Honorary degree presented to Sir Rod Eddington
Sir Rod Eddington
Renowned Australian businessman, Sir Rod Eddington has been presented with an honorary degree from Monash University.
Monash Chancellor Dr Alan Finkel conferred the honorary Doctor of Laws at a graduation ceremony this week.
Sir Rod is the non-executive Chairman (Australian and New Zealand) of JP Morgan and Chairman of Infrastructure Australia, which advises the Federal Government on national infrastructure priorities, policy and regulatory reforms and financing mechanisms.
Dr Finkel said Sir Rod was one of the most influential and successful businessmen in the world, having a major philanthropic impact on research in science, transport and aviation.
“We are honoured to have Sir Rod as part of the Monash community. His substantial achievements in Australian and international business make him a worthy candidate for recognition by Monash University.
“In addition to his contributions to national business, Sir Rod has had an extraordinary influence on Australian culture, increasing Melbourne’s profile as a sporting capital and encouraging the undertaking of research in science-related fields,” said Dr Finkel.
Sir Rod graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor Degree in Engineering (First Class Honours) and Master of Engineering Science. He has held high-profile positions in the fields of business, aviation and transport, sport and culture.
Since 2000 Sir Rod has served as Chairman of the Hackett Foundation. He is also Chairman of the Alfred Foundation, which brings financial support to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.
Since 1991, Sir Rod has held the role of Chairman at the Victorian Major Events Company, an initiative of the Victorian Government aimed at attracting cultural and sporting events that require global state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure.
The University's Council can approve an Honorary Degree for any person, regardless of whether they are a graduate of a university, in recognition of their distinguished contribution to a branch of learning, the arts, or distinguished service to the public.
Over the 50 year history of Monash University, honorary degrees have been presented to dignitaries including musician Nick Cave (2008), architect John Denton (2007), former Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon (2005), author David Williamson (1990), mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary, (1985), His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales (1981) and former Victorian Premier, the late Sir Henry Bolte (1967).
Recipients of honorary degrees can be found by visiting the Records and Archives website.