One of Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) highest honours will be bestowed on veterinarian Dr Douglas Bryden AM for his contribution to the establishment of the first veterinary science program in regional Australia.

 

The Order of the Companion of CSU will be formally conferred on Dr Bryden by the University Chancellor, Mr Lawrie Willett AO, at a graduation ceremony at CSU in Wagga Wagga from 9.30am on Wednesday 14 December.

 

Since the establishment of CSU, only three other people have been admitted to the Order of the Companion of the University: Mrs Anne Brassil in 2003, Mr Ian Dean in 2006 and Mr John Mahon in 2007.

 

In recognition of his contribution to the veterinary science program, Dr Bryden will also join the academic procession in the afternoon graduation ceremony at CSU in Wagga Wagga commencing at 5.30pm.

 

Dr Bryden was appointed by CSU as a consultant in 2004 to lead the development of the veterinary science program to help address the declining number of veterinarians in rural and regional Australia.

 

Vice-Chancellor and President of CSU, Professor Ian Goulter, said, “Dr Bryden’s contribution to the veterinary science program is not confined to Charles Sturt University, but to the development of the profession nationally and internationally. 

 

“His achievements are an inspiration to the new veterinary science graduates from Charles Sturt University. Dr Bryden’s work and commitment to his profession and to the veterinary science program enables them to pursue their careers with confidence and contribute to the ongoing development of inland Australia.”

 

Dr Bryden lived in Wagga Wagga as a young boy in a house in McKeown Drive which is now part of CSU. The large rock near his home where he sat waiting for his older brother to come home from school is still a clear landmark on the campus.

 

Dr Bryden worked as a vet in Orange and Tamworth. He has had a long association with the University of Sydney Post Graduate Foundation where he was Director from 1987 to 2000. His awards include the Gilruth Prize in 1994, the highest award of the Australian Veterinary Association. In 2001 Dr Bryden was made a member in the General Division of the Order of Australia for his outstanding contributions in clinical practice and continuing education.

 

The University’s governing body, the CSU Council, can confer the title of Companion of CSU on someone who has made a contribution towards, in the words of explorer Charles Sturt, “the public good”.