story by Genevieve SanchezAustralian music iconreceives honorary degreeAdelaide-bred singer songwriter Paul Kelly was awarded an honorarydoctorate when he joined over a thousand graduates receiving their degreesat the University of Adelaide’s graduation ceremonies in September.Paul received the Doctor of Arts(honoris causa) in acknowledgementof his “exceptionally distinguishedservice to society”. It recognises hishuge contribution to Australian musicand creative writing as well as hiscommunity service through benefitsand fundraising, and his significantcollaborations with Indigenous Australianmusicians and filmmakers.Regarded by his fellow music industryprofessionals as without peer in Australia,Paul is internationally renowned for hissong compositions, creative writing andrecorded music performance. He hasbeen described as a rare poetic voicein contemporary Australian music.“As a leading university in tertiary musiceducation, we are delighted to be ableto recognise Paul Kelly in this way forhis contribution through composition,performance and creative writing,” saidUniversity of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor andPresident Professor Warren Bebbington.During an address to graduates Paulspoke of his strong family connectionto the University.“I returned to my home townThey robed me in a coloured gownBy ancient ways I was led downYoung men and women all around“I spoke a speech beneath a clockMy sister beamed from the front dockI tried hard not to speak a crockBy day’s end I was a Doc!”Posted on Facebook by Paul Kellyafter receiving his honorary doctorateHis father John Erwin Kelly graduatedwith a Bachelor of Laws in 1936 and wenton to lecture in property law throughoutthe 1940s and 50s, while his grandfather,Francis Kelly, graduated with a law degreein 1906. Francis established the Adelaidelaw firm Kelly and Co in 1917 which Johnjoined in 1937.Relating his life in music to education,Paul said that studying never stops.“I’ve been writing songs and playingmusic for 40 years and the more I knowabout it, the more I realise how little Iknow,” he said.“The further I go in, the deeper itgets. If I think about music as a big forest,I’m only a little way inside the trees. If Ithink of it as a mountain range, I’m stilltoiling in the foothills.”Paul had some advice for the newgraduates: “Always stay curious … findtime to play and … keep your mind onthe mountains even when you’re in thethick of the deep dark woods.”To end, Paul quoted one of his‘teachers’ – Bob Dylan – from his1973 song, Forever Young:May your hands always be busyMay your feet always be swiftMay you have a strong foundationWhen the winds of changes shiftMay your heart always be joyfulMay your song always be sungMay you stay forever youngWatch a recording of Paul Kelly’saddress to graduates at:http://bit.ly/1sbuiNYOpposite: Paul Kelly speaking at the graduation ceremonyOpposite inset: John Erwin Kelly, IntervarsityHockey 1936, bottom row, second from leftAbove right: Paul with mace bearer John Pearson20 Lumen | Summer 2015“To graduate on the same day asPaul Kelly was very special. Hiscommitment to Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander people is somethingto be admired. The University ofAdelaide has done well in recognisinghis service to Australia.”John Pearson, mace bearer at the ceremony wherehe graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours)Highest honourGraduations are the culminationof years of dedication andhard work. Of the thousandsof students who graduatedfrom the University this year,18 people received the highesthonour, the degree of Doctor ofthe University honoris causa, inrecognition of their outstandingachievements. For the full list ofthose who have been awardedhonorary degrees in 2014 visit:www.adelaide.edu.au/records/archives/former
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