Honorary degrees
The Deakin Honorary Doctorate honours individuals’ sustained and significant contributions as summarised in the citation for the award.
The Honorary Master of Innovation recognises individuals’ initiatives in creating jobs for the future or advancing social justice.
Honorary degrees are conferred by the University Council on the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor following consideration by the Honorary Degrees Committee.
A fact sheet on Deakin’s honorary degrees program (PDF, 94.4KB) and the Honorary Degrees Procedure are available.
Deakin Honorary Doctorate
2024
Dr Bryan Keon-Cohen KC AM
Dr Bryan Keon-Cohen KC AM for distinguished service to Australian society and the law as junior counsel in each of the Eddie Mabo cases; and for tireless and continued advocacy for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people under native title legislation as that legislation has evolved since the recognition of native title and the debunking of terra nullius in the Mabo case.
Professor Mukti Kanta Mishra
Professor Mukti Kanta Mishra for outstanding achievements in education, skill development and social entrepreneurship in India and his contribution to Deakin University’s partnership initiatives in India over 15 years.
The Hon Lisa Neville
The Hon Lisa Neville for eminent public leadership representing the Bellarine electorate for 20 years; State Government Minister for eight years; influential advocate for mental health, aged-care, environment, climate-change and emergency services; the first Victorian female Minister of Police; and strong support of the Geelong region and Deakin over this time.
2023
Lionel Bamblett
Lionel Bamblett for sustained and significant contribution to Indigenous education and training.
Elaine Carbines AM
Elaine Carbines AM for distinguished service to Geelong and the Barwon Region, especially in the areas of regional development, support of Deakin University and protection of the environment.
Kathy Grigg
Kathy Grigg for distinguished service to the community, especially in regional economic development, and for eminent service to Deakin University as a member of the University Council from 2009 to 2021 and as Deputy Chancellor from 2017 to 2021.
Shane Howard AM
Shane Howard AM for his distinguished career in the Australian music industry through production, song writing and performance (with Goanna) and for continued advocacy for Australia’s Indigenous community and the environment through his music.
Phillipa Kelly
Phillipa Kelly for distinguished service to the community in a range of business leadership positions and for eminent service to the governance of Deakin University as a member of the University Council from 2010 to 2021 and Deputy Chancellor from 2019 to 2021.
Noel Miller
Noel Miller for distinguished service to Geelong and Deakin in engineering education and research, leading to the establishment of an engineering school at Deakin and to an exceptionally strong research collaboration between Ford and Deakin that has spanned four decades and continues today.
Peter Niblett
Peter Niblett for his eminent contribution to Geelong and region and to Deakin University as a distinguished graduate and the first alumnus appointed to the University Council and for providing distinguished service as a member of Council from 2009 to 2019 and Deputy Chancellor in 2019.
Mr S. (Subramanian) Ramadorai
Mr S. (Subramanian) Ramadorai for his distinguished lifetime achievement as a business leader, his commitment to technological innovation to drive positive social outcomes and his inspiring role in the development of educational programs to increase opportunities for young people.
Merrin Wake
Merrin Wake for sustained contribution and leadership in developing inclusive health services particularly for trans and gender diverse young people, and for her significant public advocacy for survivors of child sexual assault.
2022
Carmel Guerra OAM
Carmel Guerra OAM was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for distinguished service to the Australian community, especially to migrant youth, social inclusion and cultural diversity.
2021
No honorary degrees were conferred in 2021 because of the pause in regular graduation ceremonies due to Covid-19.
2020
Andrew Rogers
Andrew Rogers was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for his distinguished contribution to contemporary art and culture and for his significant support of the Deakin University Art Collection.
Emerita Professor Jane den Hollander AO
Professor Jane den Hollander AO was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for her outstanding services to Deakin University as Vice-Chancellor from 2010 to 2019 and in recognition of her sustained contribution to Australian education, advancing diversity and inclusion in society and inspiring women to leadership positions.
Professor Robert D. Howe
Professor Robert D. Howe was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for his eminent contribution to biomedical research and outstanding achievements in biorobotics innovation that bring advanced, safe and cost-effective medical imaging and robotic surgery and rehabilitation technologies to society.
Janette Grenfell
Jenny Grenfell was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her lifetime commitment as a champion of art and arts education and her significant contribution to building Deakin’s reputation for innovation and excellence in the discipline of education.
Aunty Geraldine Atkinson
Aunty Geraldine Atkinson was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for her outstanding contribution to Indigenous education.
