Lumen Winter 2015 - Flipbook - Page 26
stor y by Ren ée Cap p s
International lawyer and music
icon receive honorary degrees
I
nternational lawyer and jurist James
Crawford and renowned singer and
director Robyn Archer were among
the nine distinguished leaders awarded
honorary doctorates (honoris causa)
recognising their significant contributions,
achievements and service to the community.
They joined over 3,400 new graduates
from the University in ceremonies held
over April and May.
“These nine individuals are exceptional
members of our community and we are
particularly proud that six of them were
educated at the University of Adelaide,”
said Professor Warren Bebbington,
Vice-Chancellor and President.
Robyn Archer AO
Robyn Archer AO (BA 1970 Dip Ed
1973) received a Doctor of Music to
acknowledge her contributions as a
singer, writer, composer, stage and artistic
director, and public advocate for the arts
in Australia and internationally.
“I’m genuinely honoured that my decades
of work in music, including the enabling of
many other musicians and arts workers,
is recognised with this doctorate, and it’s
especially gratifying that it comes from my
alma mater,” said Robyn.
Robyn grew up in Adelaide and started
her singing career at the age of four at
her grandparent’s pub in North Adelaide.
While studying at university she continued
to sing jazz, folk and rock and roll and
performed in revue, music hall and children’s
theatre. Robyn’s singing career was
interrupted by a motorbike accident, at
which time she took a break to teach high
school for two years before resuming singing.
Robyn won the Helpmann Award for
best cabaret performer of 2013. She is
currently the Artistic Director of the Light
of Winter, Strategic Advisor of Arts and
Culture for the Gold Coast and Deputy
Chair of the Australian Council.
Professor James Crawford AC SC
Professor James Crawford AC SC
is one of Adelaide Law School’s most
distinguished graduates and a former
Professor at the University. He was elected
24 Lumen | Winter 2015
as Judge of the International Court of
Justice (ICJ) in The Hague in 2014 and
commenced his nine-year term this year.
James received a Doctor of Laws at the
ceremony where he paid tribute to former
classmates and honours students he had
taught, and passed on advice to new
graduates at the ceremony.
“My message is seize the day. Grasp
opportunities that come to you in your
legal and leadership careers. There is
nothing you cannot do if you don’t try.
Others may seem to limit you, don’t limit
yourselves,” he said.
James has previously held appointments
as Professor of Law at the University of
Adelaide, Dean of Law at the University of
Sydney and Whewell Professor of International
Law at the University of Cambridge.
His reputation as an international lawyer
and jurist has continued to grow over the
years, with over 100 cases in international
litigation. He has appeared in key cases
before international tribunals and bodies
including the ICJ itself, as a lawyer,
rapporteur and expert witness.
He received the University of Adelaide’s
Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012 and
in 2013 he was made a Companion of the
Order of Australia.
To read more about the honorary
doctorates awarded visit
www.adelaide.edu.au/news/news77642.html
Top left: Dr Robyn Archer at O’ Week 1974
(Photo courtesy of University Archives)
Top right: Professor James Crawford receiving
an honorary doctorate
Honorary Doctorates
Professor Warwick Anderson AM (PhD 1972)
Doctor of the University
Professor Robert J Norman AO
Doctor of Medicine
Dr Graeme Killer AO
Doctor of Medicine
The Hon Robert Hill AC (LLB 1968, BA 1983)
Doctor of Laws
Professor James Crawford AC, SC, FBA (BA 1972, LLB (Hons) 1972)
Doctor of Laws
Mr James Morrison AM
Doctor of Music
Dr Robyn Archer AO (BA 1970, Dip Ed 1973)
Doctor of Music
Dr Anne Summers AO (BA 1971)
Dr Martin Parkinson PSM (B Ec (Hons) 1981)
Doctor of Arts
Doctor of the University
