It is with sadness Charles Sturt University mourns the death of the late Mr Wal Fife.

Mr Fife was a champion of Charles Sturt University and we are forever indebted to him for his fortitude, vision and commitment in the role that he played in the establishment of our University.

Mr Fife was a life-long advocate for the Riverina and his contribution to public life in Australia is to be commended.

Mr Fife was at the time of his election as the Member for Wagga Wagga in 1957 the youngest person to be elected to the NSW State Parliament. From there he went on to achieve much in his political career, including being appointed to various ministries, notably as the Minister for Education during his time in the Commonwealth Parliament in the Fraser government.

The University recognised Mr Fife's contribution to rural and regional education and his support for Charles Sturt University by awarding him with an Honorary Doctor of Letters in 1993.

On behalf of the entire University community I extend to Mr Fife's wife Marcia, their children and extended family our deepest sympathies and our grateful thanks for his life and the service he gave to his country and the community.