Alumni Honours High Court Judge

Thursday 18 August 2005

The University of Newcastle will honour retiring High Court Judge, The Hon Justice Michael McHugh AC, at the presentation of the Sydney Alumni Medal this Friday.

Justice Michael McHugh will be recognised for his extensive contribution to the legal profession and wider community by the University's Sydney Alumni Chapter.

The Alumni Medal was established to recognise the outstanding contribution of members of alumni, through their commitment, dedication and service to the University, the community or their chosen profession.

Past recipients of the Alumni Medal include: Dr John Gullotta, President of the NSW Branch of the Australian Medical Association; Mr John Berryman, Chief Executive Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children; and Professor Mohamed Khadra, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Science and Design), University of Canberra.

Tomorrow night's presentation will reflect on Justice McHugh's impressive career in his retiring year at the High Court of Australia.

Justice McHugh was born and educated in Newcastle, practised at the Newcastle Bar in the early 1960s, and was awarded Doctor of Laws honoris causa by the University in 1998.

Justice McHugh was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales and a judge of the Court of Appeal of New South Wales in October 1984. He sat as a Judge of Appeal in that Court until he was appointed to the High Court of Australia in 1989.

Photo Opportunity: The Alumni Medal will be presented to The Hon Justice Michael McHugh at 6.30pm on Friday 19 August 2005 at the University and Schools Club, 60 Phillip St, Sydney.

For more information contact Kylie Ebert, Manager Alumni and Graduation Services, on (02) 4921 6492.