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Published by Communications and Development
Canterbury University's former Dean of Engineering and Forestry, Dr Alex Sutherland, has been rewarded for his many years service to tertiary education and engineering with a Queen's Birthday Honour.
Dr Sutherland's contribution to the engineering profession, including 37 years at Canterbury University, was recognised when he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit at the weekend.
Dr Sutherland said his first reaction on hearing about his ONZM award was surprise.
“It is not the sort of thing I could expect. In fact, I hadn't taken much notice of the Queen's Birthday Honours lists before. My next reaction was one of delight. I was honoured both to be nominated and to receive the award.”
While he had received recognition and awards for his work many times before, including being made a distinguished fellow of the Institute of Professional Engineers (IPENZ) last year, the ONZM award was up there at the top, Dr Sutherland said.
“This is the one I'll savour most. What is special is that the citation was for services to tertiary education and engineering and something I always tried to do on behalf of the School of Engineering was to build relations with the profession. This award is recognition of those efforts to bring both branches of engineering together – academic and industry.”
Professor Peter Jackson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Engineering), said Dr Sutherland was well-known and respected by everyone involved in education or practice in professional engineering in New Zealand.
“He has played a leading role in upholding educational standards and establishing the reputation of the School of Engineering at Canterbury, so his honour is well-deserved.”
Dr Sutherland's background is in civil engineering, with a special interest in hydraulic engineering. He took up a lectureship in Civil Engineering at the University of Canterbury in 1967. He was appointed Dean of Engineering in 1987 and Dean of Engineering and Forestry in 2004.
For his 18 years as Dean, he was the first port of call for students seeking academic advice, represented and safeguarded students' interests, introduced new concepts in teaching and guided the introduction of new courses.
During his time at the University Dr Sutherland served on the University Council, the Senior Management Team, and the professorial board and was active on a number of academic committees within the University. He has also served on or chaired numerous IPENZ committees, education advisory groups and accreditation and review panels.
Dr Sutherland retired from University life earlier this year and is now working as a Commissioner for the Environment Court.
Other University of Canterbury alumni to receive Queen's Birthday Honours were:
The New Zealand Order of Merit, MNZM (Members): Robert Brian Armstrong, JP, Hamilton, for services to the community; Elizabeth Palmer Caffin, North Shore, for services to literature; Douglas John Callender, Wellington, for services to special education and war veterans; Helen Patricia Duncan, Auckland, for public services. Allan Douglas Hunter, Christchurch, for services to education and the community. The Queen's Service Order (QSO), Companions of the Order for Community Service: Allan James Hubbard, South Canterbury. The Queen's Service Medal for Community Service (QSM): Jeffery James Franklin, Napier; Maurice Roy McGregor, Christchurch.
For further information please contact:
Maria Hand
Communications Officer
University of Canterbury
Tel: +64 3 364 2072
Fax: +64 3 364 2679
Mob: 027 224 5104
maria.hand@canterbury.ac.nz