UNSW RECOGNISES EXCELLENCE WITH HONORARY DOCTORATES

Sydney's arbiter of taste, Leo Schofield AM, will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters (Faculty of Commerce and Economics) from the University of New South Wales.

In awarding the degree UNSW acknowledges Mr Schofield's significant contribution to the cultural life of Australia.

As the inaugural Chairman of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Board, Mr Schofield has been credited with establishing its extensive network of individual benefactions and corporate sponsorship. In 1997 he assumed responsibility for the Sydney Festival with the aim of making it work financially and artistically. In this role he generated extensive public interest in arts festivals, formerly the province of a cultural elite. Mr Schofield was also responsible for the Olympic "Harbour of Light" Festival.

Also receiving an honorary Doctorate of Letters (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences) is journalist Paul Kelly. Currently international editor of the Australian, this honorary degree acknowledges Mr Kelly's long and distinguished service to Australian public life and to the community.

Regarded as one of Australia's most authoritative analysts of national politics, Mr Kelly has spent much of the past 25 years as a political correspondent and commentator. He is also the author of several books on Australian politics and international relations.

Leo Schofield will receive his Honorary Doctorate at 2.30pm on Tuesday 2 October. Paul Kelly will receive his honorary doctorate at 10.30am on Friday 12 October. Both ceremonies will be held in the Clancy Auditorium, UNSW's Kensington Campus.

CONTACT DETAILS: Victoria Collins, UNSW Public Affairs and Development, tel. 9385 3644