Gabrielle McMullen has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Australian Catholic University (ACU) for her contributions to Catholic education and Church institutions.
One of the original members of the Senate at the time of the establishment of ACU in 1991, Emeritus Professor McMullen has held numerous positions in governance and leadership at the university, including rector of the Ballarat Campus and then Pro- and Deputy-Vice Chancellor (Academic) until 2011.
“As a student and young academic, I had been intrigued by the potential of a Catholic university within the Australian higher education,” Professor McMullen said.
“When ACU emerged, it was a privilege to be able to contribute to the development of the university.
“It is now a singular honour to receive ACU’s highest award and I express my deep gratitude to the university for this recognition of my contributions to the community and to humanity.”
ACU Vice-Chancellor and President Zlatko Skrbis said Professor McMullen was a pioneering leader.
“Her career is defined by contributions to Catholic education through roles that advanced the mission and identity of the Church,” Professor Skrbis said.
“In recognising Professor McMullen with an honorary degree of Doctor of the University, we commend her for her commitment to academic integrity, equality of opportunity and community engagement through work with educational and religious organisations, particularly in the areas of health and aged care, bioethics, Catholic education and theology and social service ministries.”
Professor McMullen said ACU’s growth locally and internationally, and the advances in research, had positioned ACU as a leading Catholic university.
“ACU has a significant presence in Australian higher education sector and enriches the sector because of its mission,” Professor McMullen said.
She said she was particularly proud of ACU’s growth in Community Engagement, which has delivered programs like Clemente Australia, which provides higher education to people who would otherwise be excluded, and as a Dame of the Order of Malta, the ACU and Order of Malta Community Hub outreach in the City of Darebin in Melbourne.
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Former chemist who helped establish ACU awarded honorary doctorate (ACU)
