18 April 2005
Victoria's top police officer has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws from Monash.
Victoria Police chief commissioner Ms Christine Nixon accepted the degree, and gave the occasional address, at the Faculty of Education graduation ceremony at Clayton campus on Thursday 14 April.
Ms Nixon said she was honoured to be among former recipients of honorary doctorates from Monash including Mt Everest conqueror Sir Edmund Hilary, the Prince of Wales, and the former Chief Justice of the High Court Sir Anthony Mason.
Ms Nixon told the graduands to be proud of what they had achieved and to be prepared for challenges.
"Make the most of what comes your way and be prepared for it to be different from what you expect. It is only by embracing challenges and experiences that we can grow and develop," Ms Nixon said.
"I recently read an excellent biography on Sir John Monash by Roland Perry. As a soldier, engineer, and an administrator Monash displayed great military skills, a powerful intellect and inspiring leadership qualities. His fighting spirit is, I am sure, what he would expect graduates to take with them from this university," Ms Nixon said.
The graduation ceremony also included 20 police officers -- the first cohort of Victoria Police to undertake Masters in Education at Monash. Most officers received Master of Education (Leadership, Policy and Change) degrees and two received Masters in Organisational Leadership.
For further information call Ms Robyn Anns, Monash Media Communications, on +61 3 9905 9317 or 0417 568 781.
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