Andrew Fairley AM
Andrew Fairley AM was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for distinguished service to Deakin University and the community in a range of professional and philanthropic leadership positions.
Duncan Stalker OAM
Duncan Stalker OAM was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for distinguished service to the Victorian and national secondary education sector and for significant contribution and service to an extensive range of non-profit community organisations in the City of Warrnambool.
2019
Professor Joe Graffam
Professor Joe Graffam was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Deakin University in a range of academic and research leadership positions.
Melinda Smith OAM
Melinda Smith OAM was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for her outstanding contribution to the arts and her tireless work in breaking down barriers to inclusion for people with disability both in Australia and internationally.
Robert Costa
Robert Costa was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for his significant and sustained commitment to shaping the future of Geelong through his invaluable contributions to a range of community organisations.
Helene Bender OAM
Helene Bender OAM was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for distinguished service to the governance of Deakin University as a member of the University Council from 2008 to 2018 and as Deputy Chancellor from 2010 to 2016, and for her significant contribution to the Geelong community and especially charitable causes.
Peter Meehan
Peter Meehan was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for distinguished service to the governance of Deakin University as a member of the University Council from 2007 to 2018 and as Deputy Chancellor from 2011 to 2018.
Professor Richard Tinning
Professor Richard Tinning was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for his eminent contribution and leadership in social critical scholarship in health and physical education.
Magistrate Rosemary Falla
Magistrate Rosemary Falla was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her distinguished career in law, which saw her become the first Indigenous Magistrate appointed in Victoria, and her service to the community through the establishment of the first Koorie Courts in Victoria.
Jill Smith
Jill Smith was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for her distinguished service to the Victorian arts and cultural sector - its artists, organisations and audiences; and to the City of Geelong, in particular, where her work has contributed to Geelong's profile as a cultural and innovation hub.
Andrew Norton
Andrew Norton was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for services to the Australian Higher Education Sector through policy leadership and research over a sustained period.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for her pioneering entrepreneurial role in biotechnology and her sustained and significant contribution to university and industry connections between India and Australia.
Peter Norden AO
Peter Norden AO was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for eminent and sustained service to the Australian non-government sector in the field of community services.
Tony Ellwood AM
Tony Ellwood AM was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for outstanding leadership in the arts and arts education programs.
Cadel Evans AM
Cadel Evans AM was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for his inspiring example of achievement through dedication and determination and for promoting gender equity in sport and health through cycling.
2018
Emeritus Professor Judith Brett
Emeritus Professor Judith Brett was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for her eminent contribution to scholarship and public discourse on Australian history and politics and for increasing knowledge about Alfred Deakin’s historical contribution and contemporary relevance.
Todd Harper
Todd Harper was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for his outstanding contributions and commitment to public health and for his willingness to be innovative and brave in advocating for public health.
Professor Mervyn King SC
Professor Mervyn King SC was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for his eminent international achievements in corporate governance, corporate law and accounting and his significant contribution to corporate social responsibility and sustainable long-term economic growth globally.
Jane Martin
Jane Martin was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for her significant and sustained contribution to public health and her evidence-based advocacy for policies to prevent obesity in Australia, particularly in children.
Hon Dr Barry Jones AC
The Hon Dr Barry Jones AC was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for his eminent contribution to promoting innovation, science and evidence-based policies in Australia as a public intellectual and Science Minister from 1983 to 1990; for his influential advocacy for educational opportunities in regional Australia including in Sleepers, Wake! (1982); and for his championing of new ideas and initiatives to prepare us for the jobs and opportunities of the future.
Hon Dr Tabaré Vázquez Rosas
The Hon Dr Tabaré Vázquez Rosas, President of the Republic of Uruguay was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for eminent leadership in education, human rights and public health, especially tobacco control, as a doctor, advocate and President of the Republic of Uruguay from 2005 to 2010 and from 2015 to the present.
2017
Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC
Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for significant and sustained contribution to the Australian community through leadership positions in the Australian Defence Force.
Elizabeth Broderick AO
Elizabeth Broderick AO was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for her outstanding contribution to gender equality, the prevention of discrimination and violence, and to driving progressive social change.
His Excellency Charles Lepani CBE
His Excellency Charles Lepani CBE was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for distinguished services to Papua New Guinea and its people for more than four decades, and for enhancing Australia's understanding of our closest neighbour as High Commissioner for PNG to Australia in the past decade.
Dr Viswanathan Mohan
Dr Viswanathan Mohan was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for his outstanding service to people with diabetes in India and other developing countries and his exceptional scholarship in the global field of diabetes research.
