Monash bestows honorary degree on John Gandel AO
Australian businessman and property investor John Gandel AO has been recognised with an honorary degree from Monash University.
The degree of Doctor of Laws honoris causa was conferredon Mr Gandel at a graduation ceremony held at Monash University’s Clayton campus in Melbourne yesterday.
Monash Chancellor Dr Alan Finkel AM welcomed Mr Gandel to the Monash community.
“Through great determination and entrepreneurship, John Gandel has helped shape Australia’s retail landscape,” Dr Finkel said.
“Beyond his business acumen for which he is renowned, he has given generously through philanthropic endeavours, and I am delighted that we can acknowledge his broad contributions to Australian society.”
Chairman of the Gandel Group of Companies since 1983, John Gandel is well known for the development of Australia’s largest shopping centre, Chadstone in Melbourne, as well as for being the founder of the Sussan fashion retain chain.
He was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1990 for services to business, commerce and industry, and is also well known for his philanthropy focused on medical causes and the arts.
Over the 50-year history of Monash University, honorary degrees have been presented to dignitaries including Australian businessman Anthony Pratt, Australian conductor and pianist Maestro Richard Bonynge AC CBE, (2013), business leader Sir Rod Eddington (2011), former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser (2010), musician Nick Cave and architect John Denton (2007), mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary (1985) His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (1986) and His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (1981).