Making his mark

He is number one ticket holder at Hawthorn and he won the Coleman medal four times, but football legend Peter Hudson AM was “blown away” by his latest honour – an Honorary Fellowship from Monash University.

Peter was named an Honorary Fellow “in recognition of his substantial contribution to Monash and the community through sport, administration, business, health promotion and research”.

He was surprised and thrilled when he first heard he would receive the award.

“It was a tremendous honour,” he said.  “I couldn’t get over it.  It was almost too good to be true.  The ceremony itself blew my socks off!”

Since 2010, Monash University’s Council has awarded Fellowships (for Monash alumni) and Honorary Fellowships (for other individuals) in recognition of distinguished service or attainment in the arts, sciences, professions or civil society for the benefit of the community, including individuals who have made important contributions to - or are close associates of - Monash University.

Prominent business leader Rod Chadwick recruited Peter to the Board of the Monash University Medical Foundation.  Peter was inspired to join by the opportunity to contribute to two key areas – prostate cancer research, and obesity and diabetes research.

Peter believes he makes his greatest contribution to the Foundation by connecting key people and philanthropic organisations with the University.

“That’s the one key thing you can do – make connections.”

“I’m very proud of the event we held about prostate cancer that featured David Parkin,” he said.  “We managed to attract some great names around the table to hear more about the amazing work into prostate cancer being done at the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.  It was a terrific roll up.”

Peter gets a great feeling of gratification from his involvement.

“The sense of satisfaction is that you are there for the right reasons, and you are there for a good cause.  The satisfaction comes from seeing the development; that everybody’s efforts are contributing to an outcome.  I suppose in the case of prostate cancer everybody hopes that the work will eventually lead to a cure.”

He would urge Monash alumni and friends to get involved with the University.

“I’d encourage anyone to get involved with Monash as a volunteer.  If you have the time, you can make a great contribution. It’s a wonderful opportunity to do something worthwhile.”