Maha Sinnathamby to receive Honorary Degree of Doctor

USQ will confer an Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University to Mr Maha Sinnathamby during the University's Spring Graduation ceremony on Saturday 8 September 2007.

USQ Chancellor, Bobbie Brazil, said this rare honor is awarded to those who have provided distinguished service to the community and/or the University.

'The honorary degree of Doctor of the University is awarded only after great deliberation. It is a unique honour, awarded to those who have provided distinguished service to the community and/or the University,' she said.

After graduating as a civil engineer from the University of New South Wales in 1966, Maha worked in large-scale projects in South-East Asia for the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, before taking up a position with the Western Australian Metropolitan Water Board. He gave up his career as a public servant to begin a career in property development, establishing the MUR Group of companies in 1976.

Since 1992, Maha has been developing Springfield on a 2860 hectare site on the south-west fringe of Brisbane.

'Maha has previously been honoured with a number of awards, including the Rotary Foundation's Paul Harris Fellowship in 2004 and the Centenary Medal from the Governor General of Australia for community/regional development, in 2003.

'Through the Springfield Land Corporation, Maha commenced discussions with USQ in 2001 which resulted in the establishment of a partnership to develop Education City at Springfield," said the Chancellor.

'A major outcome of this partnership has been the opening of the USQ Springfield Campus, which commenced operations from Semester 1 2006.

'The partnership has assisted the University to secure a strong student base in the greater Brisbane area, and will enable the USQ Springfield Campus to grow and prosper into the future.

'In showing the foresight to work with USQ as an education partner in Springfield, and in proving such a resourceful, resilient and supportive business partner, Maha has proven a true and dedicated friend of the University.'

Mr Sinnathamby will be presented with an Honorary Degree of Doctor from USQ during the Spring Graduation morning ceremony at the Empire Theatre from 10am.

Media are welcome to attend.

Media Contact: Amy Cass, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2092