Honorary doctorates awarded

Dr Beate Schuler, Dr Ian Parton and David Mace ONZM have each significantly contributed to the University. As honorary doctorate awardees, they join distinguished graduates including former Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand, former Prime Minister Helen Clark and businessmen Douglas Myers and Hugh Fletcher. Just 50 have been awarded by the University since 1963.

German-born scientist and education philanthropist Beate is an international supporter of educational achievement in science, engineering and the environment through donations, scholarships and mentorship for young entrepreneurs. Doctoral scholarships at the University for studies in marine science and green chemistry have been established in her name.

Beate's substantial philanthropic gifts have been instrumental in launching the STEM Online NZ project, a free interactive resource to support teachers who are teaching NCEA standards in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The aim of the project is to ensure all New Zealand secondary school students have access to the preparation they need to thrive in a world where these subjects are pervasive.

The STEM Online NZ project was initially piloted and launched in Northland in 2017 and is now available to all secondary schools in New Zealand, at no cost to schools or students.

It has grown considerably from 373 students in 2017, to 907 students already registered for 2019 courses.

Ian, a visionary business leader and engineer, studied at the University’s School of Engineering in the 1960s.

His engineering career spanned more than 40 years, during which time he was instrumental in the transformation of New Zealand’s business and export engineering service.

Ian was the Chancellor of the University from 2013-2016. He has made significant philanthropic contributions to the University of Auckland. He and his wife Sue established a fellowship to support research of Parkinson’s disease. Ian also provides philanthropic funding for the Auckland University Engineering Association, which aims to advance the engineering profession.

Ian has also served on the campaign board for the University of Auckland Campaign For All Our Futures to maximise the potential of the Campaign both locally and internationally.

David, who studied accounting and commerce, has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws. He has been involved for decades in many charitable organisations and activities, both here and in Asia. As a Freemason for 55 years, including being a Grand Master of the New Zealand Freemasons, he has been closely involved in their philanthropic works with the Freemasons Charity, the Hugh McDougall Rankin Education Trust and, for the last 12 years, as chairperson of the Freemasons Foundation.

David has a particular interest in education and medical research and is privately involved in a wide range of community and philanthropic roles. His trusteeships include the New Zealand Dementia Prevention Trust Board, he is a founding chair of what is now the Starship Children’s Hospital Trust and is the deputy chair of the Centre for Brain Research Advisory Board at the University.