Professor Budaraju Srinivasa Murty
Professor Budaraju Srinivasa Murty was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for his significant contribution as a researcher in the field of advanced materials with particular emphasis on high entropy alloys.
Paul Tobias
Paul Tobias was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for outstanding contribution to promoting equality, tolerance and diversity in boys' education.
Hon Judith Troeth AM
The Hon Judith Troeth AM was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for eminent public leadership as a Senator in the Australian parliament for eighteen years and as influential advocate for education, human rights and for increasing the number of women in parliament and in senior political positions.
Hon Ranil Wickremesinghe
The Hon Ranil Wickremesinghe was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for eminent leadership as a Member of Parliament, Minister and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, and especially for leading economic, educational and human rights reforms since 2015 as Prime Minister and head of the United Front for Good Governance.
2016
Professor Michel Armand
Professor Michel Armand was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for significant contributions to research in the field of energy storage technologies, with particular emphasis on lithium battery development and research in ionic liquids.
Jenni Lightowlers
Jenni Lightowlers was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for outstanding service to Deakin University as Deputy Chancellor from 2008 to 2015, as a member of University Council from 2004 to 2015 and for significant and sustained contribution to research in Australia as an expert advisor on innovation and commercialisation.
David Morgan AO
David Morgan AO was awarded the first of the University’s new-style honorary doctorates, the Deakin Honorary Doctorate, for outstanding service to Deakin University as Chancellor from 2006 to 2015 and as a member of the University Council from 2000 to 2015, and for championing the Geelong region and its transition to new manufacturing and knowledge industries.
Lieutenant General David Morrison AO
Lieutenant General David Morrison AO (Retd) was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for outstanding leadership in the Australian Army and broader community, especially in combating discrimination and sexism.
Emeritus Professor Gillian Triggs
Emeritus Professor Gillian Triggs was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for her eminent contribution to education, advocacy and public service in the field of human rights and international law.
Professor Yongxian Zhang
Professor Yongxian Zhang was awarded a Deakin Honorary Doctorate for his outstanding contribution to the understanding of Australia in China and to improving Australia-China relations.
Honorary Doctorate
2016
Bill Forrest AM
Bill Forrest AM was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to the arts, and especially education for arts management professionals.
Hon Julia Gillard AC
The Hon Julia Gillard AC was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws for distinguished public service, especially promoting education opportunities in Australia to groups under-represented in higher education.
Professor Bevis Hutchinson
Professor Bevis Hutchinson was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science for distinguished service in the scientific and technological community, especially in relation to the textures of materials.
Dalal Smiley
Dalal Smiley was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws for distinguished service to the Australian community, especially to social inclusion and cultural diversity.
2015
Megan Clark AC
Megan Clark AC was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science for distinguished service in the scientific and technological community.
Professor Brad Dunstan
Professor Brad Dunstan was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science for distinguished service in the scientific and technological community, especially building collaborations between research and industry.
Professor Bevis Hutchinson
Professor Bevis Hutchinson was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science for distinguished service in the scientific and technological community, especially in relation to the textures of materials.
Leon Kempler AM
Leon Kempler AM was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science for eminent public service, especially distinguished service in the scientific and technological community.
Sue Nattrass AO
Sue Nattrass AO was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters for distinguished services to the arts.
Tim Soutphommasane
Tim Soutphommasane was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters for his distinguished contribution to learning in the fields of multiculturalism and citizenship.
Emeritus Professor David Stokes AM
Emeritus Professor David Stokes AM was awarded an honorary Doctor of the University for distinguished service to the University and especially developing the University’s research culture and strengths.
Helen Szoke AO
Helen Szoke AO was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws for distinguished public service in the fields of anti-discrimination, equal opportunity and humanitarian leadership.
David Thodey AO
David Thodey AO was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science for distinguished service in the science and technological community.
Kurt Zuelke
Kurt Zuelke was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science for distinguished service in the scientific and technological community, especially in building collaboration between research groups in universities, government and industry.
2014
Peter Alsop
Peter Alsop was awarded a Master of Science for distinguished services to Geelong and the region as an historian of architecture, engineering and the environment and as a civil engineer.
Mukesh Dhirubhai Ambani
Mukesh Dhirubhai Ambani was awarded a Doctor of Science in recognition of his distinguished services to global science and industry.
Her Excellency Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO
Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished public service and commitment to equity and access for women, Indigenous Australians and for all those who are disadvantaged.
