Vincentian priest and respected Catholic higher education leader Fr Dennis Holtschneider CM has received an honorary doctorate from Australian Catholic University.
The immediate past president of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, and former president of DePaul University, the largest Catholic university in the United States of America, accepted an honorary degree of Doctor of the University (Honoris Causa) in North Sydney last week. Fr Holtschneider was in Australia for the 30th ASEACCU Conference, hosted by ACU for the first time.
The honorary degree from ACU recognises Fr Holtschneider’s leadership in contemporary Catholic higher education in North America and beyond, as well as his academic reputation in the field of higher education.
Fr Holtschneider played a pivotal role in the merging of seven colleges to establish ACU in 1991. He continues to be a mentor to the university’s leadership, demonstrating his dedication to the advancement of Catholic education in Australia.
During the ceremony in North Sydney, attended by more than 200 students and university leaders from across Asia and Australia, Fr Holtschneider acknowledged the work of Catholic higher education in the Asia-Pacific region, saying he was humbled by the gathering.
“My many colleagues and friends and especially the students who are here today, it’s a great honour to associate myself even further with Australian Catholic University,” Fr Holtschneider said.
“I’ve been coming here for many years, since its earliest formation from the seven institute colleges to today.”
In congratulating Fr Holtschneider, ACU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Zlatko Skrbis said the university’s newest honorary doctorate recipient set a high benchmark for servant leadership.
“His humility, generosity, and servant leadership distinguish him as a role model in the Catholic education sector,” Professor Skrbis said.
“We congratulate Fr Dennis and celebrate his contribution to Catholic education and his part in the ACU community. We are pleased to welcome Fr Dennis into our circle of honorary degree recipients, commemorating his legacy and influence in Catholic higher education.”
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ACU awards honorary doctorate to US Catholic higher education leader Fr Dennis Holtschneider CM (ACU)
