Former Deakin University Professors honoured

Two former Deakin University staff members - Professor David Stokes and Emeritus Professor Lawrie Baker - have been honoured with membership in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2009's Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Professor Stokes, who recently retired from Deakin as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), was awarded the medal for his service to tertiary science education as an administrator and researcher, and to the establishment of partnerships with industry and to the community of Geelong.

He was also Dean of the University's Faculty of Science and Technology from 1993 to 2000 and worked as a consultant on the development of the Deakin Medical School, Victoria's newest regional medical school.

Professor Baker, also awarded the medal, helped found the current Deakin University School of Engineering in the Faculty of Science and Technology in 1991; he lobbied tirelessly for such a school after engineering courses had ended in Geelong in 1982. The then School of Engineering and Technology became one of the most highly regarded specialist centres in Australia. Professor Baker has also travelled to Iran and Dubai to boost Deakin University's appeal to international students.