Emeritus Professor Max Charlesworth AO
Emeritus Professor Max Charlesworth AO was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished academic services in the fields of education, humanities and bioethics.
Hon Simon Crean
The Hon Simon Crean was awarded a Doctor of Laws for eminent public service.
Baba Kalyani
Baba Kalyani was awarded a Doctor of Science in recognition of his distinguished services to global science and industry.
Hon Jeffrey Kennett AC
The Hon Jeffrey Kennett AC was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished services to business and the community.
Dame Carol Kidu DBE MP
Dame Carol Kidu DBE MP was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished public service to the community in Papua New Guinea, especially in the areas of child welfare and equality for minorities.
2013
Adrian Kloeden
Adrian Kloeden was awarded a Doctor of the University in recognition of his distinguished contribution to Deakin University Council by serving two terms as Deputy Chancellor in 2004 and 2007 and serving on numerous University committees as Chairperson or member.
Ray Reynoldson
Ray Reynoldson was awarded a Doctor of Science in recognition of his significant contribution to Deakin's research profile in the field of surface treatments.
Professor David Parkin OAM
Professor David Parkin OAM was awarded a Doctor of Letters in recognition of his contribution to Deakin University in the fields of coach and athlete education and his special contribution in the Australian Football League (AFL) and the wider coaching community.
2012
Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG
The Hon Michael Kirby AC, CMG was awarded a Doctor of Laws in recognition of his outstanding contribution to justice, law and law reform in Australia.
2011
Pauline Turner
Pauline Turner was awarded a Doctor of the University in recognition of her distinguished service to the University as a Member of Council for 14 and-a-half years, from 1995 to 2010.
Emeritus Professor John Duncan
Emeritus Professor John Duncan was awarded a Doctor of Science in recognition of his significant contributions as a researcher, educator and consultant in the field of mechanical engineering with particular emphasis on sheet metal forming.
2010
Hon Steve Bracks AC
The Hon Steve Bracks AC was awarded a Doctor of Laws in recognition of his distinguished service to the Victorian community.
Professor Yusuf Qismullah
Professor Yusuf Qismullah was awarded a Doctor of Letters in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Deakin University, arts and education and humanitarian aid.
Emeritus Professor Sally Walker AM
Emeritus Professor Sally Walker AM was awarded a Doctor of Laws in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Deakin University, legal education and scholarship and higher education in general.
John Henry
John Henry was awarded a Doctor of Letters in recognition of his contribution to Deakin University, vocational education and training and his special contribution in the area of Indigenous education.
Emeritus Professor Adrian Lee
Emeritus Professor Adrian Lee was awarded a Doctor of Science in recognition of his outstanding contribution to enhancing teaching and learning in Australian universities.
2008
Professor Judith Ramaley
Professor Judith Ramaley was awarded a Doctor of Laws in recognition of her distinguished contribution to the community as a leader in the higher education sector and as a researcher in the areas of neurophysiology and immunochemistry; and in recognition of her contribution to science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
2006
Emeritus Professor Phillip Hamilton AM
Emeritus Professor Phillip (Pip) Alexander Hamilton AM was awarded a Doctor of Science in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the scientific discipline of radio-astronomy, his contribution to the Australian higher education sector, and his services to research at Deakin University.
2005
Richard Searby AO QC
Richard Henry Searby AO QC was awarded a Doctor of Laws in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Deakin University as Chancellor from 1997 to his retirement from that role at the end of 2005, and his contribution to the fields of education, the law, the arts and to business.
Dr Kenn Fisher
Dr Kenn Fisher was awarded a Doctor of Science in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the fields of campus masterplanning and educational facility strategic planning, both within Australia and internationally.
2004
Alfred Bamblett
Alfred John Bamblett was awarded a Doctor of Laws in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Aboriginal affairs, to the Koorie community and to the Institute of Koorie Education at Deakin University.
Hon Allan McDonald AO QC
The Hon Allan William McDonald AO QC was awarded a Doctor of Laws for services to the law, to Deakin University and to the community.
John Landy AC CVO MBE
John Landy AC CVO MBE was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished service to sport, the environment and the community.
James Cousins AO
Jim (James) Cousins AO was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to the arts and to the community.
2003
Steve Vizard
Steve Vizard was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished service to the community and the arts.
Neil Everist OAM
Neil Everist OAM was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to the arts and to the community.
Frank Costa AO
Frank Costa AO was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished service to the community.
