curtin’s offshore programs.
Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said Mr Willinge had worked tirelessly to strengthen the University’s already strong ties in Asia, particularly in Hong Kong and China.
“Mr Willinge has provided significant support, time and expertise to assist in building the Hong Kong and China chapter of the Curtin alumni,” Professor Terry said.
“He has been heavily involved in promoting Curtin overseas, in particular, Curtin Business School (CBS) and acted as the University’s representative on the Hong Kong Management Association, Curtin’s partner in the delivery of offshore programs in Hong Kong.”
“In more than a decade associated with Curtin, Garry has provided regular counsel to senior staff and advised on issues, strategies and matters ranging from international education to the University’s role in connection to industry and the community.”
Professor Terry said Mr Willinge’s contributions to Curtin were part of an exceptional contribution to the wider community and society generally.
“Through his ties with CBS, in Hong Kong and China in particular, Garry has voluntarily donated his time and knowledge to mentoring young business graduates,” Professor Terry said.
“Together with Dr Mike Wood, he led major public sector reform in Western Australia in the early 1990s while at the Department of Premier and Cabinet.”
Mr Willinge’s business background includes more than 30 years working for IBM, in executive management roles in Australia and Asia.
Mr Willinge was presented with his Honorary Doctorate in a ceremony at Curtin’s Bentley Campus.
