Australia’s John Landy, the former World 1500m and Mile record breaker, who at 74 years of age is Governor of the Australian state of Victoria will be honoured today.
John Landy AC, MBE, along with former Athletics Australia President Allan McDonald QC will receive honorary doctorates of law from Deakin University.
In separate ceremonies, Landy will be awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws for his distinguished services to sport, the environment and the community and McDonald will be conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws for his services to the law and the community.
Deakin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sally Walker said that both men had made an outstanding contribution to the Victorian community.
"Governor Landy has made a significant contribution to Australian society and, as Victorian Governor, continues to deliver important and valuable public service," she said.
Walker said that as a former Olympic athlete and enthusiastic ambassador of Australian sport, Landy's contributions to the community have included Member of the Australia-Indonesia Institute 1993-1997, President of Greening Australia (Vic.) 1998 - 2000 and Chairman of the AWTA Ltd. Wool Education Trust 1997 - 2000
McDonald will be recognised for his work as a key advisor and supporter for Deakin's Law School and his keen involvement in Australian sport. He was a former President of Athletics Australia, Director of the Deaf Olympic Games and a member of the Court of Arbitration for Sport.