Dr Jim Rossiter AM
Dr Jim Rossiter AM was awarded a Doctor of the University for distinguished service to Deakin University as a member of the Council from August 1978 until the end of 1988 and for his contribution to the University in the field of research ethics.
Denise King
Denise King was awarded a Doctor of the University for distinguished service to Deakin University as a member of the Council of the former Victoria College from 1973 until 1991 and as a member of the Council of Deakin University from 1996 until the end of 2002.
Patricia Heath AM BEM
Patricia Heath AM BEM was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished service to the University and to the community, most particularly to the health sector.
2002
Geoffrey Dreher
Geoffrey Hamilton Dreher awarded a Doctor of the University for distinguished service to the University as a member of the Council of the former Victoria College from 1987 until 1992 and as a member of the Council of Deakin University from 1992 until 2000.
Harold Mitchell AC
Harold Charles Mitchell AC was awarded a Doctor of the Laws for services to business, the community and the arts.
James Tait
James Tait was awarded a Doctor of the University for distinguished service to the University as a member of the Council of the former Warrnambool Institute of Advanced Education from 1983 until 1990 and as a member of the Council of Deakin University from 1990 until 2001.
2001
Hugh Moore
Hugh Moore was awarded a Doctor of the University for outstanding contribution to post-professional education at Deakin University.
2000
Joseph Pillay
Joseph Y Pillay was awarded a Doctor of Laws for eminent public service in the development of the modern State of Singapore.
Dr Graham Rouch
Dr Graham Rouch was awarded a Doctor of Science for distinguished service to public health.
1999
Walter Backhouse OAM
Walter John Backhouse OAM was awarded a Doctor of the University for distinguished service to the University as a member of the University Council from 1980 to 1998.
Margaret Cameron AM
Margaret Alison Cameron AM was awarded a Doctor of the University for distinguished service to the University as University Librarian from 1977 to 1996.
George Dyer
George Sydney Dyer was awarded a Doctor of the University for distinguished service to the University as a member of the University Council from 1992 to 1998 and as a member of the Council of the former Victoria College from 1983 to 1992.
Geoff Neilson AM
Geoffrey Neilson AM was awarded a Doctor of the University for distinguished service to the University as a member of the University Council from 1977 to 1981 and from 1983 to 1998.
Thomas Schneider
Thomas Schneider was awarded a Doctor of Laws for leadership in the restructuring of industrial relations in the US.
James Martin
James Martin was awarded a Doctor of Laws for leadership in the development of information technology.
1997
Peter Kwong-Ching Woo
Dato' Peter Kwong-Ching Woo was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished service to the people of Hong Kong as a business and community leader.
Stephen Yeap Leong Huat
Dato' Stephen Yeap Leong Huat was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished service to education as a leader in Malaysian commerce and philanthropy.
Sharom Ahmat
Dato' Sharom Ahmat was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished academic and administrative leadership in the development of Malaysian education.
1996
James Leslie AC MC ED
James Bolton Leslie AC MC ED was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished public service and, in particular, for service to Deakin University as Chancellor from 1987 to 1996.
1995
Hon Sir Anthony Mason AC KBE QC
The Hon Sir Anthony Mason AC KBE QC was awarded a Doctor of Laws for distinguished service to the Australian judiciary.
Professor John Hay AC
Professor John Anthony Hay AC was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to Deakin University.
1994
Professor Kenneth McKinnon AO
Professor Kenneth Richard McKinnon AO was awarded a Doctor of Letters for outstanding contribution to Australian education.
Victor Smorgon AC
Victor Smorgon AC was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to health and the arts.
Kenneth Kaunda
Kenneth David Kaunda was awarded a Doctor of Laws for outstanding contribution to the ending of apartheid, the development of democratic governments and the attainment of human rights in the African region.
1993
Gilbert Vines
Gilbert John Geoffrey Vines was awarded a Doctor of the University for service to the University.
1992
Emeritus Professor Raymond Chambers AO
Emeritus Professor Raymond John Chambers AO was awarded a Doctor of Laws for services to commerce, education and the accounting profession.
1991
Tun Dr Haji Hamdan
Tun Dr Haji Hamdan was awarded a Doctor of Letters for services to education.
Jean McCaughey AO
Jean Middlemas McCaughey AO was awarded a Doctor of Letters for services to social welfare.
Peter O'Halloran OAM
Peter O'Halloran OAM was awarded a Doctor of Science for fostering interest and encouraging excellence in secondary school mathematics.
Marjory Taylor OAM
Marjory Alice Hamlet Taylor OAM was awarded a Master of Arts for services to Nursing education.
1990
Geoffrey Caston CBE
Geoffrey Caston CBE was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to post-secondary education as Vice-Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific.
Inge King AM
Inge King AM was awarded a Doctor of Letters for significant contribution to the Australian built environment and the emergence of Australian culture.
Ewan Laird
Ewan Campbell Laird was awarded a Doctor of Letters for services to the profession of architecture and to the community as a founder of Apex.
Isi Leibler AO CBE
Isi Leibler AO CBE was awarded a Doctor of Letters for achievements in the promotion of human rights, with special reference to Soviet Jews, and in the promotion of multiculturalism and commercial enterprise in Australia.
David Roach
David Arthur Roach was awarded a Doctor of Letters for notable contributions to the development of post-secondary education in Victoria.
1989
Sir James Darling CMG
Sir James Ralph Darling CMG was awarded a Doctor of Letters for services to education.
Renee Erdos
Renee Erdos was awarded a Doctor of Letters for services to distance education.
Rt. Hon. Malcolm Fraser ACCH
The Rt. Hon. John Malcolm Fraser ACCH was awarded a Doctor of Letters for services to Western Victoria, Australia and the Commonwealth of Nations.
Charles Jarvis
Charles Edward Jarvis was awarded a Master of Science for services to the University.
Patrick Sellar Lang OBE
Patrick Sellar Lang OBE was awarded a Doctor of Science for services to agricultural science and higher education.
Sir Arvi Parbo AC
Sir Arvi Parbo AC was awarded a Doctor of Science for services to Australian industry and commerce.
1988
Sir Ian McLennan KCMG KBE
Sir Ian Munro McLennan KCMG KBE was awarded a Doctor of Science for services to industry and commerce, and to technology and technological policy and education.
William Renwick CBE
William Leslie Renwick CBE was awarded a Doctor of Letters for services to Australasian public education and advancement, nationally and internationally, of teaching and learning.
1986
Emeritus Professor Fred Jevons AO
Emeritus Professor Fred Jevons AO was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to the University as foundation Vice-Chancellor.
Robyn Williams AO
Robyn Williams AO was awarded a Doctor of Science for contributing to the enhancement of scientific knowledge and understanding in the Australian community.
1985
Diana Dyason
Diana Dyason was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to history and philosophy of science.
Emeritus Professor Otto Peters
Emeritus Professor Otto Peters was awarded a Doctor of Letters for service to distance education.
Borje Holmberg
Borje Holmberg was awarded a Doctor of Letters for service to distance education.
Sir John Daniel
Sir John Daniel was awarded a Doctor of Letters for service to distance education.
1984
Menzie Lipson AO
Menzie Lipson AO was awarded a Doctor of Science for distinguished service to sciences, especially textile research, and to Deakin University.
John Bechervaise OAM
John Mayston Bechervaise OAM was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to exploration and literature.
1983
Professor Charles Moorhouse AM
Professor Charles Edmund Moorhouse AM was awarded a Doctor of Letters for service to education.
Peter Thwaites OBE
Peter Nelson Thwaites OBE was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to education and to Deakin University.
1982
Sir Wilfred Brookes CBE
Sir Wilfred Deakin Brookes CBE was awarded a Doctor of Letters for service to industry and commerce.
Trevor Pescott OAM
Trevor Pescott OAM was awarded a Master of Science for distinguished service to natural history.
1981
Walter Lord Perry OBE
Lord Walter Laing Macdonald, Baron Perry of Walton OBE was awarded a Doctor of Letters for service to distance education.
Philip Brown
Philip Lawrence Brown was awarded a Doctor of Letters for service to local history.
The Hon Austin Asche AC QC
The Hon Keith John Austin Asche AC QC was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished public service and service to the University as Chancellor.
Arthur Collins
Arthur Charles Collins was awarded a Doctor of Science for distinguished service to education in Architecture.
Ian Downs OBE
Ian Fairley Graham Downs OBE was awarded a Doctor of Letters for distinguished service to Australia and Papua New Guinea, to Pacific history and to the research and publications of the staff and students of the University's School of Social Sciences.
Kenneth Stewart
Kenneth Duff Stewart was awarded a Master of Arts for distinguished service to the University as Vice-Principal from 1976 to 1986
Mary White OAM
Mary Dunbar White OAM was awarded a Master of Science for distinguished service to the natural history of Anglesea and District.